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Residents urge Prospect Heights council to reject proposed 69‑unit townhome project
Summary
Multiple Prospect Heights residents told the council they oppose a plan to build roughly 69 townhomes at 1001 Oak and Muir Park, citing traffic, safety, flooding and density concerns and questioning the developer’s transparency. City staff said the zoning board’s recommendation will come to council for a March 23 first reading.
Dozens of Prospect Heights residents pressed the city council on March 9 to oppose a proposed 69‑unit townhome development adjacent to single‑family neighborhoods.
"The concept of plugging 69 townhomes into that tight space with one entrance and exit is ridiculous," said Jim Plakish of Prospect Heights, adding that construction traffic and heavy equipment will threaten children who walk to nearby Wheeling High School.
Other neighbors described the site as a five‑acre parcel that cannot safely absorb the proposed density. "There’s too many buildings — it doesn’t go with what was written in our winter newsletter about having a wonderful semi‑rural community," said Mary Jean Meyer, who identified the property as 1001 Oak and Muir Park.
Longtime resident Steve Drake told council members the developer’s paperwork and a project contact email (info@forestviewwheeling.com) appeared inconsistent and said the discrepancy merited further vetting. "Sometimes something seems off here," Drake said, asking the city to research the developer’s representations.
Council and staff described the next procedural steps. Dan Peterson of the building/community development office told residents the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals voted this month and that staff aims to bring the board’s recommendation to the council for a first reading on Monday, March 23. "The target goal to get that before the council is Monday the 23rd," Peterson said, and advised residents to sign up for the city’s e‑news for schedule updates.
Speakers requested specific changes ranging from a reduced unit count to traffic and stormwater mitigation. Joy Drake, another nearby resident, asked aldermen to visit the site and "drastically cut the number" of units so the project better fits neighborhood character and safety concerns.
City officials did not announce a decision at the meeting. Peterson urged residents with questions to email him so staff can gather concerns ahead of the March 23 agenda.
What's next: the council is scheduled to consider the zoning board's recommendation on March 23; residents and staff indicated opportunities for follow‑up and additional input before that first reading.
