Lombard lifts building ban on Roosevelt Road

Lombard's vision for a new Roosevelt Road is one step closer to becoming reality.

Trustees voted unanimously Thursday night to end a moratorium on new construction for business developments and other projects along Roosevelt.

In January, the board placed a nine-month hold on new construction along the stretch that runs through Lombard, with the exception of projects previously approved by the village.

A special committee of village staff members and civic leaders has since discussed what type of businesses, land uses and commercial billboard signs were most desired along the corridor.

Several annexation deals under consideration would be impacted by the creation of a special Roosevelt Road Commercial District, including plans for properties next to the former Lombard Lanes bowling alley, which was razed over the summer.

Trustee Rick Soderstrom said the comprehensive plan was “a step in the right direction and sets a good cause for the Roosevelt Road corridor. ť

Though Soderstrom had wanted to pass a local law placing a 25 percent cap on service industry businesses within projects along Roosevelt, most board members support the limit as a goal rather than codify it.

While the comprehensive plan acknowledges the history of automotive dealerships and car care services along Roosevelt, it doesn't rank such businesses as highly desired in reshaping the corridor.

Yet, following their vote on the moratorium, trustees considered a company proposal to restore an auto center at a K-Mart along Roosevelt, which could become a new Sears Auto Center.

When asked if that contrasted with the intent of the comprehensive plan, senior planner William Heniff said it did not.

"I would not say it's inconsistent. There will be a retail store component," Heniff said. "There would be additional landscaping, better screening and parking to bring the business more in compliance."