Committee of the Whole Workshop - Crossroads Business Center Concept Plan

The Village Board held a Committee of the Whole Workshop on July 27, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Village Boardroom. The primary agenda item was a concept plan review for the Caton Commercial proposed development at the southeast corner of Wallin Drive and W 143rd Street, known as Crossroads Business Center, Lot 2. The workshop included staff presentations, applicant details, and extensive trustee discussion and feedback, but no formal votes were taken.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The Board unanimously approved the minutes of the Committee of the Whole Workshop held on June 8, 2026. (Motion and voice vote passed.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public spoke during the public comment period.

Discussion Items

• Concept Plan Overview: Staff (Mr. Melrose) and applicant Bill Caton (Caton Commercial) presented a concept plan for a flex industrial/commercial development on an 8-acre lot zoned B3. The plan includes 6 buildings totaling approximately 98,000 square feet—74,400 square feet of light industrial/flex space (5,000–10,000 sq ft units) and 26,800 square feet of commercial/retail-facing space with smaller units (~1,575 sq ft). The site is part of a previously master-planned area and is adjacent to industrial and memory care uses. The applicant emphasized no outdoor storage, an HOA for road maintenance, and phased construction (three phases starting with two northern buildings).
• Parking and Circulation: The planning commission raised concerns about parking on the access drive and tight turning radii. The applicant noted plans to address this with speed limits, stop signs, and potential curb modifications to accommodate trailers. Trustees expressed concerns about backing out into traffic and recommended further design refinement.
• South Buffer to Memory Care: The southern portion of the site abuts a memory care assisted living facility. The applicant agreed to provide a berm, fence, landscaping (evergreens and tall shrubs), and low-level lighting to minimize noise and light intrusion. Trustees strongly advocated for dense landscaping and lower light fixtures to support resident well-being.
• Building Materials: The applicant proposed using insulated metal panels (IMPs) for the industrial buildings, arguing that modern IMPs are energy-efficient, durable, and cost-effective compared to tilt-up concrete. Some trustees questioned whether this complied with village code (which suggests masonry but does not require it) and expressed willingness to consider the material via the PUD process, cautioning about precedent.
• Garbage and Utilities: Trustees noted the proposed two dumpster enclosures may be insufficient for the number of units, especially with for-sale units where owners prefer individual trash service. They advised more dumpster placements and careful planning for meter bank locations to avoid unsightly front/end placements.
• Traffic and Timing: Trustees expressed concern about traffic impacts, especially given that W 143rd Street is not yet fully open and area roads are projected to fail by 2032. The applicant had not completed a traffic study. Staff noted that smaller projects like this typically do not face ComEd power supply issues, but early coordination is advised.
• Other Design Elements: Topics included solar panel feasibility, building color/differentiation for wayfinding, snow removal plans (need hauling), stormwater detention (already accounted for in master plan), and allowing combining units for potential drive-through use. The applicant indicated the first two buildings would be for sale; later phases may be leased. Building heights: front 20–22 ft, rear 22–24 ft.

Key Outcomes

• Board Feedback: Trustees were generally supportive of the concept, describing it as a needed infill development that fits the surrounding area. Specific feedback included: refine parking and circulation design, enhance southern landscaping buffer, address garbage enclosure capacity, consider material standards, and evaluate traffic impacts before final approval.
• Next Steps: The applicant will work collaboratively with staff to refine the plan, including a planned unit development (PUD) and site plan approvals. No formal action was taken at this workshop; the concept will return for further review pending design modifications. The next Village Board meeting is August 3, 2026; Plan Commission on August 5 (Wednesday, not August 4 as originally listed); next Committee of the Whole Workshop on August 10, 2026.