A developer who clashed with neighbors over a proposed East Dundee multifamily development on Barrington Avenue, at one point calling some of the homes in the surrounding neighborhood “crappy,” has pulled his plans for the project.
Billitteri Enterprises, based in Crystal Lake, was to continue a concept presentation for a small apartment complex at this coming week’s village board meeting, but a note on the agenda stated, “This proposal has been withdrawn and will not be discussed at this meeting.”
Developer Joseph Billitteri declined to comment Friday on his decision. Village officials could not be reached for more information.
Billitteri appeared before the East Dundee Village Board on Feb. 19 to present a reworked design for two buildings — one with 12 units and the other with eight — that he wanted to build at 406 and 408 Barrington Ave.
The site was once home to a water pumping station, which has been removed. East Dundee owns the property and had solicited requests for proposals seeking companies interested in building on the residential land, currently zoned for single-family homes.
Billitteri Enterprises, which has done several projects in the village, was the only company to respond.
Initially, the proposal submitted called for 24 units, which was rejected as being too dense. The board asked him to reduce the size and change the buildings’ design so that it fit in better with the neighborhood.
Billitteri returned with the 20-unit concept, which include an exterior design that resembled a Victorian house.
While trustees liked the changes, there was backlash to the proposal, with residents speaking out against it and, at times, arguing with Billitteri during the chaotic meeting. Neighbors said they want single-family homes to be built on the site.
Trustees tried allay concerns by stressing the project was only at the concept stage, but residents said they felt blindsided by the multifamily project and worried the board was not hearing their opinions.
Mark Rakow, a resident who attended the meeting, said Friday he was glad to see the proposal withdrawn.
“The project did not fit the neighborhood at all. We don’t want to see anything but single-family,” he said, adding that he will be keeping an eye on what the village does next with the land.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.