The Lake Forest Plan Commission voted Thursday to recommend a project that would divide a residential property into three lots allowing a new home to be built on each one.
The five commissioners unanimously voted April 21 to approve a plan by Marlin Ventures of Highwood to split a one-and-a-half acre property at 1363 Estate Lane East on the southwest corner of Estate Lane East and Oak Knoll Drive into three lots ranging from 20,000 to 25,000 square feet. Three new homes would then be built on the divided lots.
At a Feb. 10 meeting of the commission, a dozen residents argued that the smaller lots don’t fit with the neighborhood and that the Estate Lane subdivision would lead to a decrease property values. They also expressed concerns that drainage issues had not been sufficiently addressed.
Cathy Czerniak, community development director, said present zoning allows for the smaller lots and the commission does not have authority over zoning or any potential impact on property values.
At the April 21 meeting, Joy Corona of Bleck Engineering – who was contracted by Marlin Ventures – said constructing a four-foot wide trench with a perforated pipe at the bottom would enable water on the property to drain and that there would be no increase in water runoff.
Dan Strand, a city engineer, agreed.
Neighbors, however, remained skeptical. Mike Kammerer said that some residents south of Estate Lane have occasional flooding and suggested the city install a storm sewer.
Deborah Saran requested more time so neighbors could hire their own expert to analyze drainage.
While the commission did not authorize an extension, Commissioner Michael Freeman later added the condition that any independent engineering reviews be included in the recommendation to the City Council.
The commission is an advisory body and its recommendation will go to the council, which will make a final decision.
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