Board hears second reading for Southern Crossings rezoning, developer seeks exemptions for 83-home subdivision

At its March 2 Committee of the Whole meeting, Director of Community Development Scott McMaster presented a second reading of an ordinance to rezone a parcel to R-3, amend a Special Use for a Planned Unit Development and approve a preliminary P.U.D. plat for the Southern Crossings subdivision.

McMaster said the proposal covers 27 acres for 83 single-family homes behind Walgreens and that the developer is requesting several departures from Village Code Section 156.058. McMaster summarized the requested exceptions: a minimum lot area of 4,900 square feet in lieu of 10,000; a minimum lot width of 45 feet in lieu of 80; a front yard setback of 25 feet instead of 30; a side yard setback of 7 feet instead of 10; and a floor-area-ratio greater than 0.5. "The proposed development consists of 27 acres and 83- unit single family homes on Southern Crossing behind Walgreens," McMaster said.

McMaster and staff outlined additional PUD conditions: rights-of-way must be designed to Village standards and dedicated; the existing private road north of the site will remain private with long-term maintenance coordinated between Lennar and a homeowners association; park property is to be dedicated to the Channahon Park District with a multi-use path installed by the developer; a dormant special service area (SSA) will be created to activate if an HOA fails; all fencing must be uniform, black wrought iron or aluminum, maximum 5 feet and not located on berms; above-ground pools and accessory buildings are prohibited; all homes must have basements; and exterior materials and colors must comply with anti-monotony requirements.

Village Administrator Thomas Durkin noted this was the first time the Board had seen the annexation agreement. Trustees engaged Lennar representatives in a lengthy discussion about elevations, lot sizes, home pricing, concrete driveways and on-street parking. Trustee McMillin asked detailed technical questions about utility installation methods, which Lennar representatives addressed. Village Attorney David Silverman advised the Board that any required modifications should be specified clearly when the project reaches formal approval.