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Fox River Grove board tables MOU for Grove Residences redevelopment after residents urge delay
Summary
After several residents raised concerns about height, parking and loss of historic buildings, the Fox River Grove Village Board voted unanimously on March 1, 2022 to table a memorandum of understanding with Grove Residences LLC for redevelopment of Block B until the next agenda.
The Fox River Grove Village Board on March 1, 2022 voted to table consideration of a memorandum of understanding with Grove Residences LLC for redevelopment of downtown parcels known as Block B (between Illinois Street and Lincoln Avenue) after multiple residents urged the board to slow its decision and consider alternatives.
John Raviolo, a resident of 205 Grove, told the board he had two concerns: he said the proposed apartment building now stands "above grade at seven stories" and asked when plans changed from prior master plans that showed "four or five stories." He also said the current plan for Block B lacks adequate space for four buildings, parking, garbage dumpsters and two drive-thrus and urged the board to reconsider a mixed-use approach.
"I am not in favor of the current plan proposed for Block B, siting [sic] lack of space to accommodate four buildings, parking, garbage dumpsters, and two drive-thru's," Raviolo said. John Lee of 1100 Lincoln asked the board for a two-week delay to allow another developer to present a competing proposal. Several other residents — including Carrie Quinn, who questioned how the plan "went from a quaint little downtown to four restaurants," and Paige Lord, who urged restoration over demolition — urged the board to pause and seek more options. Jeff Fleischmann suggested hiring an outside firm to issue a broader request for qualifications.
Trustees discussed the public comments before taking up the memorandum of understanding. Trustee Sheri Sepeczi moved to table the MOU until the next agenda; Trustee Melissa Schladt seconded. The roll call vote was recorded as Curtis (yes), Knar (yes), Migdal (yes), Schladt (yes), Sepeczi (yes) and Wall (yes). The motion passed unanimously, formally postponing Board action on the Grove Residences MOU.
Trustee Steve Knar told residents he appreciated their attendance and invited them to return to the board's meeting in two weeks to hear further discussion. Trustee Patrick Wall said tabling the decision was the right approach until the board could fully review how it arrived at the current plan. Trustee Melissa Schladt said the resident turnout demonstrated the value of public input and reminded the audience that trustees also live in the village and aim to make the best decision.
The tabling leaves the MOU pending; the board did not vote to approve or reject the redevelopment agreement at this meeting. The MOU will return to a future agenda for further consideration.
