Plans for a new Hindu temple and a development of townhomes received approval from the Elgin City Council on September 27, 2023. The project, proposed by Umiya Mataji Sastha, will be located at the intersection of Route 20 and Galt Boulevard. The council voted 6-3 in favor of the project despite concerns from local residents about the potential for increased traffic.
The approved development includes an 86,000-square-foot temple, which will stand no taller than 90 feet, along with 33 townhouses situated in five buildings and an 8-acre private recreational area. The property spans 34 acres and is located at 890 Galt Boulevard. The council’s decision came after a divided recommendation from the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission, which did not endorse the project.
Concerns regarding traffic were voiced by several council members. Steve Thoren, Diana Alfaro, and Dustin Good voted against the development, with Thoren noting, “I did go over there. I drove it. I tried to envision the traffic issues at those intersections.” He referenced a statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) indicating that the area already suffers from traffic issues, which could be exacerbated by the new development.
In response to these concerns, Mayor Dave Kaptain argued that improvements to the road infrastructure are contingent upon existing problems rather than anticipated issues from future developments. Kaptain explained that IDOT has been working on plans for road enhancements in the area but has yet to finalize any specific projects. He mentioned discussions about implementing barriers on Route 20 to alter traffic flow.
“The temple’s prayer schedule will not generate a lot of additional traffic,” Kaptain said, emphasizing that the temple has agreed to hire off-duty police officers to manage traffic during peak times. He expressed confidence that the city and IDOT would address any traffic-related issues that arise.
The proposal underwent significant changes following feedback from the community. Initially, the plans included a much larger temple of 231,000 square feet with a maximum height of 125 feet, a recreation center, a four-story building with 81 units, and a total of 38 townhomes. Attorney Peter Bazos, representing Umiya Mataji Sastha, stated that the adjustments made to the plans reflect the project’s responsiveness to community concerns, adding, “This should speak volumes as to the character of this petition.”
Despite the council’s approval, opposition to the project remains strong among local residents. More than 20 speakers from nearby subdivisions, including Oak Ridge and Sherwood Oaks, expressed their apprehensions during the council meeting. An opposition petition, signed by 220 individuals, underscored the community’s concerns.
Local resident Lorne Iverson highlighted the dangers of the nearby Lambert Lane and Route 20 intersection, which has a history of accidents. Iverson remarked, “IDOT previously has declared this is a dangerous intersection. To make things safer, we need to address the intersection before we do additional developments.”
Another resident, Jessica Astrung, noted that the site was zoned for general industrial use, not a large-scale development that would attract significant numbers of visitors. She emphasized that the existing infrastructure has already been described by IDOT as “delicate.” Additionally, concerns were raised regarding environmental issues, as the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have identified wetlands on the property.
While the council’s approval marks a significant step forward, Umiya Mataji Sastha must still navigate a legal hurdle. A consent decree from 1967 that limits land uses on the property will need to be lifted or vacated by a judge in Cook County. If successful, the organization will also require city approval for a final subdivision plat before construction can commence.
The ongoing discussions surrounding this development reflect broader issues regarding urban planning, community engagement, and infrastructure readiness in growing cities like Elgin.
