Hawthorn Woods panel holding special meeting on Kemper Ridge proposal

A plan introduced in February described as meeting the demand for smaller homes in Hawthorn Woods has been revised to include fewer residences and more open space.

The village's advisory planning, building and zoning commission will consider the latest Kemper Ridge proposal during a special meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Lake Zurich High School performing arts center, 300 Church St. in Lake Zurich.

M/I Homes of Chicago LLC initially proposed a mix of 204 single-family homes, duplexes and townhouses on an unincorporated 56-acre property east of the Kemper Lakes golf club, between Old McHenry Road and Route 22.

The new plan calls for 177 homes and an increase in open space from 24 to 27 acres, which amounts to about half the site. A proposed trail system also has been moved to the west.

“I would describe the overall changes as major,” said Chris Heinen, Hawthorn Woods’ community development director.

“The changes were in response to the overall feedback received from the public as well as the plan commission members during the first two public hearings,” he added.

Kemper Ridge would offer more diverse housing types to meet growing needs in the village, according to M/I Homes. But the project will require zoning variances from the village to permit townhouses and duplexes, reduced lot sizes and other elements.

Kildeer and Long Grove officials objected to the density of the initial proposal and said townhouses are not in keeping with the development of the area.

The privately-owned property also is near the right of way of the defunct Route 53 extension, which is envisioned as a 12-mile regional greenway between Long Grove and Grayslake.

Visit upcoming events at vhw.org for a link to Kemper Ridge site plans.