ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) — On Tuesday night, residents from two Elgin subdivisions will have their first opportunity to meet with the attorneys representing developers aiming to construct a Hindu temple and townhomes in their neighborhood.
Some residents say they are concerned that the plans would increase traffic and congestion.
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Behind Jessica Astrug’s home, in the Elgin subdivision of Oak Ridge, sits 34 acres of undeveloped land.
“It’s calm. It’s quiet. I hear nature. It’s very refreshing,” Astrug said.
But Astrug says she is concerned that would change with plans underway to bring a Hindu temple, townhomes and condo building to the site.
“The scale of this project will significantly increase the traffic flowing through our peaceful and serene community,” Astrug mentioned.
The land, at Galt Boulevard, north of Route 20, was bought more than a year ago for $1.3 million and is currently zoned for industrial use.
Peter Bazos is the attorney for the developers who want it rezoned for mixed use.
Bazos explained, “Our proposal involves placing a semi-institutional building, specifically a temple, adjacent to the railroad tracks. Moving eastward towards Oak Ridge, we intend to develop townhomes.”
Astrug says people who live in Oak Ridge and residents of neighboring subdivision Sherwood Oaks were only notified about plans for the development recently, and more than 100 people have signed a petition in protest.
“We as a community should and do have a voice in what is coming to be a part of the community,” Astrug said.
Bazos says he looks forward to an informational meeting with residents to share details of the plans and discuss their concerns.
“We think this is far better for the neighbors than industrial,” Bazos said.
On Monday, Elgin’s planning and zoning commission will discuss the proposed development.
Astrug says she and her neighbors will also attend that meeting.
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