COD 'Dramatically' Scales Back Long-Term Development
County development committee members approve COD's modified development.
When College of DuPage officials first presented long-term development plans to DuPage County for approval, residents were outspoken about the addition of approximately 734,000 square feet of new buildings. After listening to the concerns of its neighbors, the college presented a new and dramatically scaled back proposed development request.
In the second step of a three-step process, DuPage County development committee members voted to approve the modified site plan, which now calls for the addition of approximately 396,000 square feet of new buildings instead of the original 734,000 square feet. DuPage County Board members will have the final vote at an upcoming meeting after reviewing the recommendations of the county zoning board of appeals and development committee.
"The removal of these items is the byproduct of the college that has listened and heard the concerns of its neighbors," said COD attorney, Steve Ruffalo.
The original proposed buildings located on the western side of the 273-acre campus, have been whittled down to one three-story building, totaling 70,000 square feet.
The college nixed plans to add a water tower, electronic message sign and any proposed development north of Fawell Boulevard. The college site plan calls for a new concession building totaling 4,800 square feet near the softball and baseball fields.
Village of Glen Ellyn officials have attended numerous public hearings regarding this college's proposed development. The village was concerned about the lack of detail in previous plans and the impact new buildings would have on neighbors. Michele Stegall, village planner was enthusiastic about the changes she saw Tuesday.
"I was surprised and very pleased to see the plan that is before us this afternoon," said Stegall.
A few residents came out to voice their opinions on the proposed changes. None of the comments were overly critical like in previous meetings but one new homeowner, who was unaware of the proposed changes before she purchased the condo, was upset about the changes.
"We accept that this plan development is not going to please everyone," said Ruffalo.
College President Robert Breuder attended Tuesday's meeting and told residents he will host meetings with neighbors in the fall and spring to increase communication, so everyone is aware of the college's happenings.
"Rest assured we understand our responsibility as a corporate citizen," said Brueder.
Mickey Barks
10:51 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Give me a break Brueder - what suddenly increased your "understanding of your responsibility..."? The fact that your grandiose plans where shot down so NOW you realize you have to talk with your neighbors? Why didn't you meet with the neighbors BEFORE trying to drastically alter the neighborhood? That is what a responsible corporate citizen would have done. Instead you choose to battle it out in public zoning meetings. Thanks should go to the zoning board for actually being responsible "corporate citizens".
Carol F
7:54 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Samantha, Thanks for the article. I was out of town and missed the meeting. Was there any mention about the current construction that is happening? COD has ripped out all of the natural landscaping around the retention pond by the MAC. Supposedly an Island with a sculpture is being added as well. I did not see any of this in the original plans. Also does this mean that all of the existing signage is being approved?
Norman R
9:18 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
I attended the development meeting and did speak when given the opportunity. I took exception to the statement by the college representative that the southwest corner of the college is the "service park" of the college. It has never been that, and was open space and a wetlands. The building of a "materials staging" area within yards of existing residences was inexcusable. Dr. Breuder announced that there will be regularly scheduled meetings with the "neighbors" of the college. When, or if, these do occur, I will be there. The representatives and Dr. Breuder used the word "community" when describing the college and it's role. That's the first time in a long time that I've heard the lawyers, etc. use that word. That was a positive development.
Norman R
9:21 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
During the meeting, Dr. Breuder also stated that the area in the southwest corner of the college and adjoining Briarcliffe Lakes Manor Homes and the existing wetland will be completed in 2012. That is, the "pond 9" will be bermed, green and somewhat shielded from the neighbors and that the 'material staging area" will be cleaned up and returned to a landscaped area.