North Cook News

At the April 17 Arlington Heights board of trustees meeting, officials discussed a request for development and zoning extensions. 

In May 2021, the board had approved a planned unit development for the areas bound by Campbell Street, Highland Avenue, and Chestnut Avenue. The development, named Arlington 425, would have a 10-story, 234-unit building with first-level retail space, a five-story 85-unit building, and an additional 4- 5-story parking garage all within the downtown development. Approval for this development expires two years from the initial date which is May 3, 2023. The developers also have a deadline for submitting a site plan for the Chestnut Building by the same date.

The developers have yet to break ground or submit a site plan for the Chestnut building, and are asking the village for an extension. The board is able to grant an extension of up to 12 months for these type of requests, after which any extensions would have to go through planning and zoning for consideration. 

The developers sent a letter requesting the board for these extensions, citing their reasons for the request. The main reasons were focused on the impact of the pandemic on major construction and increased prices. With the unpredictability of recent labor markets, supply chains, and inflation, it has been difficult for them to nail down prices and secure lenders. They are more confident that the market is settling down and they will be able to proceed soon. Developer Bruce Adreani also explained that with the potential of the new Bears stadium being put in the Arlington Heights downtown, it makes their development uncertain of potential impacts.

Some of the trustees expressed frustration with a complete lack of progress from the developers, with no evidence of any plans or attempts to even break ground at their location. Trustee Mary Beth Canty wanted to see more concrete plans from the developer so that they wouldn’t be coming back in a year for another extension or completely different plans. Trustee Robin LaBedz shared similar concerns. 

"I have to say that I, too, had shared the same concerns (with) my fellow trustees. When I saw this was coming to us tonight, (I was) saying, 'is it really going to happen? Are you going to be able to to produce the project that you hope to have?'" LaBedz said. "It's a great project, but like the others have said, I do see projects that are moving forward in this community and in other communities. I ride the train downtown and I see the developments that are happening along the tracks and Mount Prospect and down just Plains and further down, even things that are going up in the city. And yeah, that's a whole different situation, but they all face the same sorts of problems with the pandemic having in the supply chain and the economy. So I too wondered how you were going to move forward. I am willing to give you the benefit of the doubt and approve this recommendation, but I will say I also have concerns that in 12 months we're going to be sitting here and talking some more."

The board approved both of the extensions, with the stipulation that if they don’t break ground in the next 12 months, they will have to submit a new development application and go through the entire process again.