During a recent government meeting, significant discussions centered around a proposed residential development in Lombard, raising concerns about parking, open space, and the number of requested variances.

One of the primary issues highlighted was the lack of visitor parking in the development plan. A board member expressed concerns about potential parking shortages, particularly if each dwelling accommodates multiple vehicles. The current proposal does not include parking provisions on School Street, which could exacerbate the situation. The discussion emphasized that while the design aims to provide two-car garages and extended driveways, the feasibility of accommodating visitor parking remains uncertain.

The meeting also addressed the number of variances and deviations requested by the developers. Officials confirmed that the proposal includes six deviations and nine variations, countering rumors of a much larger number. These requests are in line with similar developments in the area, such as the Park Place project initiated in 2015, which also required unique adjustments due to its design.

A trustee raised concerns about the reduction of green space, noting that the proposed development would decrease the open space requirement from 50% to 39%. The trustee questioned the rationale behind the decision to target 24 units instead of reducing the number further to meet the open space requirement. Developers explained that the number of units was determined based on various factors, including property costs and infrastructure needs, aiming to balance project viability with community standards.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to provide additional comparative data on other planned unit developments (PUDs) to better inform board members and the public about the implications of the proposed variances. The discussions underscored the complexities of urban development and the ongoing challenge of balancing growth with community needs.