Journal & Topics Media Group

Meeting With PH Residents Over Townhome Development ‘Contentious But Helpful’


Prospect Heights City Hall, 8 N. Elmhurst Rd.

Ald. Wendy Morgan-Adams (3rd) and Ald. Patrick Ludvigsen (4th) met with Prospect Heights residents Monday night regarding their concerns over the Lexington Townhomes development proposal.

The council has been discussing the 69-unit proposal, which would be built at 1001 Oak Ave., since last year. The development proposal, however, has been met with strong opposition from the residents. 

After Mayor Nicholas Helmer tabled the Lexington proposal pending further city investigation, Morgan-Adams and Ludvigsen met with residents Oct. 19 to hear their concerns. Also in attendance was City Administrator Joe Wade. 

“We had a good turnout…about 12 or 15 people,” said Wade.

The night overall was productive, according to Ludvigsen who spoke to the Journal & Topics later in the week.

“It was contentious but very helpful,” said Ludvigsen.

According to the alderman, residents brought up safety concerns that they believe they would face should the development be approved, including traffic volume increase and the lack of sidewalks near Wheeling High School.

Morgan-Adams told the Journal & Topics that the meeting helped residents better understand the proposal and that the TIF (tax increment financing) that is a part of it would be able to be used to address the concerns raised.

She explained that it would be difficult for the city to be able to receive a grant from the Illinois Dept. of Transportation (IDOT) to be able to address the lack of sidewalks, one of the concerns raised, making it difficult for the city to take action.

“The city can’t afford on its own to pay cash for this project, we just don’t have it,” said Morgan-Adams.

However, the project would allow the TIF to be used to fund sidewalks. Stormwater management would also be addressed to ensure it wouldn’t be an issue for residents.

A resident told the Journal & Topics that Ludvigsen had walked out of the meeting. When asked, Ludvigsen confirmed that statement.

“Yes, I did. Mr. Drake and I, it seemed like I wasn’t helping with the questions he had and the comments he was having so I felt it would be better if Wendy (Morgan-Adams) were to address the other people in the group…instead of having me and Steve (Drake) there arguing, I felt it was best,” said Ludvigsen.

At the time there is no set plan for aldermen to hold another meeting with residents or if different aldermen would be attending.

“I was asked if I would be at the meeting and I said yes so anything could happen in future meetings,” said Ludvigsen.

According to Morgan-Adams, the city engineer will be providing the council with a preliminary engineering estimate for the projects that would benefit from the TIF so that the council has a chance to discuss them during the council meeting on Monday, Oct. 26.

“We are moving forward with the additions, with the residents, based on the discussions we had at this meeting,” said Morgan-Adams.

The Lexington development is scheduled to be back on the city council meeting agenda on Nov. 9.

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