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Board directs staff to prepare PUD amendment for Arlington Ridge Center swings after neighbors object
Summary
Trustees directed staff to prepare final documents for a PUD amendment and variation to permit relocated swings at the Arlington Ridge Center (PC‑26O11), subject to conditions including five replacement shade trees; neighbors expressed safety and privacy concerns.
The Arlington Heights Village Board on July 6 directed staff and the village attorney to prepare final documents for a planned‑unit‑development amendment and variation so the park district can add swing sets at the Arlington Ridge Center, while attaching conditions recommended by the Plan Commission.
The park district petitioner, John Kramer, said the swings were removed during a recent renovation and the district sought an alternative nearby location adjacent to the existing playground. Staff and the Plan Commission recommended approval subject to two conditions: compliance with federal, state and local regulations and planting five replacement shade trees to mitigate removal of a roughly 20‑inch‑diameter tree.
Several nearby residents told trustees they opposed the proposed location as too close to homes, raised concerns about nighttime noise and vandalism, and said children would need to cross a parking‑lot access drive to use the swings. "The swing set that is being proposed is right outside of her window," Susan Emery said, adding the placement is "not an ideal location" because visibility is obscured by landscaping and cars frequently don't stop at the adjacent stop sign.
Trustees debated whether it was appropriate for the village board to dictate specific park amenities. "Typically we don't weigh in on the location of slides or monkey bars — that is a park district matter," Mayor Tonaglia said, while other trustees said the PUD change triggers a necessary village review of site impacts. Trustee Gilbert moved to direct staff to prepare final documents for PC‑26O11, subject to the planning commission's recommended conditions; the motion was seconded and passed on roll call.
Trustees suggested mitigation options the park district could pursue, including additional screening and speed‑reduction measures. Park district representatives confirmed they had reviewed multiple locations and that utilities and existing features limited where swings could be sited.
The motion directs staff to draft the ordinance and supporting documents for a future meeting; the final site plan and any permit will return to the board for formal adoption.
