Politics & Government

Warehouse Project Gets OK From Village Board

Libertyville resident Dale Sherman's main concern about a planned warehouse project was simple: he's worried about added noise from the development.

"We do want it developed, but we do want to quietly enjoy our homes," said Sherman.

He and a number of his neighbors attended Tuesday night's village board meeting to express their concerns about the Bridge Development Partners, LLC, plan to redevelop 21 acres of land at 804 E. Park Ave. The two-phase development includes a 185,750-square-foot multi-tenant building with an existing 149,810-square-foot facility to remain, according to village board meeting documents. 

Should the existing business located in the 149,810-square-foot building opt to relocate, that building would be demolished and replaced with a 220,500-square-foot building.

Trustees voted unanimously to accept the Libertyville Plan Commission's report, which included a special use permit for a planned development, a special use permit for warehousing and storage, a planned development concept plan and a preliminary plat of subdivision. An ordinance will now be drafted for village board consideration.

Trustees and Bridge Development Partners representative Mark Christensen spent a great deal of time discussing noise concerns. Christensen presented the board with the results of a noise study that was recently performed near the site.
 
"The primary source of noise in this area is vehicular traffic on Route 176," said Christensen. Two data loggers were placed near the site on on June 3 for a full 24 hours, Christensen said.  

The noise level, Christensen said, reached 54 decibels during evening rush hour around 6 p.m., while the decibels were at about 45 at 3 a.m. Christensen said per the American National Standards Institute, the noise in residential areas shouldn't exceed 52 decibels during the day and 47 decibels at night, noting that the current levels already exceed the recommended decibels.

Trustee Richard Moras said the board is looking for assurances that the noise levels won't be substantially higher than this with the new development.

Christensen said the two buildings on the site will serve as a buffer to keep nearby residents from hearing noise from trucks. 

"We do not expect trucks to be making undue noise here," he said.

In regard to the noise levels, Mayor Terry Weppler added that "they're not allowed to have it higher." In addition, one of the 16 conditions set forth by the Plan Commission specifies that no truck deliveries or truck idling can occur between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Sherman and his neighbors also raised concerns about the demolition and the noise and vibration that could come as a result. Christensen assured the board and the residents that Bridge Development will be closely monitoring the ground vibrations during the demolition.

"I have never had an issue with a resident due to demolition," said Christensen. 


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