Controversial plan for 58 townhouses in Des Plaines in limbo
A controversial plan for 58 townhouses in downtown Des Plaines is in limbo after the city council tentatively rejected the proposal this week — months after initially approving it.
During a committee meeting Monday, aldermen took a nonbinding 5-3 vote not to approve Lexington Homes' final planned unit development and final plat of subdivision for the townhouse project at 783-841 Lee St. Council members eventually agreed to table the matter until their next meeting Aug. 1.
Last November, the council voted 5-4 in favor of a preliminary plan for the project, with Mayor Matt Bogusz casting the tiebreaking vote.
Alderman Dick Sayad changed his vote to “no,” though he didn't say why.
Lawrence Freedman, an attorney for the developer, said the council's first decision should be binding since there haven't been substantial changes to the plan since.
“My client, in reliance on that approval, has made significant expenditures to move forward,” Freedman said. “We didn't do this lightly.”
City Manager Mike Bartholomew said he would meet with aldermen in closed session to discuss the legal ramifications of rejecting the project after initially approving it.
The 12 townhouse buildings, organized into four rows, are proposed for the 3-acre site that includes a mostly vacant strip mall, the former Casa Royale Banquets and the Good News Christian Center, which is relocating.
Aldermen who voted against the project say it's too dense for an already congested area. Supporters say the current property has become an eyesore and is primed for redevelopment.
If approved, construction is projected to begin this fall and could last up to three years.