Chicago Suburb Libertyville Pauses Apartment Development

The Village of Libertyville has paused a proposed multifamily redevelopment near the downtown Metra station due to parking and density concerns.

Libertyville Land LLC has until March 31 to submit an updated proposal for the L-shaped Suydam property, at 725-747 North Milwaukee Avenue and 126-140 Lake Street, the Daily Herald reported. The person or company behind the LLC hasn’t been identified.

The proposal includes a 91-unit apartment building spanning 2.4 acres at the northeast corner of Lake Street and Brainerd Avenue.

The location near Libertyville’s Metra station is part of the village’s broader strategy for transit-oriented development, which is aimed at improving access to public transportation and fostering commercial growth.

A sticking point is the project’s parking ratio. The proposed number of parking spaces falls below the village’s required ratio for a development of this size.

“One of the things that contributed to the recommendation to continue was their lack of information on parking impact. We’re looking for them to justify their parking ratio,” said David Smith, a senior planner with the village.

The developer is also seeking a special use permit, which would allow certain zoning rules to be relaxed. Those include variances for the number of parking spaces, building height and density. The proposal also includes requests to place residential units on the first floor of a commercial district, which is typically not allowed in the area.

While the delay gives Libertyville Land more time to adjust its plans, the village will continue to monitor the project to ensure it meets requirements. The revised plans will be reviewed in April.

— Andrew Terrell