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Council members agreed to rezone 60 acres of land last week, set aside for the largest centralized commercial area the city has seen yet.
An ordinance amending the official map of Elgin was unanimously approved July 2 for the Rhode Tract Commercial development, coming to the south side of U.S. Highway 290. The Planned Development District agreement with the city includes multiple pad sites for potential restaurants, standalone stores, a motel side and other traditional retail expansions, according to the council.
“Planned Development District zoning is actually a zoning that assures that the city will get a better project than it might otherwise get – than just a developer moving forward with the underlying zoning,” City Manager Tom Mattis said. “We get a more specific commitment from the developer, so everybody including neighbors knows what’s going to be built.”
“This is the kind of development that all of us had people asking us when we’re going to see something like this happen.”
— City Manager Tom Mattis Per the development agreement, its purpose is to “ensure a PDD that is equal to or superior to” a standard development and does not have an adverse effect on neighboring property, neighborhood character, traffic conditions, parking, utilities or public welfare.
With a few concessions and minor variations to the PDD, according to Mattis, the development will further benefit the city beyond its new attractions.
Two main roadways will be built by the developer, “important to general circulation for the city and the development itself,” according to the city manager.
The developer has agreed to pay for all costs related to the design and construction of roadway improvements, connecting Lee Dildy Boulevard and Innovation Way.
“Travelers in this area actually gain a lot of benefit from these improvements, whether or not they shop at any of the stores,” Mattis added.
Additionally, plans include extensions to help water and wastewater systems in the area, according to the council.
While specific names of potential businesses coming to the site can’t yet be revealed, the developers stated they are aiming to start action on the ground in the first quarter of 2025.
“In the end, we’re really excited about the project and the fact that it creates an opportunity for multiple different uses on this same side,” Mattis said. “This is the kind of development that all of us had people asking us when we’re going to see something like this happen. It’s very straight forward, we’re ready to get them started.”
