Arlington Heights Homeowners Balk Over High Density, Multi-Family Housing Possibility

Arlington Crossings Townhome Association went on record Monday objecting to an amendment that was ultimately passed regarding Arlington Heights’s comprehensive plan.

The amendment allows three to four story residential buildings in the area formerly known as Arlington Market.

John Ciffone, a member of the association’s board, read a letter asking the board to revise the amendment so it would prohibit zoning for the development of residential buildings in the Hickory Kensington Area Plan.

“As a community, we are naturally concerned about the land adjacent to our Arlington Crossings community which is currently undergoing restoration,” he said. “The development of such buildings will ultimately cause unnecessary and unwanted population density, traffic congestion, restricted parking, and negative aesthetics.

Years ago, local residents “vehemently opposed multi-family, multi-story buildings and therefore Arlington Crossings was re-zoned to single-family townhomes,” Ciffone said.

Arlington Crossings asked that the village board take homeowners’ views into consideration and asked for additional meetings to discuss the issue.

“It’s still a long way from being developed,” Mayor Arlene Mulder said. “Many things have to happen. I think you have made your points quite clear.”

“There will be numerous meetings at different levels, [including] the plan commission and design commission. I would just make sure you keep tables on every agenda item that comes up on the site. And keep people at the meetings,” Mulder said. 

The board’s vote was on only on the amendment to the comprehensive plan, not to rezone the property, Village Manager Bill Dixon said. The amendment establishes boundaries for potential redevelopment, he said.

“There will be a thorough vetting, nothing will be snuffed through, not in this town,” Mulder said. “Everyone has a voice in this town.”

Trustees Joseph Farwell, Thomas Glasgow, Michael Sidor, Norman Breyer, Thomas Hayes and Mulder voted yes on the amendment. Trustees Bert Rosenberg and John Scaletta voted no.