Trustees to Reconsider Banner Housing Project

The developers of a proposed fixed income senior housing facility on Ogden Avenue submitted a revised proposal following the trustees’ of previous plans at Monday's village board meeting.

Last fall Banner Apartments LLC sought approval for a 93-unit apartment complex at 3060 and 3080 Ogden Ave. At the time, trustees felt that the number of units was too dense and residents were potentially isolated from village amenities. Naperville lawyer Russell G. Whitaker presented a new plan that cuts the scope of development and addresses issues of transportation and community. They have also withdrawn a request for tax abatement from the village.

Banner’s new proposal eliminated more than 30 units, bumping the site’s parking ratio from .83 to 1.18 spaces per unit, which Whitaker said was ‘significantly more than traditionally required.’

The decrease also allows for more green space. In addition to a piece of undevelopable land on the northeast corner of the site, Banner doubled the green space on the northwest corner. Whitaker said it would act as a further buffer between the housing facility and single family residents immediately to the north of the property. Around the perimeter of the building, residents would have walking paths, an outdoor patio and gazebo. Whitaker said the developers were working with DuPage County to construct a gravel path that would lead from the building to a Pace bus stop on Fender Road to the east.

Residents would also have an on-site bus and the bottom floor the facility would be dedicated to community space for storage, fitness classes, book clubs and movie nights.

Whitaker said the developers will offer rents at two income brackets. While regular rent for a one-bedroom is estimated at $700/month and a three-bedroom for $900/month, those who qualify could pay as little as $300 a month for a one-bedroom.

“There’s very nice senior housing in Lisle, but it’s not fixed rate,” Whitaker said in defense of the project.

The developers are seeking R4 zoning for the property at the next village meeting.

“The changes made are significant, it gives us pause to think,” said trustee Joe Schmitt.

 Other matters discussed:

• Several Lisle Police Department officers were in attendance for the appointment of to the full-time position. Mayor Broda said they trustees knew they had qualified candidates internally, and the 31-year veteran was the most qualified. Village clerk Timothy Seeden swore Kosatka in, and Broda presented his new badge.
  
  Kosatka said he was proud and honored to take on the position, adding, “I’ve worked my way through all the ranks…. I do know the town and know the people, and feel I can move the department in the right direction.”

• In accordance with changes to the , the village board of trustees passed a revision to remove time limits on displaying campaign signs. Previously signs could only be displayed between 30 days prior and seven days after the election.
  
  The law, which changed in June 2010, still allows municipalities to set size regulations.
  
  The change only applies to residential areas. The village revised the text of its ordinance to state that the previously mentioned time limits apply only to public and non-residential areas.

• Trustees approved a on the Hotel/Motel Tax to fund the Lisle Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
• The trustees approved an additional Class 9 liquor license for Tairyo (3099 Ogden Ave.), the village’s newest restaurant at the former Landee location.
• Trustees recommended the drafting of documents to split a property at 940 Gamble Dr. into two lots. Only Cathy Cawiezel voted against the measure, citing concern from neighbors that it will change the character of the neighborhood.