Westmont waives permit fees to support Metra's $22 million depot and platform renovation

The Village Board voted March 5 to waive local permit and plan‑review fees for Metra's planned renovation of the Westmont commuter depot and platforms, a multi‑million‑dollar project Metra will fund.

Director Henterfine said the full project scope includes heated platforms on both sides of the tracks, extensive depot remodeling (including raised floor and restroom upgrades) and accessibility improvements. Metra's project budget was described as about $22 million for the station remodeling; staff noted more extensive pedestrian‑crossing options had higher preliminary cost estimates.

Staff explained permit-fee mechanics: a raw building‑permit fee based on book values would yield a much larger figure (roughly $330,000 at a commercial scale), but because the village plans to perform much of the plan review in house and limit outside consultant work, the realistic local fee exposure for the village side was estimated closer to $16–$17k; inspection counts and required outside reviews could increase the effective outlay.

Trustees and staff framed the waiver as support for a major transit investment that improves accessibility, station condition and leaseability of retail space in the depot. The board approved the waiver by roll call.

What Metra will do

Staff said Metra will replace shelters, repair station infrastructure and undertake platform improvements; a more extensive underground pedestrian crossing study had a larger estimate (the administration reported a separate, larger figure of approximately $37 million for more complex options). The village said it will continue to coordinate on grant opportunities and construction timing.

The waiver clears a local procedural obstacle and is intended to reduce friction on a Metra project the village described as a long‑awaited upgrade.