The property known as Colt Westgate, located in Oak Park's downtown, has been under development for years, but the developer recently missed a deadline, so Oak Park amended its agreement with the agency.
The developer is Clark Street Development, which plans to build a project comprising a parking garage with 428 spaces, 271 high-end apartments, and ground-level retail space of 26,000 square feet.
At a June 1 meeting of the village board and Clark Street Development, Anan Abu-Taleb, Oak Park's president, as well as village trustees, expressed their frustration with the problems ongoing at the project. Clark Street Development negotiated with the village beginning in 2007, and was awarded the contract in 2014. Adam Salzman, one of the village's trustees, noted that the public is aware of the time it is taking to get the project done, and wants to see it finished, especially as there are others who would like to take over the project.
The amendment leaves Clark Street with a deadline of August 3 to present a plan for final review. They will then break ground in November, with the goal of starting full-scale construction some time in December.
Village officials might consider working with brochure printers on a booklet to mail to residents, detailing the latest plans, negotiations, and the timetable for construction and completion.
