A proposed Homer Glen mixed-use development would have condominiums and duplexes that could sell for up to $1 million, a developer told the Village Board Wednesday.
During an informal information session, residents said they were concerned apartments or rental units would be included and questioned if they would be low-income housing.
Developer Boris Predovich said there are no apartments or rental units in the plan and said the potential price point was geared to create an upscale development.
Predovich proposes to build Arya on 15.5 vacant acres just east of 12542 W. 159th St. The development is comprised of retail as well as condos and a gated duplex community.
The project is in its early stages and must go through a formal review with village staff, the Plan Commission and Village Board before the board votes on it. No Plan Commission date has been set.
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The proposal includes 66 new homes. Of those, 20 would be duplex buildings, or 40 homes total, which would start at about $600,000.
Two three-story buildings fronting 159th Street would contain stores on the first floor and condos on the second and third floors. Each of the buildings would have 13 condos. The penthouse units, which would approach about $1 million to buy, would contain outdoor terraces. There would be indoor parking for 68 cars, according to the development team.
Other amenities include a pavilion with an outdoor fireplace and seating area, a putting green, a tot lot and a meditation area, Predovich said.
The project has the potential to bring in more than $1 million in real estate taxes and $1 million in sales taxes yearly, Predovich said.
Residents said Wednesday they were concerned the homes might be Section 8 rentals and wanted to know what impact the project might have on traffic, schools and the night sky. Homer Glen is an International Dark Sky Community recognized for its ordinances that reduce light pollution.
Predovich said the plan is not likely to generate many schoolchildren because it is not considered “starter homes,” but a tot lot play area was added for grandparents who might want to downsize but still remain in the area.
“There might be a time in your life you want to simplify,” Predovich said. “You don’t want to cut your grass. You want to walk to your coffee shop instead of getting in the car. … The goal is local conveniences, improved tax bases.”
He said the development was designed with Homer Glen’s character in mind, and all Dark Sky regulations would be followed.
“I think we are creating an elevated living experience,” Predovich said. “There is no such thing in Homer Glen right now. That should be exciting. I understand with excitement comes change and many of us don’t like change.”
Village officials took no action Wednesday, but said the project is in the early review stages.
“As it continues through the proper review process, my focus will remain on three things: no rentals, no neighborhood cut-through traffic, and strong protections for the residents,” Trustee Robert Schaller said.
Predovich said if the project is approved, construction wouldn’t begin until 70% of the condos are sold.
“We all agree we don’t want apartments,” Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike said.
Resident Linda Stone said she was concerned that changing the zoning to accommodate the project would set a precedent in Homer Glen and open the door to broader zoning changes.
Adding 66 new homes “would overwhelm the area, increase congestion and diminish our small town character,” Stone said.
She urged the board to vote against rezoning and the Arya project when it comes to them.
Resident Larry Haan said he liked the concept and believed the village has strict building codes to ensure it is done right.
“I’m kind of liking the project,” Haan said. “I think if you don’t come here, you are going somewhere else. I wouldn’t mind seeing it here.”
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.