Trustees OK major amendment for 811'901 W. Hillgrove planned development amid resident questions about balconies and affordability

The Village of La Grange board unanimously approved Ordinance O24'16, a proposed major amendment to the planned development at 811'901 West Hillgrove Avenue that adjusts interior floor plans, alters the unit mix, modifies window and balcony placement and encloses eight parking spaces previously under a cantilever.

Trustee Thompson presented the proposed changes and said staff and the village attorney had prepared the ordinance approving the major adjustment, noting that if the board found the changes were not in substantial conformity with the approved plans the applicant could be referred back to the plan commission for a public hearing.

Resident Jonathan Robinson asked the board to consider whether the changes were "substantial," pointing to a proposed 13'inch extension of balconies toward single'family residences and arguing that a one'foot difference should require careful scrutiny. Robinson also raised broader questions about affordable housing opportunities in the project.

Applicant counsel Janet Stengel (Taft Law) and owner's representative Josh Anderson answered trustees' questions, saying the revisions improved building design and tenant experience, increased first'floor windows and open space, enhanced accessibility and adjusted unit composition (two'bedroom units increased from nine to 12 while junior one'bedroom units decreased from three to zero). The overall unit count remained at 31.

Trustees asked about the number of plan sheets showing repeated changes; staff explained that changes must be reflected across the architectural and engineering plan sets. The board voted by roll call to approve the major adjustment; the motion passed unanimously.

Trustees and members of the public asked staff to follow up on whether the project will include affordable units and to report back if additional housing affordability commitments are considered by the developer.