Westmont planners recommend rezoning 4108 N. Grant and grant easement variance

The Village of Westmont Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to recommend that the Village Board rezone 4108 North Grant Street from B-2, general business, to R-3, single-family detached residential, and to approve a variance allowing an existing 20-foot access easement in lieu of the 30-foot width required by village code.

The motion followed a public hearing on a petition from K4K Limited Liability Company. Vanessa Favia, representing K4K LLC, told the commission the property owner is “requesting this variance to allow the 20 foot easement that, which is already in place.” She said rezoning to R-3 “aligns with the character of the neighborhood” and would make the parcel easier to sell or develop as a home.

The commission’s staff member, Scott Williams, described the site’s history and constraints. Williams said the parcel was annexed in February 2007 and that a 20-foot access easement was recorded against the property; village code Section 4.08 requires a 30-foot access easement for lots that rely on a permanent easement for access. Williams also noted the property is encumbered by a 60-foot detention easement and currently lacks direct utility access to Grant Street, meaning utilities would come through Adams Street unless additional easements are negotiated with adjacent owners.

Why it matters: The commission’s recommendation would change the parcel’s zoning designation from commercial to single-family residential, matching the current land-use map in the village’s staff report and removing a vacant lot at the end of a cul-de-sac that planners said has been dormant since a prior auto-dealership plan did not proceed.

Commissioners voiced consistent support. Commissioner Thomas said, “I think it'll fit. I agree with it.” Commissioner Peterson said he had “been looking at the lot” and called the rezoning “a great idea.” Commissioner Simpson said he was “familiar with this property and I think it would look better with a house.” Chairperson Carmichael called the vote after roll call showed unanimous support.

Votes at a glance: - Motion: Recommend approval of a map amendment to rezone 4108 North Grant Street from B-2 to R-3. Mover: not specified on the record. Second: Commissioner Thomas. Vote: Thomas — yes; Peterson — yes; Simpson — yes; Zakari — yes; Chairperson Carmichael — yes. Outcome: recommendation to Village Board (approved by commission).

- Motion: Approve variance to allow the recorded 20-foot access easement in place of the 30-foot minimum required by Section 4.08 of the Westmont Village Code of Ordinances. Mover: not specified on the record. Second: Commissioner Thomas. Vote: Thomas — yes; Peterson — yes; Simpson — yes; Zakari — yes; Chairperson Carmichael — yes. Outcome: recommendation to Village Board (approved by commission).

Discussion and technical details: Staff and the petitioner discussed that the easement was established when the property was subdivided in connection with prior dealership plans and that, because the prior project never proceeded, some easement vacating or adjustment (for example the 60-foot detention easement) may be required before building occurs. Williams said driveway construction would have to comply with the recorded easement’s standards and village driveway requirements; a driveway “would have to be within that easement,” he said.

No members of the public provided testimony at the hearing. The commission reiterated that its recommendation is advisory and that the Village Board will consider the petitions at a later meeting.

The commission adjourned after the votes; the matter will be scheduled for Village Board consideration per normal procedure.