Concerned Roselle residents say apartment complex will worsen traffic
tarline@dailyherald.com
With the Metro 19 apartment complex ready to start development in the spring, some Roselle residents have voiced concern about traffic and about demand for housing centered around train commutes.
The $80 million apartment complex was approved Jan. 11 and is set to open in 2022. Trustees say it fits into the village's comprehensive plan for enhancing the central part of town and increasing demand for restaurants, shops and other retailers in the village.
It will be adjacent to the Roselle Metra Station and include a five-story, 293-unit apartment building with a parking garage that would be used by residents and Metra commuters.
Residents like Laura Sawicki believe that the apartment complex is too large and will cause traffic congestion on Lawrence Avenue and Irving Park Road. Others had hoped for a grocery store, which Roselle lacks, rather than an apartment building.
"It is too intense for this area of the village," Sawicki said during an online village board meeting.
Trustee Wayne Domke said that up to 45 more cars will be on Lawrence at peak traffic times of 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Monday through Friday as a result of Metro 19. Domke said the Illinois Department of Transporation told the village the flow of traffic would be acceptable.
"Resident involvement makes us better at our jobs," Domke said. "Other issues brought up by residents will cause us to pay maximum attention to the details of this project."
All trustees have approved the project, including trustees Domke and David Pileski, who are running for mayor in the April 6 election. Mayor Andy Maglio is not seeking reelection.
Both Domke and Pileski have confidence in the project's safety, practicality and potential for growth.
"Keeping cars on our arterial roads and out of our neighborhoods is my personal top priority," Pileski said.
Resident Christina Canchola-Guzman questioned whether the shift to working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic will permanently reduce demand for housing centered around commuting.
"We want a central grocery store, not 300 or more residents jammed into a congested corner," Canchola-Guzman said.