Plainfield Village Board Meeting - November 3, 2025

The Plainfield Village Board met on November 3, 2025, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included the swearing-in of an ex-officio plan commissioner, recognition of local high school marching bands, public comments on a proposed mixed-use development, and votes on several development and administrative items. Key actions included approval of the Wallin Woods multifamily development (4-2), unanimous approval of a Seven Brew Coffee drive-thru, and authorization of a facility accessibility assessment and replacement of police department rooftop units.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the October 20, 2025, board meeting.
• Approved the bills paid and bills payable report for November 3, 2025.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Stephanie Kuhn (Wallin Woods resident): Expressed serious concerns about the proposed Marquette Wallin Woods multifamily site, citing a traffic study conducted in 2023 that did not account for recent school enrollment increases, new developments (Keller Farm), or true local peak traffic times near Ira Jones Middle School and Wallin Oaks Elementary. She also noted that Wallin Oaks and Ira Jones are over capacity (108% and 107% respectively, projected to increase). She requested the board deny final approval until a new, comprehensive traffic study is completed.
• Jared Steimer (Wallin Woods resident): Opposed the development, citing concerns about density (565 rental units vs. 217 existing homes) and that all units are rentals rather than for-sale homes. He argued that a community of homeowners provides more stability and long-term investment in the neighborhood, and urged a no vote until density and rental-only issues are addressed.
• Lyle Huggard: Commented that the planned building materials (not brick) do not match the existing brick structures along Lockport Street, and questioned the traffic study's methodology, noting high traffic on Route 126 during early morning hours.
• Samantha Dickey (Wallin Woods resident): Called the development an "egregious failure" and urged the board to work on preventing similar issues in the future by addressing long annexation agreements that allow outdated plans to be revived.

Discussion Items

• Swearing-in of Ex-Officio Plan Commissioner: Michael Stockdown was sworn in as an ex-officio plan commissioner.
• Recognition of Plainfield High School Bands: The board recognized Plainfield North High School Band (first place in Class 5A, fourth overall in finals) and Plainfield Central High School Band (fourth place in Class 5A, 11th overall in finals). Band directors Tim Hatcher and Chris Vanderwill spoke about the students' achievements and community support.
• Agenda Amendment: The board unanimously voted to remove Item 6 (Plainfield Business Park West) at the developer's request.
• Public Hearing for Nook by Elvant Apartments: The board opened and continued the public hearing to the November 17, 2025, meeting. No testimony was taken.
• Wallin Woods Multifamily Development (Marquette Companies): Staff presented the revised plan: 565 residential units (down from the originally approved 790+), 8,000 sq ft of commercial, a dog park, and a trail connection to Settlers Park. The developer also committed to donating a 3-acre parcel for park expansion in exchange for permit fee waivers. A traffic study from December 2023 concluded no major road improvements were needed, only a deceleration lane and signal timing adjustments. Board members discussed the reduced density (15.6 units/acre vs. 22), the change from 5-story to 3-story maximum height, and the developer's effort to buffer existing homes with landscaping. Some trustees expressed concern about traffic impacts and the inclusion of triplexes (not all single-family) along Ottawa Street. The vote was 4-2 to approve the site plan and final plat.
• Seven Brew Coffee Drive-Thru (Special Use, Variances, Site Plan): The proposal is to redevelop the vacant Chili's site at 12740 S. Route 59. The plan includes a drive-thru with stacking for 38 cars, a pass-through lane, and LED lighting with shields. Staff noted the site conforms to code and received a positive recommendation from the Plan Commission. The developer (Laura Pacino) reported high demand in the region and noted that this larger site would accommodate queues better than their Naperville location. Board members raised concerns about pedestrian/bike access and lighting, but ultimately voted unanimously to approve all three items (variances, special use, site plan).
• 2025 Tax Levy Preliminary Estimate: The board acknowledged a preliminary estimate of $11,586,000, which is the maximum amount the village can request. A public hearing will be held December 1, 2025. The board will discuss the rate further at a November 10 workshop.
• Facility Accessibility Assessment: The board authorized a $34,149 agreement with WT Group to assess all public facilities for ADA compliance and develop a transition plan. This is part of a broader effort to meet new DOJ ADA rules, including website compliance and public right-of-way assessments.
• Police Department Rooftop Unit Replacement: The board approved the purchase and installation of two 50-ton rooftop units (Trane) and associated building automation upgrades, totaling up to $702,687.30. The installation will be done by Helm, the village's existing service provider.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (4-2): Site plan review and final plat for Wallin Woods multifamily development (Trustees Paniker and Sula voting no).
• Approved (unanimous): Ordinance 3766 (variances) for Seven Brew Coffee.
• Approved (unanimous): Ordinance 3767 (special use permit) for Seven Brew Coffee.
• Approved (unanimous): Site plan review for Seven Brew Coffee.
• Acknowledged (unanimous): Preliminary estimate of 2025 tax levy ($11,586,000).
• Approved (unanimous): Service agreement with WT Group for facility accessibility assessment ($34,149).
• Approved (unanimous): Proposals for police department rooftop unit replacement (Trane: $335,353.20; Helm: $367,334.10).
• Continued: Public hearing for Nook by Elvant Apartments to November 17, 2025.