Board approves right‑in/right‑out access for AR Development’s Route 83 apartment project

The Round Lake Beach Board of Trustees on April 21 approved an amendment to the planned development for AR Development’s approved multifamily project at 36299 North Illinois Route 83 to add a right‑in/right‑out access driveway.

Jason Kambitsis, president of AR Development, told the board the change would not alter the previously approved 204‑unit project but would add an additional driveway on Route 83. He said engineers estimated the new access would reduce traffic on Fox Chase Drive—Kambitsis cited a 35% reduction in generated traffic on Fox Chase and an 86% reduction in northbound generated traffic on Illinois 83 related to site trips—and that roughly 30–40% of tenants would exit northbound using the new driveway. He stressed the state Department of Transportation (IDOT) must still grant final approval for any Route 83 access.

Gil Rivera, Economic Development Director, summarized the planning and public input history: the planning and zoning commission recommended approval of a right‑in only and not a right‑out; the developer presented alternatives and said a southern exit through a retention basin behind adjacent homes was not feasible for engineering and stormwater reasons.

Trustees debated the access briefly and then voted to approve both right‑in and right‑out access. The motion to approve the amendment was moved by Trustee Ibarra and seconded by Trustee Valadez; roll call recorded ayes and the ordinance amendment passed. The village noted that final roadway and access design is subject to IDOT review and approval and that the raised median on Route 83 would prevent left turns at the new access.

The board’s action amends the site plan to permit the additional driveway; it does not change the previously approved unit count or other development approvals for the project.