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Kenilworth board remands controversial 515–519 Park Drive PUD after public hearing
Summary
After a public hearing with dozens of residents testifying for and against it, the Village Board of Kenilworth voted to remand RED3 Development’s request for a Planned Unit Development and Certificate of Appropriateness for 515–519 Park Drive back to the Architectural Review Commission and Plan Commission for further review; the Board scheduled a special meeting Jan. 26 to continue consideration.
The Village of Kenilworth held a public hearing Jan. 20 on RED3 Development LLC’s request for a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 515–519 Park Drive. Teska Associates vice president Michael Blue told the Board that the Plan Commission recommended denial (4–2) and the Architectural Review Commission recommended denial (5 for denial, 1 abstention, 1 absent).
Developer Michael Freiburger and Reed Edwards described the project’s layout and said a fourth‑floor penthouse drives the need for a height variance. Freiburger presented renderings, a proposed green roof and plans to preserve existing trees and asked the Board to weigh the project’s potential public benefits against zoning variances. To illustrate local market demand, realtor and long‑time resident Laura Fitzpatrick spoke in favor of the project’s desirability.
Dozens of residents spoke during the public comment period. Opponents raised concerns about height, density, parking and traffic safety and urged adherence to Kenilworth’s residential zoning. Resident Mike Kelly cited a petition against the project; Emily Wilson said the proposal would be “incompatible with Kenilworth’s residential character.” Proponents including Plan Commission member Anna Simpson and resident Mark Malnati described personal reasons for supporting the development and urged additional negotiation time.
Village Attorney Megan Mack outlined the Board’s options — approve, deny, remand with instructions, or continue deliberation — and trustees discussed whether a variance would produce sufficient public benefit. The Board voted to remand the SUP and COA back to ARC and/or PC with instructions and to continue discussion at a Special Meeting on Jan. 26, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.; the motion was adopted. President Cecily Kaz reminded residents they may submit written comments in advance of the special meeting.
What happens next: the item will return to ARC/PC for specific review per the Board’s instructions; the Board will revisit the application at the Jan. 26 special meeting.
