Plan Commission Reconfirms Vote on Catherine Alice Gardens Proposal

Despite a reopening of the public hearing regarding the Catherine Alice Gardens proposal at 345 Eric Drive, the Palatine Plan Commission upheld its previous vote of 7-1 in favor of the project Tuesday.

Dan Shapiro, the attorney for Andy Tenuto, president of Ultimate Plumbing Supply at 305 Eric Drive, and John DiPasquale, chair of the Eric Drive Industrial Council who also owns Shotokan Karate Club at 327 Eric Drive, attempted to poke holes in the assessment completed by the developer’s consultant.  

The report was meant to determine the impact of the proposed development on neighboring industrial and residential areas.

Neil Renzi, of Renzi and Associates crafted the report for UP Development, the lead developer for the proposed 33-unit building that would house people with medical, mental and physical disabilities and provide social services to them.

In his report, Renzi stated that the development would actually enhance neighboring property values, by providing a buffer for residential areas that abut the area and the industrial/manufacturing uses immediately adjacent on Eric Drive.

During the cross examination, Shaprio questioned Renzi on whether previous studies and comparable developments were looked at prior to him reaching his conclusions. Renzi replied he had not and instead relied on his 40 plus years of experience in conducting such assessments.

The cross examination by Shapiro was regularly interrupted by village lawyer Bob Kinney, Plan Commission Chair Dennis Dwyer and the attorney representing Renzi. 

All accused Shapiro of asking questions outside the scope that was pre-determined to be limited to the appraisal report.

In the end, the vote by the plan commission mirrored the vote taken on June 18. The sole vote against the project again came from commission member Jane Robins.

After the meeting, DiPasquale stated business owners in the area had asked the developer for an economic impact study, to determine how the residential facility might affect property values in the immediate area. He added that the report completed by Renzi did not achieve that end.

Tenuto expressed concern for the safety of the residents that could live there if the development is ultimately approved by the village council, based on the high industrial truck traffic from his business, in addition to a new AT&T U Verse fleet that will be moving across the street from the property. He added that 30-40 additional trucks would move on and off of Eric Drive Monday through Friday during business hours.

“I’m concerned for the individuals that are living there, and there is no documentation showing a similar project proposed in a similar area with industrial traffic,” Tenuto said. “Residents living in townhomes nearby are also concerned about a drop in property values.”

“It doesn’t seem the developers are looking out for the safety of residents,” he said.

The issue now goes before the Palatine Village Council on August 5 for final consideration.