North Cook News

At its Nov. 3 meeting, the Hanover Park Village Council heard a presentation by the Planning and Zoning Committee about a proposed development in the village.

The developer sought a change in zoning from R-2 to R-4 and a special use for six units per building for a tract of land at the corner of Stearns and Redford roads. During the session, streamed on YouTube, it was noted that the group had gone before the Planning and Zoning Committee several times and eventually made a formal presentation, but the committee recommended that the village board not approve the plan.

After council unanimously voted not to approve the plan, Mayor Rodney Craig addressed Paul Swanson, the developer's representative. “Mr. Swanson, I guess you'll be moving on,”  Craig said. “I appreciate all your time and energy. Thank you for being so gracious.”

Developers had hoped to build seven buildings with six units in each. Village codes only allow for four units in one building.

The Planning and Zoning Committee had held public hearings where several concerns were raised, including removing trees, flooding and stormwater issues, protection of the wetlands, traffic and current speeding issues.

Village officials noted that the development commission made its recommendation against the proposal because of potential threats to the wetlands, and the adverse impact it would have on the neighborhood.

For nearly an hour, the board heard from a stream of residents who expressed concerns for potential dangers that could be created by the proposed development. The board agreed and unanimously voted to reject the proposal.