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Residents press trustees over traffic, sewer and scale of proposed Traubler redevelopment; developer pledges studies
Summary
Hundreds of residents raised traffic, parking, sewer and historic-preservation concerns about a proposed 202-unit development for the former Traubler Junior High site; the developer and school superintendent described design revisions and pledged traffic, market and stormwater studies before any approvals.
The Village of Oswego trustees heard more than two hours of public comment Tuesday on a developer's revised plan to replace the vacant Traubler Junior High property with about 202 residential units.
Residents urged trustees to slow the process and demanded details on traffic, parking, sewer capacity and the project's effect on the historic downtown. "We strongly oppose the Traubers School development project," Don Draxler, a Garfield Street resident, told the board, citing congestion on Route 71 and safety concerns for schoolchildren.
Several speakers asked whether the project would include subsidized housing or Section 8 vouchers; the developer denied that, saying, "This is not, I repeat not, Section 8. It is not." The developer's team described a revised concept that removed an earlier central five-story building and increased the share of for-sale townhomes to create what they called a better transition to existing neighborhoods.
Dr. Analique Calgatti, superintendent of School District 308, told the board she and the district's demographer do not expect the plan to overwhelm school capacity and described a phased student-assignment approach if needed. "It is not a concern," Calgatti said when asked whether the proposal would cause school overcrowding.
Developers and staff outlined technical next steps: a traffic study, a market study, a TIF (tax increment financing) impact analysis, and stormwater and sanitary evaluations that will have to meet Kendall County and Fox Metro standards. Developer representatives emphasized a willingness to negotiate open-book financial benchmarks and suggested a revenue-sharing or callback clause if project returns exceed agreed thresholds.
Residents and several trustees asked for additional design work to reduce the perceived scale along Route 71, add landscape buffer and address crossing and signalization needs at Washington Street and nearby intersections. Several trustees also said the revised concept should return to the Planning & Zoning Commission for review; staff said they wanted a general feeling from the board before funding expensive studies.
Village staff summarized the next step as a period of study and iteration: if the board supports continuing, staff will work with the developer, the school district and financial consultants to scope technical reports and a potential redevelopment agreement. "I believe we have a pretty good feeling on the board," the village staff member said after trustees voiced concerns and appreciation for the changes made so far.
No approvals were taken Tuesday; trustees directed staff to continue negotiations and to return with technical analyses and refined designs for further public review.
