The Naperville Plan Commission last week rejected a developer’s proposal to build 51 homes designed for empty-nesters on 30 acres at the northeast corner of 111th Street and 248th Avenue.
Commissioners voted 4-2 against the project, saying it was not creative. Others said the city’s master land-use plan did not call for empty-nester housing in that area.
“Right now it goes against what we know is on the books there. There is no guarantee that the people who are going to move here are going to be older,” said Commissioner Bill Jepson. “We have to adhere to the ordinances on the books.”
Other commissioners thought the proposal was good but thought the City Council should clarify the city’s needs for age-restricted vs. age-targeted neighborhoods.
“This product is needed in Naperville. I think this is a good plan regardless of the age-targeted or age-restricted issue and I will support it,” said Commissioner Grant Wehrli.
Nearby residents opposed the project because the lots were considerably smaller than in their neighborhood and because of the developer’s choice of building materials.
“It will dramatically change the feel of the subdivision,” said resident Gary Svac.
The proposal was previously approved by the commission in 2001. Since then, the developer changed the designation of the development from age-restricted to age-targeted.