Could more homes, stores be headed to Mundelein?
Real estate developers are eyeing two sites on Mundelein's northwest side for projects that would blend commercial and residential opportunities.
One proposal focuses on a triangular, 22-acre site at Route 60/83 and Midlothian Road. The other would occupy 31 acres on the southeast corner of Route 60/83 and Route 176.
Developers made their pitches for the projects at Monday night's village board meeting. The presentations were informal and no votes were taken. Rather, trustees shared their opinions in an effort to shape the projects if they move forward.
The proposal for the vacant land at Route 60/83 and Midlothian Road is being pushed by a group called MJS Development. It's in unincorporated Lake County and would need to be annexed into the village.
Hal Francke, an attorney representing MJS, said the developers want to build a gas station at the southern tip of the property and houses, apartments or townhouses on the bulk of the land. A building suitable for a restaurant could be constructed as well.
The village board's reaction to the plan was mixed.
Trustees Bill Rekus and Dawn Abernathy supported the proposal but said they didn't want a gas station there. Trustees Holly Kim, Dakotah Norton and Kerston Russell were more open to the concept as presented.
Russell particularly liked the restaurant idea, saying such businesses "bring value to the community."
The second plan, focusing on the vacant land at Route 60/83 and Route 176, was presented by representatives of K. Hovnanian Homes and Clark Street Development.
The property hasn't been developed because of unusual topographical features, including the Seavey drainage ditch and a large hill, village officials said.
The developers want to build a shopping center on about 10 acres north of the creek and roughly 65 houses on 20 acres south of the creek.
Some land would be set aside for a trail to nearby Leo Leathers Park. Pedestrians and bicycle riders also could use that trail to get to and from Route 60/83 and nearby Mundelein High School, according to the plan.
When it came time for the trustees to share their thoughts, Abernathy said she was "very happy" with the proposal. She was particularly excited about the proposed path extension.
Rekus said he'd like the commercial part of the project to have some "architectural character." Norton suggested the developers also consider updating the nine-hole disc golf course at Leo Leathers Park, which is the only one in town.
The developers of both projects must now decide if they want to move forward and bring the proposals to the village's plan commission.