Council directs staff to extend permit, sets demolition and grading conditions for Faywell Apartments site

The Wheaton City Council on March 17 approved a resolution directing staff to extend the building permit for 204 West Liberty Drive (the Faywell Apartments) and placed seven conditions on the extension, including demolition of certain structures and requirements for grading and grassing.

City Manager Dugan told the council staff expects the permit application will be ready to issue within five to 10 days if submission requirements are met. He said the property owner (identified in the record as Banner) has agreed to the conditions and indicated demolition of the specified improvements will likely be completed in July, ahead of the August 1 date referenced in the resolution.

Council members asked about post-demolition grading and planting for neighboring properties. City staff confirmed the demolition ordinance requires grading and subsequent grassing of the site.

The resolution instructs staff to finalize permit details within seven days and includes seven site conditions; staff highlighted that the Egg Harbor Café building and its associated parking will remain if the café remains a tenant. Dugan said the demolition will remove other existing improvements on the property.

Council members publicly thanked the owner for working with the city to resolve the long-standing issue. The resolution passed by roll call.

Staff indicated follow-up steps will include issuance of the permit once outstanding submittals are complete and monitoring of the demolition timeline; the owner has communicated they expect to complete demolition in July pending permit issuance.