NEW LENOX – The Village Board took decisive action on two major developments Monday, giving final approval to a 55-lot residential subdivision for “empty nesters” and clearing a key hurdle for long-awaited commercial growth along Route 6.

The board unanimously approved the annexation and preliminary PUD plat for Spencer Meadows, a new subdivision planned for the area of Spencer and Laraway roads. The project, proposed by developer Mike Flity, is specifically geared toward residents looking to downsize. It will feature 53 smaller lots alongside two larger, more traditional lots designed for compatibility with the adjacent Ashton Estates North subdivision.

Community Development Director Robin Ellis noted that after months of work, the plans now include an expanded 30-foot buffer yard along Spencer Road to accommodate a critical water main extension. In exchange for extending the water main offsite, which benefits the village’s overall system, the developer will receive a credit against tap-on fees.

At the same meeting, trustees authorized a complex settlement and a new recapture agreement for the Spring Creek property on the north side of Route 6, across from the Crossroads Sports Complex. Mayor Tim Baldermann said the deal was critical to unlocking the area for development.

“This is something that we’ve been working on quite a bit,” Baldermann said. “We want to see that commercial growth happening on the north side of Route 6. It’s imperative for all of us.”

The agreement amends a previous recapture ordinance, exempting a corner property from future fees in exchange for the owners dedicating right-of-way needed for the Silver Cross Boulevard extension and Route 6 improvements. According to village officials, the agreement was a necessary contingency to move forward with the land dedication and subsequent development.

“One of the questions that we were getting from potential developers on that 14 acres of commercial was you couldn’t, if they built a building, you wouldn’t be able to see it from Route 6,” Baldermann explained, stressing the importance of visibility for attracting businesses. The moves signal a concerted push by the village to stimulate both residential and commercial tax bases.