For the second time this month, Homer Glen officials have asked a developer to rework a proposal, saying a 256-unit apartment complex would be too dense for the area.
“Our residents have been very clear that high density is not something they want,” Trustee Nicole La Ha said. “We are here to represent our residents.”
Portfolio Properties is proposing The Gateway at Lucas Farm, an 80-acre residential and commercial development at 12458 W. 159th St.
The plan calls for 256 luxury apartments in four buildings, underground parking, a clubhouse, a pool and 50 town houses. A shopping center anchored by a grocery store would be built on about 43 acres. About 12 acres of wetlands would be enhanced with pedestrian trails.
John Rogers, president of Portfolio Properties, told the Village Board the development, near the Homer Glen border with Orland Park, would be a “front door” to Homer Glen and Will County and attract young professionals and empty nesters.
Developers said the commercial portion of the proposal has attracted interest from national and regional stores, including a grocery store, pharmacy, fitness and entertainment center, a bank, coffee shop, a brewery and a children’s museum. When built, the stores could generate $2 million to $3 million annually in sales tax revenue for the village.
The latest trend is to bring apartments closer to retail by creating a retail and residential mix that was previously seen only in cities, according to Portfolio Properties. The demand for luxury apartments is also increasing, the proposal states.
Trustee Jennifer Consolino said while the concept looked beautiful, residents have been extremely opposed to high density housing. She cited a survey a few years ago in which about 90% of those who responded said they weren’t interested in high density housing.
Homer Township Supervisor Steve Balich said he believes Homer Glen residents do not want apartment buildings.
“If that’s in the comprehensive plan … it needs to be removed,” he said.
No vote was taken on the proposal. Rather, trustees offered the developer feedback so plans could be modified before a formal review process started.
Earlier this month, village officials told a different developer that its residential and commercial proposal several miles west on 159th Street was also too dense.
Developer ILM Homes, Inc. was also asked to rework its proposal, which consisted of 26 duplexes and 160 town houses on about 50 acres of vacant land at 14500 W. 159th Street, about two miles east of the Interstate-355 interchange. About 10.25 acres of land that fronts 159th Street would be set aside for commercial use in its proposal.
License plate readers
The Village Board approved a 60-day trial period for 10 license plate reader cameras.
The Will County sheriff’s office, which provides the village’s police services, asked the Village Board to approve the Flock Safety cameras as part of its efforts in stolen car investigations.
The cameras would be installed at various points, including on major roadways such as 159th Street, Bell Road and 143rd Street.
The license plate readers capture images of license plates and vehicles, allowing officers to compare plates against stolen cars or wanted criminals. Information from the cameras could be shared among many law enforcement departments and provide real-time crime alerts, said Dan Murdock with Flock Safety.
The cameras also help police with Amber and Silver alerts where there are reports of missing or abducted children or missing senior citizens with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, Murdock said. They can also assist police when children report a suspicious vehicle at a bus stop.
More than two-thirds of Will County municipalities have Flock Safety cameras, Murdock said.
Will County Lt. Jim Holuj said Homer Glen had three motor vehicle thefts in 2017, but 13 last year.
Trustee Dan Fialko said one of his concerns was that criminals would find a way around the system. He said he was also concerned about the cost and the potential for creating a Big Brother state.
If the village opts to continue using the cameras, it will cost $29,000 initially with an annual subscription of $25,000 starting in 2023.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
