Palos Park planning commissioners unanimously recommend berm restoration, plantings and 6-foot fence for McCord Trace homeowners

Palos Park planning commissioners unanimously recommended that the Village Council approve an amendment to the planned unit development for 38 McCord Trace that would restore berming, add plantings and allow a 6-foot privacy fence along LaGrange Road to reduce traffic noise and headlight glare.

Howard Kopari, community development director, opened the public hearing and described the application as an amendment to the existing PUD to permit major landscaping changes and a 6-foot privacy fence. Roger Jensen, a member of the homeowners association, told the commission the townhouse community includes 35 homes and that the original berm along LaGrange Road has eroded in its central portion, exposing nearby units to higher traffic noise and nighttime headlight intrusion. “We have a noise problem,” Jensen said. “Something has to be done here.”

Jensen summarized the HOA’s noise measurements taken at multiple points along the property, citing traffic volumes the presentation tied to IDOT/Federal Highway figures and saying measurements at critical points showed meaningful reductions behind an intact berm. He told commissioners the HOA’s analysis found properties closest to LaGrange Road had lower sale prices and longer time on market; Jensen estimated a $55,000–$60,000 discount for homes nearest the road compared with units farther from traffic.

Bob Hennessy, an engineer representing the HOA, described a phased landscape and fence plan that would restore berm height where possible, add drip irrigation, install a continuous 6-foot wooden fence set well back from individual lots (about 25–30 feet from the property line in mapped areas) and add trees and arborvitae in 50-foot increments. Hennessy estimated the project would cost between $65,000 and $75,000 and said that sum was approved and funded in the HOA’s 02/20/2026 budget. “We think this project is gonna be between 65 and $75,000,” Hennessy said.

An attendee who identified himself as an acoustic engineer endorsed the combined approach—berm, fence and plantings—saying different elements mitigate different parts of the noise spectrum. Commissioners asked technical questions about post spacing, tree root protection during berm work and how IDOT stormwater and right-of-way constraints would affect construction; applicants said they will work with a certified arborist and submit detailed plans before construction.

A commissioner moved that the Planning Commission recommend approval to the Village Council, conditioned on following standard permitting processes and submitting a landscape plan certified or reviewed by a certified arborist; another commissioner seconded. The clerk called the roll and Commissioners Nikurata, Sternquist, Roderick, Meador, Vincent and Chairman Marzen voted yes. The recommendation passed unanimously and the public hearing was closed. The commission adjourned without further business.

Next steps: staff will accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and, if submitted as stipulated, the item will proceed to the Village Council for final action.