FRANKFORT
Builder gets extra time for subdivision
A developer can have more time to build a residential subdivision in the weakened housing market, but Frankfort trustees want upscale amenities to remain part of the plan.
“We’re asking for some help to make sure this subdivision stays afloat,” Rick Raspante of McNaughton Development told the Village Board this week.
The board agreed to let the company build the Crystal Brook subdivision at the northwest corner of Steger Road and Harlem Avenue in three phases instead of two but balked at requests to alter a plan approved in 2005 by deleting a bridge to Harlem Avenue and a bike path.
Raspante said the company started marketing some of the proposed 185 single-family lots in the summer of 2006 but hasn’t found any buyers.
Green space along Harlem Avenue would be just as attractive as the bridge, he said, noting that the subdivision has other unique features, including an arboretum.
“To me, that doesn’t make any sense,” said Trustee Todd Morgan. The subdivision residents should have an access road to Harlem Avenue, Morgan said. He also cautioned against setting a precedent that allows developers to renegotiate amenities. The developer can come back with another proposal, trustees said.
— Pat Harper
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PALOS HILLS
Moraine Valley OKs big tuition increase
Trustees at Moraine Valley Community College this week voted 5-1 to increase tuition 35 percent over the next three years.
The increased rates kick in starting with the upcoming fall semester.
Trustee Susan Murphy of Palos Heights cast the lone dissent. She said she would have supported a tuition increase but not 35 percent over three years.
“I am a nursing student myself and understand this is going to make it a lot more difficult for people to pay their bills,” Murphy said.
Student Trustee William Obuchowski cast his final advisory vote in favor of the increase. His post will be assumed by a new student trustee at the next meeting.
“The students said they didn’t want to see the institution suffer,” Obuchowski said.
Board Chairman Joe Murphy pushed for the move, which was greater than the 27 percent tuition increase recommended by the chief financial officer March 6.
“I think everyone realized these are much needed additional resources that will make up for what the state has shortchanged us. The college remains very economical,” he said after the meeting.
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Moraine Valley’s tuition rates are lower than the majority of other community colleges in the state.
— Jeff Borgardt
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PLAINFIELD
Construction to begin on Lockport Street
Driving through downtown Plainfield will take a bit of maneuvering starting Monday.
Construction crews will begin work on a $7.25 million project on Lockport Street from Illinois Highway 59 west to James Street. Work includes installing new water and sewer lines and updating the downtown streetscape with decorative pavers, benches, lights and trash bins.
Westbound lanes will be closed during construction. Traffic will be detoured to Illinois Highway 126 or to 143rd Street. Pedestrian traffic also may be limited in downtown areas during construction.
Plainfield Mayor James Waldorf said the village will try to avoid relocating any special events in the downtown area during construction. Most of the construction work is expected to be completed by the end of October.
— Alicia Fabbre