Board recommends approval of 110-unit Redwood apartment neighborhood after presentation and public comment

Fox River Grove — The Village Board on May 17 recommended approval of a Special Use Permit for a 110-unit Redwood Apartment Neighborhood proposed just south of U.S. Route 22 and west of Kelsey Road.

Redwood representatives presented site plans and demographic and fiscal projections, saying the single-story community would include two-bedroom, two-bath units with private entries (about 1,300 square feet), 464 parking spaces, 12.49 acres of open space including preserved wetlands, and 5.15 units per acre. Vice-President of Acquisitions Kellie Mclvor told the board that Redwood “builds, owns and manages all 14,000+ units within our single-story apartment neighborhoods” and that the company anticipates most residents coming from within a three-mile radius.

The presentation included projected rents from $1,650 to $2,593 per month, an average household size of about 1.65 residents per unit, and an estimate of roughly seven school-age children per 100 homes. Mclvor also presented an estimated one-time capital contribution of $819,619 to affected taxing districts, $133,000 in permitting fees and a one-time walking-path contribution, and said Redwood would work with village staff, engineers and IDOT on safety requirements.

During public comment before the presentation, resident Chris Gantz urged caution, saying he was “not against growth” but asked the board to update building codes, consult life-safety personnel, and consider emergency-responder access on Route 22; he suggested Redwood reduce unit count and add a park. Resident Ken Witek said he was concerned the developer’s estimates were “in theory and not a guarantee,” questioned projected school impacts for District 220 and asked what direct benefits current residents should expect, including whether water and sewer rates would be reduced or whether tax bills would be affected.

Board members pressed Redwood on vehicle circulation and lease terms. Mclvor said average tenancy at comparable Redwood communities exceeds three years and that streets would be concrete and built to standard; she said shorter corporate-style leases are not typical. Trustee Andrew Migdal asked that final agreements grant Public Works access to water meters in each structure for maintenance; that suggestion was made part of the conversation but no final condition was read into the record.

After questions, Trustee Steve Knar moved to recommend full approval of the Special Use Permit for a Planned Unit Development; Trustee Patrick Wall seconded and a voice vote was unanimous.

The recommendation will return to the Village Board as its formal action item for final approval in the zoning process; staff and developers will continue technical coordination and any required agency reviews.