Plan Commission backs Metro Hardwoods expansion, asks for municipal engineer review

The Plan Commission recommended that the Village Board approve a conditional use request and site plan for Metro Hardwoods’ building expansion at N 173 W 20855 Metro Court at its July 17 meeting. The recommendation, made by Commissioner Van Eppen and seconded by Commissioner Kripke, would allow Metro Hardwoods to expand the southern portion of its building onto what is now a grassy area, subject to municipal engineer approval. The approval matters because the expansion will convert green space to development adjacent to existing operations and parking. The commission noted there is not currently a village limit on impervious surface, a regulatory detail that affects how much of the site can be paved or roofed. Commissioners asked how the expansion would affect impervious coverage. A village staff member answered directly: "The village actually does not have an impervious surface regulation in our ordinances. So, essentially, there is no limit." That response framed the regulatory context for the commission’s recommendation. Commission discussion was brief and centered on the scope of the addition and site circulation; no conditions beyond municipal engineer approval were attached to the recommendation. The motion passed after the commission voted in favor. The commission’s recommendation goes to the Village Board for final action and to the municipal engineer for technical review.