A recent special meeting of the Lombard Plan Commission focused on a proposed residential development that has sparked significant community interest and concern. The meeting, held on July 28, 2025, addressed changes to a project that aims to reduce the density of homes while enhancing their size and amenities.

The developer presented a revised plan that decreases the number of homes from 22 to 10, resulting in a 50% reduction in density from 5.5 units per acre to 2.75 units per acre. This change was made in response to community feedback and aims to better align with local demand for larger single-family homes. Each home will maintain a maximum of seven bedrooms, but the overall size of the homes has increased significantly, with some units reaching up to 12,000 square feet. The developer emphasized that despite the larger home sizes, the number of residents would not increase, as the homes remain single-family units.

Key features of the revised plan include expanded common spaces, larger living areas, and the addition of an indoor swimming pool. The developer also increased indoor parking capacity from two to six cars per unit, addressing concerns about parking availability. However, community members expressed skepticism about whether this would be sufficient to accommodate potential overflow from gatherings in the large homes.

Public comments during the meeting highlighted ongoing concerns about traffic, parking, and water drainage. Residents voiced worries that the increased size of the homes could lead to more vehicles on the road, exacerbating existing traffic issues on local streets. Concerns were also raised about water retention and drainage, particularly given the history of water issues in the area.

Community members, including Doris Dornberger and Kristen Dominguez, articulated their apprehensions about the impact of the development on neighborhood safety and quality of life. They emphasized the need for adequate parking solutions and expressed doubts about the planning commission's responsiveness to their concerns.

The meeting concluded with the developer and planning commission members acknowledging the feedback and promising to consider the community's needs as the project moves forward. The outcome of this meeting reflects a broader dialogue about balancing development with community interests in Lombard, as residents seek to ensure that new projects align with the character and needs of their neighborhoods.