304-Unit Rental Development Gets Stamp of Approval

Vernon Hills officials have granted final approvals to The Oaks of Vernon Hills development, which will consist of 304 rowhomes and apartments in 17 buildings on the former Kelly’s Day Camp property. 

The Oaks will include 48 two- and three-bedroom rowhomes and 256 one- and two-bedroom apartment units as well as a clubhouse on the north side of Route 45 in between Corporate Woods and Woodlands Parkway.

Village trustees voted 5-0 (Barbara Williams was absent) June 4 in favor of the ordinance, which addresses the plat of subdivision, elevations and plans for the site, landscaping and signs. 

Approval came at the objection of representatives of ZF Industries. The company, which repairs large transmissions and receives deliveries around the clock, has a building and loading docks near The Oaks site.

After previous objections from ZF Industries officials, who said having nearby residents could spark noise complaints, the developer agreed to install an 8-foot wood fence and improve the landscaping buffer along the ZF Industries property line.

The property owner will also be required to include in its rental documents a notice about ZF Industries uses and hours of operation for tenants in the buildings closest to that site.

“If ZF is following the noise ordinance, there shouldn’t be any issues,” Trustee Jeanne Schwartz said.

The developer will pay $1.5 million in impact fees, which will be allocated among the Vernon Hills Park District, School District 103, Stevenson High School and the Countryside Fire Protection District.