A developer has proposed to demolish the Northbrook shopping center near downtown to construct three condominium buildings. This proposal is now set to be reviewed by the Plan Commission following a decision by the Northbrook Village Board. This decision was made during their meeting on August 25, where the board opted to send the proposal first to the Plan Commission instead of conducting their own initial review.
The original decision for a board review was made on May 26 but was later reversed. Trustee Johannah Hebl was the sole dissenter in the recent vote. The meeting saw the attendance of dozens of Northbrook residents who have been protesting against the Pulte Homes proposal. Village officials estimated that at least 100 residents were present at the meeting.
Pulte Homes has filed a zoning application to redevelop the Meadow Plaza Shopping Center located at 1901 Cherry Lane. Their plan includes three six-story condo buildings comprising 150 units, which include 23 affordable units, along with two commercial spaces and a river walk. The shopping center, established in 1959, houses essential businesses like Ace Hardware, a shoe repair shop, a dry cleaner, Dollar Tree, and an auto parts store.
Residents expressed concern that the proposal threatens the businesses they rely on daily. Pulte Homes initially presented their plans to the Board in May and submitted a formal zoning application on August 3. The planned development exceeds local zoning guidelines, which cap building heights at four stories in the downtown area. To achieve five or six stories, a special permit or a Planned Unit Development process is required.
The Plan Commission will assess the proposal before the Board’s consideration, as stated by Anna Ables, the village’s communications director. She emphasized that resident interest in the project is high, and the Plan Commission’s review will focus more specifically on zoning.
Village President Kathryn Ciesla noted the application is incomplete and undergoing staff review, with no set date for a Plan Commission hearing. Resident comments were postponed to the meeting’s end, causing some dissatisfaction due to its over three-hour duration. Residents reiterated concerns about potential increased density, traffic, and the impact on long-standing businesses.
“I know one of the trustees mentioned how the village would help the stores who may have to open somewhere else, but when that small business owner is in a different place, he or she often gets forgotten,” said Jane Mentzer.
Issues were also raised about Freedom of Information Act requests being ignored. Residents such as Pat Young and others described unfulfilled requests for communications discussing code changes, leading Ciesla to promise an attorney review.
Susan Nelson, a resident who initiated the “Save Downtown Northbrook” campaign, voiced opposition during the meeting. Many attendees wore campaign shirts, highlighting widespread community resistance. An online petition opposing the redevelopment has garnered over 5,000 signatures.
In a previous communication, Ciesla acknowledged community concerns about displacing businesses at Meadow Plaza and stressed ongoing efforts to support affected businesses via connections to alternative commercial spaces. She emphasized that private property transactions remain beyond the village’s control.
Ciesla and the Village Board members highlighted the necessity of following due legal processes, ensuring formal hearings occur before any decisions are finalized. Trustee Hebl underscored the importance of the process, encouraging understanding and discourse.