Rolling Meadows aldermen delay final vote on Dominick's rezoning

Rolling Meadows aldermen have delayed a final vote on whether to rezone much of the former Dominick's property in the city's downtown from commercial to residential.

The city council decided Tuesday night to put off a second reading vote on the controversial matter until the next meeting on Feb. 27, since one of the seven council members, Alderman Mike Cannon, was absent.

It isn't a done deal, but in the initial first reading tally Jan. 23, the council voted 5-2 in favor of rezoning the rear 9.5-acre portion of the site at 2819-2915 Kirchoff Road. The zoning change would pave the way for developer Ryan Homes' plans to construct a 113-rowhouse development, while property owner Clark Street Development would retain the front 1.5-acre portion for potential commercial uses.

Since aldermen are considering a preliminary application for the townhouse development, at least three more council votes are planned, in addition to another hearing before the planning and zoning commission. But the rezoning would be final.

Most aldermen have said they're comfortable with the plan since it doesn't appear there is interest in the market for the entire site to be filled with commercial users.

But two people who came to the meeting Tuesday asked the council to reconsider.

"It's a shame the property is going to residential when it could be used for something that could develop tax money for Rolling Meadows," said resident Bill Amundsen. "Let's try to get in something in this town that's going to get us some tax relief, because our pockets are getting worn out."

Craig Carlson, owner of Comet Frozen Custard, across the street from the Dominick's site, asked to meet with aldermen individually to review a plan he's developed that would retain more commercial.

"I think the community needs a downtown," he said. "I think there's a calling for that."

Aldermen who initially voted in favor of the rezoning were Cannon, Laura Majikes, Robert Banger Jr., John D'Astice and Tim Veenbaas. Joe Gallo, of Ward 4 where the property is located, voted "no," along with Nick Budmats, though he indicated he may change his vote when Ryan Homes submits final plans.