ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) — In Elgin, residents of two subdivisions will have the opportunity to meet with developers’ attorneys for the first time on Tuesday. The developers aim to introduce a Hindu temple and townhomes into the area.
Some residents say they are concerned that the plans would increase traffic and congestion.
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Behind Jessica Astrug’s home, in the Elgin subdivision of Oak Ridge, sits 34 acres of undeveloped land.
“It’s calm. It’s quiet. I hear nature. It’s very refreshing,” Astrug said.
But Astrug says she is concerned that would change with plans underway to bring a Hindu temple, townhomes and condo building to the site.
“Astrug expressed concern about the potential increase in traffic due to the significant scale of this project within their peaceful and quiet community,” Astrug said.
The land, at Galt Boulevard, north of Route 20, was bought more than a year ago for $1.3 million and is currently zoned for industrial use.
Peter Bazos is the attorney for the developers who want it rezoned for mixed use.
“Bazos explained that the proposal involves placing a temple, classified as a quasi-institutional use, adjacent to the railroad tracks. Moving east towards Oak Ridge, the plan includes constructing townhomes,” Bazos said.
Astrug says people who live in Oak Ridge and residents of neighboring subdivision Sherwood Oaks were only notified about plans for the development recently, and more than 100 people have signed a petition in protest.
“We as a community should and do have a voice in what is coming to be a part of the community,” Astrug said.
Bazos says he looks forward to an informational meeting with residents to share details of the plans and discuss their concerns.
“We think this is far better for the neighbors than industrial,” Bazos said.
On Monday, Elgin’s planning and zoning commission will discuss the proposed development.
Astrug says she and her neighbors will also attend that meeting.
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