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Warrenville approves contested Cantera Pointe townhomes plan after residents protest density and tree loss
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Summary
After extensive public comment urging rejection, the Warrenville City Council voted 5–3 to approve an amendment and final plan for the Cantera Pointe townhomes, drawing criticism over density increases, reduced setbacks and loss of mature street trees.
The Warrenville City Council voted to approve Ordinance 02025-53, an amendment to the Cantera development control regulations that clears the way for the Cantera Pointe townhomes, after residents and some aldermen raised strong objections during public comment and debate.
The motion, made by Alderman Lockett and seconded by Alderman Wilkie, carried on a roll call vote with five ayes and three nays. The roll call recorded votes in favor from Alderman Lockett, Alderman Davalos, Alderman Berry, Alderman Wilkie and Alderman Weidner; Aldermen Ashauer, Kreukenberg and Agustinovich voted no.
Residents who spoke during the public-comment period urged the council to reject the ordinance. "Please vote no on the Cantera Point ordinance tonight," said Steve Alish, who said he lives across from the proposed development and described the 19-page ordinance as departing from Warrenville’s development standards. Alish cited several specifics he said are in the ordinance: a roughly 60% increase in density (from about 6 units per acre to about 9.64), a reduction in a required driveway setback from 25 feet to about 5.5 feet, a reduction in required street trees (from 83 to 73) and elimination of the city's roof modulation standards allowing three-story flat-roof buildings.
Bob Siebert, another nearby resident, said the site "is the wrong place for the development" and urged the council to send the plan back to the planning commission for further revision. Several other speakers questioned consultant reports, staff recommendations and whether the long-term taxpayer benefits had been adequately protected.
Aldermen who supported the measure emphasized fiscal and practical considerations. Alderman Davalos and supporters said residential development would bring new residents and sales-tax revenue and that the schools and emergency services had not objected. "I represent the rest of Warrenville," Alderman Davalos said, noting he had received positive feedback from some residents and businesses about adding housing. Supporters also said modern multifamily styles (including three-story flat roofs) respond to market demand.
Opponents framed their objections around community character, safety and precedent. "That would allow boxy high density construction that doesn't fit the community we've worked to build," Alish said, arguing the proposed changes would set a dangerous precedent.
The ordinance text and plan materials were discussed at length during the meeting; several speakers asked the council to publish and clarify covenant or plan documents they said were missing from the online record. The council did not agree to send the measure back to the planning commission; after the roll call the mayor announced the motion carried.
Next steps: the ordinance passed and implementation will proceed per the zoning amendment and final plan approvals contained in Ordinance 02025-53. No amendments or specific implementation dates were recorded in the meeting minutes.
