Concept plans for a grocery store and two retail centers got the nod Wednesday night from City Council members who indicated they will look for cooperation with nearby residents as the plans progress.
The grocery chain Aldi hopes to build a 16,207-square-foot store on the west side of Farrell Road, south of 159th Street. Homes surround the area and although residents support the idea of a grocery store they continue to have concerns. Screening between the store and homes as well as tree preservation were brought up. Aldi representatives said it is too early to know all the details related to those issues, but the company is willing to work with residents.
Attorney Ron Caneva explained the project will come before the council again for zoning changes and for a public hearing after Ald. Dev Trivedi (4th) asked if they would be able to deny the project in the future if they weren’t satisfied with the detailed plans.
The concept plans of two 13,200-square-foot retail centers were approved. The development will be on the south side of 167th Street east of Gougar Road.
It was also announced that Patrick Burelle, who was hired at the beginning of November as building department director, will be leaving to take an administrative position in western Illinois. Village Planner Steve Lazarra also handed in his resignation and plans to return to work for Will County.
The city has seen vacancies and job changes in key positions since the April election when a new mayor, clerk and several new aldermen were seated.
