Politics & Government
Combination Historical House and Daycare Plan Gains Approval
Haven Commons, a proposed development that includes the preservation of a house under consideration for placement on the the Will County Historic Registry, gains approval.
Haven Commons, a proposed development at Haven Avenue and Prairie Road, was granted approval by the Village Board.
Despite earlier opposition by a handful of surrounding neighbors on the 200 block of Haven Avenue, village trustees approved a recommendation by planners to authorize a special use permit for a preliminary development. The plan calls for the construction of a one-story daycare center in the rear of a 2.6-acre parcel.
The project is tied to plans by the New Lenox Historical Society to take over the former home of Hazel Francis, 220 E. Haven Ave. The house, built in 1900, has captured the attention of the New Lenox Area Historical Society. The now vacant home is under consideration for placement on the Will County Historic Registry. The house has fallen into disrepair over the last few years, since Hazel Francis died at the age of 100. Nevertheless, the historical society has maintained its interest in the property.
Lori Lindberg, a trustee on the historical society board, said the two-story Victorian-style homestead is a candidate for a historic museum for New Lenox. However, those plans are yet at the infancy stage.
READ: Village Ties PUD to Historical Museum
The home will remain on the property, said developer Brian Rigsby. Still, he has altered his initial proposal to construct a one-story office building on the parcel as well. The property proved inadequate for necessary water detention.
Rigsby is moving forward with construction of a 6,400-square-foot daycare center across the back of the property. A circular driveway is planned for access to the facility. He told board members that he designed the entrance and exit so that it would not interfere with traffic at the intersection.
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Trustee Nancy Dye expressed some concern about the potential for a backup along Haven Avenue, but Rigsby said the driveway would be built wide enough to accommodate a steady flow of traffic.
An 18-car parking lot is included in the plan. Trustee Annette Bowden was pleased that the project, which received input from village staff, included a restriction on parking lot lighting. The lights can't go on before 5:30 a.m., and they have to be off by 6:30 p.m.
Trustees also called upon Rigsby to establish a buffer between the neighboring homes and the project. A combination of landscaping and fencing was approved.
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