Politics & Government
Reduction In Impact Fees Not Certain for Arboretum Landmark
The proposed Warrenville Road multifamily development is asking for a $250,000 break in park district impact fees, but commissioners are still debating the impact it would have on the district and taxpayers.
Park commissioners stood divided over a request to reduce impact fees for a proposed multifamily development on Warrenville Road at Thursday’s regular meeting.
Two representatives with The Opus Group asked commissioners to reduce the $500,000 impact fee for Arboretum Landmark Apartments, a 310-unit proposed development at 450 Warrenville Rd., citing a list of on-site offerings they feel will serve their demographic.
Opus Group real estate director John Carlson said the property is targeting young, single professionals and students, and will not be a child-friendly environment. Plans include a lap pool, fitness center and theater. Opus Group reps believe that the park district’s aquatic park and fitness center won’t be utilized by their residents. They also noted that only the Arboretum Woods Park is conveniently located to the area.
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They feel a $250,000 impact fee more accurately reflects the development’s need for park district services. Carlson said they asked for a $15,000 reduction in impact fees from the Lisle Library District. At Monday night’s meeting the village board approved some revisions to the village fire code that Carlson said will save the development $2 million. Securing financing is the "last piece" of the project, expected to break ground in August if they get the go-ahead.
The request caused some contention between board members. The argument ultimately came down to whether commissioners would give a break to a fledging development in a hard economic climate, or protect their taxpayers from further burden.
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President Don Cook said the development should not be granted any reduction, because there’s no certainty that tenants wouldn’t utilize park district facilities or programs. Cook recalled petition efforts by the Hunt Club and Corporate Woods subdivision, who also cited a lack of use for wanting to leave the park district, though records show that some programs were used by the subdivisions.
Commissioner Margaret Hough said, “We can’t pass a tax burden onto other citizens right now.”
Superintendent of finance Scott Silver expressed concern that the reduction in impact fees would create a precedent with future developments. He felt that residents would be less likely to pass a referendum in the future if the park district “turns away tax dollars now.”
Commissioner Kanzler, however, believes this situation is not comparable to a subdivision asking to deannex. She thinks the development could bring new life to the village.
“If you can justify the TIF, how can you justify denying relief?” she asked.
Commissioner Anthony Carballo stated he believed that the project had merit. With banks slowly freeing up more financing, he felt that the project could continue without the reduction in impact fees.
The board did not make a decision on Thursday. Representatives will continue to keep in touch with the park district, and commissioners may make a vote at their next regular meeting.
Other items discussed include:
- Dan Garvy, director of parks and recreation, said plans for MicroSun Technologies to vacate the 1925 Ohio St. building next month is still on schedule.
- Superintendent of recreation Mike Toohey confirmed that a Civil War re-enactor will be added to the list of exhibitors at Depot Days this year.
- Commissioner Carballo suggested that the board consider instituting a recognition award for citizens and staff that make great contributions to the park district.
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