Plans for a proposed townhouse development at 525 Chicago Ave. will continue, but without the same level of involvement by Evanston City Council and neighbors.
Dubin Residential decided to continue its plan to build the 90-unit SouthPointe complex at the site of the former Dominick’s Finer Food “as of right,” meaning without any measures that are beyond its rights as the property owner.
The plan is for five clusters of 18 units that overlook courtyards. The two- and three-bedroom townhouses would be between 1,800 to 2,400 square feet, and the developer expects them to cost $300,000 to $380,000.
The Chicago-based developer decided not to pursue a zoning variance and therefore not use the city’s Planned Unit Development process, which would have required more input into the project and greater city control.
David Dubin, the developer, said seeing the history of planned developments, such as the recently approved apartment complex at 1930 Ridge Ave., deterred him from pursuing the process.
“Why go through that hassle if you don’t have to,” Dubin said.
The 1930 Ridge Ave. apartment building received negative feedback from the community concerning density of units and parking. The developers withdrew their proposal twice and submitted new proposals to appease concerns. City Council approved the project Jan. 28 by a 6 to 3 vote after first hearing the proposal in July 2001.
Dubin Residential held a neighborhood meeting Jan. 17 to discuss the development, and Dubin said the company has taken resident concerns into consideration. But he said if the company can still follow city code without the guidelines of more town meetings and the approval of council that is required by the Planned Unit Development, it will.
“If we take everyone’s opinion we’ll never get it done,” Dubin said.
The original plan by Dubin Residential included a variance from a zoning requirement that mandates a 5-foot setback from a bordering alley because it faces a non-residential property. The plan was changed to fit this requirement.
Evanston resident Kate Friedman of the 600 block of Judson Avenue said unfortunately that residents do not have a way to impact development. She said she thinks Dubin found the response from the community too adversarial.
“I think its clear (Dubin’s) not interested in getting the type of feedback he’s getting from the community,” she said.
Instead of a massive townhouse, Friedman said neighbors are in favor of a mixed-use development that encompasses residential housing as well as more public space such as a grocery store.
Other than the zoning change, the design has not been altered since the January meeting with residents, Dubin said.
With the recent surge in high-priced condominium construction, Dubin said, Evanston is in need of townhouses because they allow residents to become property owners.
