Trustees direct staff to prepare ordinance for PACE park-and-ride expansion after neighbors raise security and light concerns

The Burr Ridge Board of Trustees on Jan. 26 directed staff to prepare an ordinance for a special-use and sign-variation application from PACE, the suburban bus division of the Regional Transportation Authority, to expand its Lincolnshire Drive park-and-ride to 197 parking spaces and add a small enclosed waiting room with restrooms and some EV charging stations.

Janine, representing planning staff, told trustees the Jan. 19 plan commission hearing recommended unanimous approval with conditions including landscaping, security measures and lighting controls. Janine said the proposed expansion would increase capacity from 75 standard spaces and 6 accessible spaces to a total of 197 spaces to meet current demand; the proposal includes reconstruction of accessible spaces rather than adding new accessible stalls.

Trustees and nearby residents voiced concern about the expansion’s proximity to the Ambiance HOA homes and whether the lot would create an easier access route into a gated neighborhood. Trustees questioned whether fencing on PACE property would be effective given adjacent parcels and whether Ambiance homeowners might need to pay to raise their fence if they wanted a higher barrier. Janine said the HOA’s letter (included in the staff packet) raised concerns about noise, visual impact, stormwater and construction, and staff would require a photometric plan and lighting controls to limit light trespass.

PACE project manager Paul Bridal and site design manager Mark (section manager for design and construction) said PACE will install security cameras (specified in conditions as Flock cameras) and additional landscaping; they said they did not expect PACE to object if Ambiance paid for a taller fence on HOA property. On accessible parking, staff and PACE said the proposed design would provide six accessible spaces in total; the board cited state law that requires six accessible spaces for parking lots with 151–200 total spaces.

Mayor Grosso asked for a motion to direct staff to prepare the ordinance; Janine moved, the motion was seconded and the board approved it by roll call, 6-0. Trustees said they expected staff to return with the ordinance and supporting plans (including photometrics and the final site plan) before a final vote.

Next steps: staff will prepare the ordinance and conditions for board consideration, and permit-level plans will be reviewed to ensure landscaping, lighting and security conditions are met.