The Downers Grove Village Council postponed an anticipated vote to allow construction of a new Walgreens pharmacy on the south side of town, amid a chorus of vocal residents who say the store would destroy the neighborhood.
“We’re still very much in the stage of asking, ‘Is this something we support?” said Commissioner Bob Barnett following Tuesday night’s council meeting. He said extra time was needed to listen to all sides and make a decision. He said he is in favor of moving forward with the plan at the next council meeting on March 6.
“We would like to find a way to make it work,” Barnett said.
Residents near 63rd Street and Woodward Avenue, where the store would be built, showed up to voice opposition for the third council meeting. They were notified earlier in the day there would be no vote.
They say the store’s proximity to both Downers Grove South High School and Indian Trail Elementary would pose a risk to children walking to school, degrade property values and increase noise and traffic. They also worry about flooding.
Under the proposal, the 15,000-square-foot Walgreens would be built in an area that is currently unincorporated.
Because it is unincorporated, Chicago real-estate firm Draper and Kramer, working on behalf the pharmacy, is asking the council to annex the property, consolidate a handful of residential lots and zone the area to allow commercial business. Developers also are seeking a special use permit, which would allow a drive-through prescription pick-up window.
Liz Chaplin, who lives nearby on Pershing Avenue, said the proposal is at odds with the village’s own planning documents. The recently approved comprehensive plan calls for light-duty office space in the area.
Residents note the village’s plan commission rejected the proposal on a 7 to 1 vote.
“The big concern is the village paid thousands for this plan and in the plan it specifically shows that corner should be low intensity office space,” Chaplin said. “They just passed (the plan). Why are they ignoring it now?”
Members of the village council have said traffic, safety and noise concerns must be addressed before the project moves forward. They have also noted developers pledged to build a sidewalk where there currently isn’t one. Additionally a green-space buffer would be built between existing homes and the proposed store.
Mayor Martin Tully said he doesn’t believe the Walgreens is at odds with the village’s plan.
“The comprehensive plan clearly says it’s supposed to be (zoned) commercial,” Tully said. “Once you accept the concept … when opportunities present themselves you don’t shoo them away.”
