Ease Neighbors' Concerns On Elmhurst Development: Official

Elmhurst IL

14 June, 2022

11:46 AM

Description

ELMHURST, IL – Elmhurst officials want to assure neighbors of a townhome complex that measures are planned to ease traffic. One of the biggest complaints is that residents of Elm Creek Townhomes are making illegal left turns onto Butterfield Road. Only right turns are allowed. Because of the issue, the city is holding up approval of the second phase of the development, which would consist of 50 homes. The first phase is just to the east, with 58 units completed a couple of years ago. Eldridge Lane exits onto Butterfield, just across from Swain Avenue. The developer, Aimco, is proposing a number of measures that it says could reduce illegal left turns. On Monday, its representatives spoke to the City Council's Development, Planning and Zoning Committee. They said they intend to install flexible poles known as "delineators," install gates at Elm Creek Court, and post "Private Drive" and "No Through Access" signs. The company also promised to monitor drivers through video cameras, saying a few "bad apples" were responsible for most of the illegal left turns. It said it would hold Elm Creek residents responsible for repeat violations through lease clauses. Mulliner urged the company to get information on the planned measures to neighbors on Swain Avenue. He said some neighbors believe the new development will worsen the problem. "It's a much smaller problem than people think," Mulliner said, saying a few drivers are the culprits. In May, the committee approved the development. But its chairwoman, Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky, later delayed a council vote. She said she wanted the committee to further discuss safety issues, particularly illegal left turns. Mulliner said he wanted the proposal to go to the full City Council soon. "It will go forward," he said.