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Residents raise concerns about proposed Cambria corridor development; board notes preliminary plan and approves First Street, Community Plaza on consent agenda
Summary
During the village board’s Feb. 4 open forum, a resident criticized the board for development decisions and a Cambria subdivision homeowner asked whether a preliminary plan would add a New Haven Drive extension to Route 31; staff said the property is under contract and the extension is part of a preliminary concept.
During the village board’s Feb. 4 open forum, resident Martha Ritter criticized the board’s handling of local development and said decisions had been made "behind closed doors." "You won in building an all inclusive resort in a neighborhood where it does not belong," Ritter said during public comment.
A Cambria subdivision resident who identified herself as attending her HOA meeting asked whether a proposed road between Route 31 and New Haven Drive was on the agenda and whether documentation was available online. The mayor replied, "It's not on the agenda, so we're not authorized to talk about it tonight," and advised the resident to watch for future public outreach when a formal development application is filed.
Bridal, identified during the meeting as the community development director, told the resident the concept is a preliminary plan and "the property's under contract right now and the developer is looking to develop it and part of the component is a potential extension of New Haven Drive. It is in our comprehensive plan," Bridal said, adding staff can provide more detail offline and that a December presentation is available on the village website.
Later in the meeting the board approved its consent agenda (items A through G) by roll call. The motion as presented included two highlighted projects: a Community Plaza (slated to begin construction this summer) and First Street improvements, which include resurfacing and a buffered bike lane. Village staff said both projects are recipients of state and federal grants and that, while there is a review of federal funding underway, "at this point, we're not getting indications that these two funding sources are in jeopardy."
Village staff also announced outreach steps for potential redevelopment of the Maplewood property: residents can sign up for updates via the village website's TextCaster (TextCaster) subscription under the "How do I" or "Development and business updates" sections. Staff said the existing monument sign on the property could be used to advertise meeting dates if discussions reach the board level.
At the end of the public portion, the board moved and seconded to adjourn into executive session to discuss personnel matters under "5 Illinois CS 120 slash 2 C 1" (executive session authority). The chair called for a voice vote; members present responded "Aye," and the board adjourned into executive session at 6:34 p.m.
The meeting packet and video replay on the village website contain the consent agenda details and the December presentation referenced by staff; staff directed residents to those resources for more information.
