Westmont board approves rezoning, setbacks and site plan for 12‑unit building at 306 N. Cass after neighbors raise concerns

The Westmont Village Board voted Feb. 19 to approve a package of zoning requests that clears the way for a 12‑unit, three‑story multifamily building at 306 North Cass Avenue.

Developer Michael Gatto told the board the project required lot consolidation, variances and a map amendment because the parcel is oddly shaped and includes three small parcels at the rear. Director Hennefeind and staff said the proposal meets the R‑4 height, parking and landscape requirements as conditioned and that the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval after two hearings in February.

Neighbors at the meeting questioned the scale and impacts. Laurel Rudgan (speaking from the audience) said she drove to view the site and asked, “Why does it have to be 12 units? Why does it have to be three stories? This isn’t Chicago — it’s going to be towering over the homes behind it,” expressing concern about shadowing, traffic flow and parking squeeze for families with two cars.

Public Works and planning staff answered residents’ questions about topography and sight lines. Staff said the site’s elevation already sits higher toward the rear, the project complies with the 35‑foot height limit for R‑4, and the traffic study showed only a small incremental trip generation during peak hours. Staff also reported the plan provides 19 parking spaces where the code requires 18.

Trustees stressed that the building’s rear elevation and materials should be treated with the same quality as the front. Trustee Parker pressed the developer on rear‑facing design and said the board wants landscaping and a clear delineation of the property edge to avoid shortcutting; the trustee advocated for a fence combined with plantings to define the site and improve long‑term maintenance.

The board voted first to amend the ordinance to require fencing with landscape behind it, with plantings to be approved by the community development director. The amendment was moved by Trustee Parker and passed on roll call. The board then approved the amended ordinance on a subsequent roll call vote, clearing the zoning, setback, density and site plan requests for the project.

Developer Michael Gatto said his firms usually hold buildings long term, and he told the board he would work with staff on an appropriate plant palette and fence details. Resident Bonnie Waymond noted concerns about traffic and existing lane reductions near the library and asked the board to weigh safety in granting setbacks.

The board’s approval included the Planning & Zoning conditions requiring material and railing choices, and other site plan conditions the commission placed on the project. City staff will review and approve the final landscaping and fence details per the amended condition before issuance of permits.

The ordinance as amended was adopted by roll call vote. Next steps include final engineering and submittal of construction plans to staff for administrative review and permitting.