LAKEMOOR – Walgreens’ plan for the southeast corner of Darrell Road and Route 120 would help Lakemoor meet its goal of a walkable commercial district, the village administrator said.
The Lakemoor Village Board tonight will look at the development application approved by the Zoning Board of Appeals in December.
Walgreens’ plan is to demolish the building that currently houses Lakemoor Liquors and build a drugstore with a drive-thru pharmacy. The liquor store’s lease is up in March, Village Administrator David Alarcon said.
Walgreens seeks permission to put up two freestanding signs and have a drive-thru pharmacy. Its plan, which has been two years in the making, would split the property into three lots, two of which wouldn’t meet the 200-foot width requirement for C-5, or commercial highway, zoning.
The nonconforming shouldn’t be a problem, said Public Works Superintendent Charlie Schmidt.
The lot to the south of Walgreens will be used only for storm water detention, and the second lot will be left undeveloped for now, he said. Even if the second lot is developed, there shouldn’t be an issue because any business would share an entrance with Walgreens.
The request for a variance on the width is “not uncommon,” Schmidt said.
If the board approves the application, the village still must work out landscaping enhancements and other minor engineering issues, Alarcon said.
“The reason why this is so nice is it not only brings retail to Lakemoor, it’s another piece in our puzzle by linking up our village with sidewalks,” Alarcon said.
The ultimate goal is to run a bike and pedestrian trail along Darrell Road from Lakemoor Farms to Route 120. A segment will break off and run south of Heritage Park to Eastlake Drive and follow Riverside Drive behind the businesses on Route 120. The path would cross Route 120 at Willow Road and head into Morrison Park. The plan also includes connecting up The Pines of Lakemoor subdivision.
The village has been working with Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning on an updated comprehensive plan. The board has looking at ways, including the possibility of a tax increment financing district, to revitalize the Route 120 commercial corridor.
If you go
The Lakemoor Village Board will meet at 7 p.m. today at the Lakemoor Police Department, 27901 Concrete Drive.
