Westmont considers rezoning Grant Street property from business to single family housing

The Village of Westmont Planning and Zoning Commission convened on February 12, 2025, to discuss a significant rezoning request for a property located at 418 North Grant Street. This site, currently zoned as B2 General Business District, has remained vacant since its annexation into the village in 2007. The property owner is seeking to rezone it to R3 Single Family Residential, a move that aligns with the village's comprehensive land use plan.

The property is situated at the end of a cul-de-sac, behind the Tesla and Lincoln dealerships, and lacks direct access to Grant Street. The commission noted that the site has a complicated history, including a previous attempt to develop it as an automobile dealership, which ultimately did not materialize. The current owner faces challenges due to existing easements, including a 60-foot detention easement that may need to be vacated before any construction can proceed.

During the meeting, the commission emphasized the importance of neighborhood compatibility and the implications of spot zoning. The surrounding areas include single-family zoning to the north and business zoning to the south and east. If the neighboring unincorporated DuPage County properties were to be annexed into Westmont, they would also be classified as R3 zoning.

The commission's discussions highlighted the potential for residential development in an area that has remained undeveloped for years. The outcome of this rezoning request could pave the way for new single-family homes, contributing to the community's growth and addressing housing needs. The commission will continue to evaluate the proposal, considering both the practical implications and the community's overall development strategy.