Residents of Naperville voiced strong concerns during a recent government meeting regarding the proposed Excite project, which includes a self-storage facility, a coffee kiosk, and a daycare center at the intersection of 75th Street and Worley. Local resident Debbie Hoinecke highlighted issues related to the scale of the development, traffic safety, and compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood. She criticized the proposed three-story storage facility, arguing that it sets a troubling precedent for future developments in the area, which were intended to be more in line with the existing residential character.
Hoinecke also expressed disappointment over the missed opportunity to enhance the coffee kiosk's potential by suggesting it could offer a wider range of products and better connectivity to the nearby park, which is frequently used for sports activities. Additionally, she raised concerns about traffic safety, particularly regarding the daycare center's estimated traffic flow, questioning the accuracy of the traffic study and the implications for local congestion.
Brett Paul, president of ExSite Real Estate, defended the project, clarifying that the storage facility would not operate 24 hours a day as previously suggested. He emphasized the developer's efforts to engage with the community and make adjustments to the project based on feedback from local homeowners associations.
Max Coolidge, another resident, challenged the developer's claims about the zoning status of the parcels and raised questions about the proposed sewer system, suggesting that the project should be reviewed more thoroughly by the county board. He expressed concerns about the potential environmental impact and the adequacy of infrastructure to support the new developments.
The meeting also featured comments from residents regarding ongoing flooding issues in the area, with several individuals sharing personal experiences of property damage due to inadequate stormwater management. They criticized the county's response to these concerns and called for more effective solutions to address the flooding problems that have persisted for years.
As the county board prepares to vote on the Excite project, residents are urging for a more comprehensive review of the proposals to ensure that they align with community needs and safety standards.