Village Considers Waukegan Road Site Plan

A proposal to alter the site plan for an office building on the east side of Waukegan Road one block north of Lake Avenue was continued by the Tuesday to allow the owner to fine tune the idea. 

The owners of the 50-year old office building want to move a staircase that would require elimination of the property’s direct access to Waukegan Road. Village officials and the Commission are thrilled with the prospect.

“Closing the curb cut on Waukegan Road is a big benefit,” Planning Director said. “It is in conjunction with the long term Waukegan Road Plan.” 

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Two options were presented by architect, the owner’s representative. Both maintained the required 32 parking spaces but the traffic flow was not totally to the Commission’s liking. 

“I’m uncomfortable approving nine foot aisles,” Commissioner said. “We don’t want to set a precedent.” With that, Sargent offered the commissioners two more options.

The option that required an easement from the neighbor to the north of the property allowing people to drive directly from one parcel to the other was their favorite. 

“They haven’t indicated they’re interested,” Sargent said of the owner of the apartment building immediately north of the office structure. Commission Chairman urged him to make a renewed effort.

“We need to come up with an idea to prompt the owner to go to the neighbor (get an agreement for an easement) and change the plan,” Bucklin said. 

Sargent explained the area to the north of the building is a parking lot for the apartments. Bucklin and his fellow commissioners want people to drive directly into the adjoining lot and ultimately onto Waukegan Road. “They won’t have such a difficult maneuver turning around,” Bucklin said. 

Sargent will return to the Plan Commission at 7 p.m. Sept. 13 with an update.  

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