90 townhouses near Buffalo Grove Metra station on track for approval

A key development in the area around the Prairie View Metra station is on track toward Buffalo Grove village board approval.

The village planning and zoning commission Wednesday unanimously recommended a plan to build 90 townhouse units on the former Fiore Nursery & Landscaping Supply property along Route 22 and Main Street in unincorporated Lake County.

The Pulte Home Co. Inc. expects to annex the property into the village ahead of construction. Annexation would allow a water main to go under the railroad and hook up to the development.

Buffalo Grove Community Development Director Nicole Woods called the approximately 11.2-acre development an important project for the village.

Woods highlighted its importance to the village’s Prairie View Metra Station Area Plan, noting it would build momentum for future growth.

“It sets the tone in terms of development,” she said.

Woods estimated the effect on the schools would be six to 11 high school-aged students and roughly 30 more K-8 students.

Deputy Community Development Director Kelly Purvis said approximately half the land area will be preserved as open space, while walking paths would be available to residents.

Each townhouse will include a two-car garage and additional driveway parking. The 379 parking spaces would include guest parking in a lot or on the street, she added.

Russell Whitaker III, attorney for Pulte, said the project tackles a pressing regional issue — Lake County faces an estimated shortage of 11,400 market-rate housing units by 2027, he said, citing a housing study by Lake County Partners. This could make it difficult for the county to retain and attract businesses.

“New housing development will begin to fill that void and solve some of those problems.” he said.

Commissioner Chad Gregory said the development would give the village one foot in the door as it pursues its goals for the area.

One concern raised was traffic, with Commissioner Donald Schwartz noting that more and more building is being zoned for Lincolnshire-Prairie View District 103.

“But we get no assistance in widening the road,” said Schwartz, a parent in the district, who also mentioned Stevenson High School traffic on Route 22.

“Trying to get to Stevenson is one thing, but even within Stevenson, there's one road in, one road out,” he said. “It's dangerous.”

The village board is expected to discuss the project at its Nov. 3 meeting.