Glen Carbon board approves amended site plan after stop-work order on Retina Institute construction

The Village Board of Glen Carbon approved an amended site plan for the Retina Institute after village staff discovered construction occurring under unapproved alternate plans and issued a stop-work order. Presenters said the building under construction was about 25% larger than the plan previously approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

Village staff and third-party reviewers inspected the site and completed plan reviews confirming the amended site plan meets village code. The Planning & Zoning Commission had approved the amended plan last week; the board voted to approve resolution 2026-53 to allow issuance of an amended building permit covering the larger building and adjusted permit fees.

A neighboring property owner, speaking during the meeting, said the building sits at an angle, is close to the property line (about 10 feet), and uses materials that do not match the character the speaker expects for a main thoroughfare. "I picked Glen Carbon for my largest investment to date because I'm proud of the community," the resident said, urging trustees to consider greater setbacks or material standards for future projects. Village staff responded that the village's 10-foot minimum setback applies across commercial lots but that it is a minimum; there are not village-wide standards for building materials.

Trustees discussed third-party review costs and staff time; staff said those review costs will be billed back to the project as part of standard procedures. The board approved the amended site plan by roll call, allowing the applicant to seek an amended building permit.