Highland Park council unanimously approves preliminary plan for Old Deerfield Road housing development

The Highland Park City Council on Oct. 30 approved by a 7–0 vote a resolution granting preliminary approval for a multi‑phase residential development at 1660 and 1700 Old Deerfield Road.

The resolution grants a preliminary development plan, a preliminary plat of subdivision and acknowledges requested zoning modifications, variances and payment‑in‑lieu for inclusionary housing. Director Fontaine outlined the conditions attached to preliminary approval, including use restrictions that limit the RM1 portion to 227 single‑family attached units and limit the R7 portion to open space uses such as a tot lot, dog run, lighting and fencing. The resolution also corrects a conservation easement area to 10.96 acres and requires final engineering and additional permits before final sign‑off.

Why it matters: The decision changes a long‑vacant industrial parcel into a planned residential subdivision that the city says will add middle‑market housing and on‑site inclusionary units while preserving substantial open space. The council’s vote imposed numerous conditions intended to protect neighbors and public safety and to require follow‑up studies before full build‑out.

Key details

- Vote: 7–0 in favor of the resolution approving the preliminary development plan and preliminary plat of subdivision for 1660 and 1700 Old Deerfield Road. The motion text approved by the council was "a resolution approving a preliminary development plan and a preliminary plan of subdivision for 1660 And 1700 Old Deerfield Road." (Motion maker and seconder: not specified in the public record excerpt.)

- Density and zoning…