Cary zoning panel delays vote on controversial mixed-use project
Zoning commissioners have asked builders of a proposed luxury mixed-use development in Cary to come back with clearer details on traffic and property value impacts after a vote on the project was delayed until August.
The proposal, called Seasons at Cary, includes almost five acres of commercial space and 360 units of what’s been described as luxury rental housing. The development also would include a pool house, pickleball courts and other amenities, located east of Route 31 and north of Hoffman Park.
Milwaukee-based Fiduciary Real Estate Development was met with rigorous questioning Thursday at the village’s zoning, planning and appeals board meeting, which was continued after it went over three hours. Chair Patrick Khoury asked developers to come back with an independent review on potential effects on property values and a traffic study that would specifically analyze the impacts of the proposed New Haven Road extension.
“We need objective information,” Khoury said. “It’s difficult to come to a finding of fact with insufficient information.”
The panel is set to reconvene Aug. 21. If developers need more time, the meeting could be delayed again.
A conceptual review for the plan, whose footprint totals about 37 acres on the former Damisch Farm property, received an enthusiastic green light from the Cary Village Board in December. INearby residents have pushed back since, specifically opposing the northern access point that would extend New Haven Drive west to Route 31 with a full intersection. Opponents say that it would disrupt their community.
Some adjustments were made after developers met with residents in April. They decreased the total apartment units by 36, eliminated a proposed dog park, moved the grilling station away from existing residences, removed an access point to Hoffman Park and removed the connection to Walmart, according to village documents.
A stormwater pond wouls move to the east, creating a larger buffer between the development and existing residents, from the previous 50 feet to 159 feet.
But the main concern of residents — the road extension — remains in the plans. Developers have noted that the extension was recommended in the village’s 2015 Comprehensive Plan. The proposed traffic light at what would be the new intersection of New Haven Drive and Route 31 is still pending approval by the Illinois Department of Transportation, Fiduciary Development Vice President Tony DeRosa said.
Residents of the Cambria neighborhood have raised safety concerns, noting pedestrian use along the winding road.
“If you do this, you’re going to forever change our little safe sanctity of a neighborhood, and once you do it, there’s no going back,” Chris Negoda said. “Opening up New Haven — no need for it. Please don’t do it.”
Traffic “calming measures” could be put into place on New Haven Drive to deter through traffic, like barriers, pavement markings, narrower driving lanes and narrower roads at crosswalks, Community Development Director Brian Simmons said.
Residents also raised concerns over the influx of rental units in the village, with multiple apartment developments being built or awaiting village board approval.
“When people rent, they are less likely to put down deep roots, and deep roots are essential to further the growth of a community,” Cindy Doetsch said.
Developers plan to construct 20 apartment buildings with 18 units each over the course of two phases. Rents are expected to range from $1,600 to $2,900 per month, DeRosa said.