Why a traffic signal could kill redevelopment of Mount Prospect auto dealership
A decision by state officials has put a snag in the redevelopment of the former Mitchell Buick site in Mount Prospect, village officials say.
Village Manager Michael Cassady said the village received a letter from the Illinois Department of Transportation rejecting a planned traffic signal that would line up with an access point to the property at 801 E. Rand Road, across from Walmart, as well as a planned right-in, right-out access.
"They are suggesting it should go north to line up to Thayer (Street), which does the development no good at all (and) renders the leases potentially void," Cassady said. "The tenants that signed on for the development would be able to leave if that signal is not granted by IDOT."
IDOT spokeswoman Gianna Urgo said in an email that no final decision on the request has been made.
"For all new traffic signals along a state highway, a traffic engineering study is required to demonstrate that the installation is warranted by federal and state guidelines," she wrote. "A traffic signal was not denied at this particular location. IDOT has reviewed the initial submittal, provided comments, and requested additional information from the developer."
In March, the village board approved a development for the site that includes Texas Roadhouse and Buona Beef restaurants, as well as a tile shop and automotive service business.
Several of the site's neighbors objected to an entry from Rand Road onto Henry Street, but the developer maintained that the project would fail if the access were taken away.
Cassady is recommending that Mayor Arlene Juracek work with state legislators to persuade IDOT that the light across from Walmart, as well as intersection improvements at Rand, Mount Prospect and Central roads, will improve traffic flow in the area. He said the village had an "all-hands-on-deck" meeting with the development team Tuesday.
"I think with all of us pulling we can get (IDOT) back to a more reasonable position," he said.
The matter came up for discussion last Tuesday as the village board considered transferring a portion of the Thayer Street right of way to the developer, Speed GMX Mount Prospect, LLC. Cassady said the southern 33 feet of the right of way on Thayer west of Rand Road would be used for stormwater detention improvements. The northern part is already part of the project.