Trustees forward self‑storage redevelopment site plan amid resident runoff and access concerns

Trustees forwarded a site‑plan resolution for a redevelopment project on North Illinois that would replace prior plans with two single‑level climate‑controlled self‑storage buildings, while retaining two adjacent houses as rentals and adding landscaping.

Planning staff said the planning and zoning board reviewed the revised site plan and exchanged follow‑up comments with the applicant. The applicant told trustees the redesign keeps much of the prior paved and rooftop area but reduces the frontline vehicle display by about one third in response to community input and added bushes and trees along the street front. "We heard what they said, and we did the best that we could with the site plan that we already had in place to find some space for that and add it into," the applicant said.

Residents spoke at length about safety and drainage. One commenter asked whether a narrow access on Parkway Place would remain and urged elimination for safety; another showed photographs of prior stormwater events and urged careful attention to runoff impacts on neighboring properties. Planning staff said the village engineer reviewed a 116‑page drainage report provided by the applicant and confirmed the plans met village requirements. Trustees debated whether to require a gate or additional screening; one trustee urged removal of the west Parkway access and additional tree planting instead.

Planning board chair Justin Chapman said he cast a lead no vote at the planning commission meeting because he believed further adjustments were needed but acknowledged the applicant had made landscaping and access changes. After resident testimony and trustee questions on access, security and stormwater, a trustee moved to forward the resolution to the board; the motion passed.