Story posted Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Builder Seeks More Time From City
A large area residential developer, who has sought to build a condominium building or some type of housing project on a 1.2-acre parcel near downtown Des Plaines, is seeking a second extension to move forward with a plan. City Council members were scheduled to consider the proposal at last (Tuesday) night's meeting in City Hall.
In September 2008, aldermen granted a 12-month extension for phase 2 of the Lexington Park townhome development at 254 Laurel Ave., which is situated about a quarter-mile west of City Hall north of Northwest Highway. According to Mike Conlan, Des Plaines' director of Community & Economic Development, the poor housing market has kept Lexington from moving ahead with that phase. The company is asking for a second 12-month city-approved extension.
Construction of townhomes by Lexington on an adjoining 8.2-acre tract began in 2008 and is continuing. Conlan said the 1.2-acre piece of property may now be developed "as complimentary townhome units once Phase 1 work is completed." That means construction of a large condo building on that site appears unlikely.
Said Conlan: "Because the market environment for new housing development is little changed from August of 2008, when the developer received the first 12-month extension for Phase 2, the developer is seeking additional time to assess what types of housing would best suit the final development." He called the request for an extension "timely" and is advising aldermen to grant the proposal. Until Aug. 6, 2010.
The company DoAll used to be located in that area.
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