From all indications given by some members of the Villa Park Village Board at a recent meeting, Lincoln Property Co. will receive full approval next month for its plans to redevelop the former Ovaltine factory and property into retail space and about 350 apartment units.
Village President Rae Rupp-Srch, who favors the project, and Trustee Joyce Daly, who does not support it in its current form, said there appears to be sufficient trustee support for Lincoln’s development concept. And as a whole, the board appeared interested in working with Lincoln to negotiate the best possible development.
“My main concern is the density,” said Trustee Larry Dean. “Other than that, I think it’s a good project.”
The density is one of the key issues, with trustees already having voted 5-2 to require Lincoln to reduce its planned density to 350 units, from the 380 that had been proposed.
Daly had supported dropping three buildings, or 66 units, while Trustee Joyce Stupegia unsuccessfully lobbied for a reduction of two buildings, or 44 units, for a total of 336 units.
Lincoln officials have said the company cannot bring the number of units below about 350 and remain profitable. Brian Byrne, a Lincoln senior vice president, admitted as much when he said Lincoln was willing to drop one building, or 22 units, but could not eliminate three buildings.
“This project does not have (considerable) leeway,” Byrne said. “If you start knocking out buildings 7, 8, 9 and 10, you will knock out this project. The Ovaltine building has sat empty for 12 years and needs money, but we’re not going to put one dime into this project if we can’t get a return on our investment.”
After the meeting, Byrne would not say the number of units would be cut to 350, but he promised that at least one building would be eliminated.
Architect Joe Valerio said he would work to move proposed buildings away from Monterey and Wildwood Avenues, and he noted that the removal of one building would free up the development’s site plan.
The board also indicated strong concerns regarding construction traffic if the development is approved. The board hasn’t formally heard input yet from residents of the immediate area, most of whom are very opposed to the development, but about 45 were in attendance at a recent meeting, and far greater numbers are expected at coming meetings.
“I’m sure there are numbers of units in this development that some people will never agree with, no matter how low those numbers are, but this is a very positive project for that area,” Rupp-Srch said.
As part of the development, which would be called the Works at the Prairie Path, Lincoln would build 130 lofts in the old Ovaltine factory. The rest of the 14.4-acre property would be cleared and developed with about 12 apartment buildings and at least one retail building.
