Sycamore city council approves new developer to build dozens of townhomes in North Grove Crossings

SYCAMORE - Sycamore’s North Grove Crossings subdivision will soon have a new developer to build on the remainder of the lots left vacant by a previous developer.

The Sycamore City Council voted, 6-0, to approve a contract with Lakewood-based Worthington Homes during its Tuesday meeting. Second Ward Alderman Chuck Stowe and Fourth Ward Alderwoman Virginia Sherrod were absent from the meeting.

George Caravelli, owner of Worthington Homes, said during the Tuesday meeting the new development will include multi-family residences – more specifically, more than 30 townhomes – with the aim to “appeal to a wider demographic.” He said he wants the units to fit in with the community aesthetically.

Caravelli added he’s looking forward to developing in the city.

“I enjoy Sycamore,” Caravelli said. “I think [the City] is well-run and I think it’s a great place to live.”

Sycamore Acting City Manager Maggie Peck said the developer intends to purchase eight lots in the subdivision. She reminded aldermen that half of the subdivision remains undeveloped.

“The previous owner failed to fulfill obligations and we have a provision for the public improvements so that the city has previously recorded a notice of violation of annexation agreement,” Peck said. “This is addressed in the [new] agreement as well.”

The public improvements which Worthington Homes will be obligated to complete under the contract include fees associated with road improvements on the Luther Lowell Lane and Plank Road intersection, which was completed in 2003. The contracted obligations also include Worthington Homes paying for 50% of the estimated costs to improve the North Grove, Lindgren Road and Plank Road intersection.

The developer would also need to pay for a proposed water main extension along the west side of Plank Road from North Grove Road south to the north line of the property, and traffic signals at Plank Road, Luther Lowell Lane and North Grove, Lindgren Road and Plank Road.

Total estimated public improvement costs associated with the proposal total $5,186 per unit, according to city documents, which Worthington would have to pay to the City of Sycamore. The funds would then be deposited into the city’s Public Improvement Escrow Fund for when the projects are actually planned out.

As part of the proposed agreement, Worthington also would be allowed to install two signs at the builder’s expense advertising the lots, though only one sign will be allowed on Plank Road. The developer would also agree to install public sidewalks on the properties on a lot-by-lot basis whenever construction is set to occur on the vacant lots.

Peck said the City of Sycamore would maintain and be responsible for public water and sewer improvements in the North Grove Crossings subdivision. However, Worthington would be responsible for any water and sewer lines which connect the public mains to the lots.

“They will perform all on-lot stormwater management maintenance, per city code, in compliance with [Illinois Environmental Protection Agency] social and erosion compliance and they will pay all impact and development related fees at the time of the permit issuance,” Peck said.