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Fox River Grove board approves MOU to advance downtown mixed‑use redevelopment
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Summary
The Village Board unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with American Construction Services to reserve rights for a three‑story mixed‑use redevelopment of Block B between Illinois Street and Lincoln Avenue, a plan that would add about 80 apartments and commercial space and prompted resident questions about parking, schools and traffic.
Fox River Grove’s Village Board on May 3 approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with American Construction Services that formalizes a short-term commitment between the village and the developer to pursue a mixed‑use redevelopment of Block B, the parcels between Illinois Street and Lincoln Avenue.
Administrator Soderholm described the concept as roughly 141,000 square feet across three floors, with about 14,000–15,000 square feet of commercial space and 80 apartment units (about 50 one‑bedroom and 30 two‑bedroom units). Indoor parking would be reserved for tenants; the developer’s concept lists roughly 46 on‑site spaces plus 12 on‑street spaces along Route 14 and 16 angled spaces along Lincoln. Overflow parking was described as possible at the Village Hall lot, the former Greyhill lot and the Metra lot nights and weekends. The Board recorded a unanimous roll‑call vote in favor of the MOU (Trustees Curtiss, Knar, Migdal, Schladt, Sepeczi and Wall voted yes). The motion to approve was made by Trustee Patrick Wall and seconded by Trustee Steve Knar.
Residents who spoke during public comment expressed a mix of support and concern. Carrie Quinn said she did “not see the need for eighty (80) more apartments” and wanted clearer detail on whether the parking garage would be public or for residents only. John Raviolo said he supports a mixed‑use plan but wants more information about parking. A member of the public raised worries about school and traffic impacts for larger developments in town.
President Marc McLaughlin characterized the MOU as an early, non‑final step; he said a Planning & Zoning public hearing is expected in the fall and that demolition could occur in late winter or spring 2023 if approvals proceed. The MOU prevents the village from negotiating with other developers for an agreed period while the proposer advances financing and design work.
What happens next: the Planning & Zoning review and public hearing will offer a formal venue for technical studies, public input and possible revisions to the concept plan. The MOU does not authorize demolition or construction and does not substitute for required zoning approvals or building permits.