Good news from Rolling Meadows apartment complex

The Apartments at Woodfield Crossing, previously known as 12 Oaks and Woodfield Gardens, are back in front of the Rolling Meadows City Council — this time for a good reason. The council Tuesday gave preliminary approval for the construction of more parking at the complex.

The apartment complex at Algonquin Road, the Jane Addams Tollway and Route 53 is actually part of the city’s first planned development, Ramblin Rose Estates, approved in 1964.

A previous owner had a colorful tenure and filed lawsuits against the city, including one protesting a short-lived blocking of all but one entrance to the development.

In 2011 the Marquette Cos. took over the property, and city staff said in a memo that the company has made extensive improvements. The staff recommended approval of the parking, citing complaints about lack of parking. The plan commission gave unanimous approval earlier this month.

Police Chief Dave Scanlan had requested surveillance cameras be installed to monitor the parking areas, but after the meeting Scanlan said discussions with complex managers indicate they will take other crime-prevention steps.

The three sites for the 211 parking spaces include two where buildings were destroyed by fire over the years. Chuck Hanlon, representing Marquette, told the plan commission the new spaces represent an increase in parking of about 30 percent.