Sports recreation center OK’d for Old Willow Road site

• Reprints

Updated: February 20, 2012 9:03AM

Development plans for a multi-sport recreation center planned for the Shermer and Old Willow Road location was given the green light by the Village of Northbrook Board of Trustees last week at the regular meeting.

The approval of the development application means developer Richland Creek Capital, LLC can begin construction on the purchased properties covering 1850, 1864, 1868, and 1870 Old Willow Road. No construction date has been set yet.

The athletic facility, which will be known as the North Shore Sports Center, will be the second of its kind in Northbrook. The 85,000 square-foot North Suburban YMCA has been operating at its location at the corner of Pfingsten and Techny Roads since 1969.

An estimate of the square footage of the North Shore Sports Center was not available.

Trustees approved the application with a 6-1 vote on the condition that the developers agree to install a left turn lane on southbound Shermer Road at Old Willow Road if it is deemed necessary by the village manager within a two-year period of the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

Citing concerns relating to zoning issues, Trustee A.C. Buehler was the only board official to vote against the approval of the application.

Under the conditions set forth by the resolution, Richland Creek Capital, LLC is required to provide a financial guarantee by depositing an undisclosed amount into an escrow account that would go to pay for the installation of a left turn lane if it’s needed in the future

The board’s approval of the development agreement follows the Plan Commission’s recommendation of the agreement at a Nov. 29 meeting.

Between the November meeting at this week’s meeting, the board considered three issues relating to the project. Besides the turn lane, trustees considered if a sports center was an appropriate use for the location, and if the applicant’s request for a liquor license was congruous.

“We don’t have any concerns with the project, and they (the builder) have full permission to go ahead with construction,” said Village President Sandy Frum.

If the contractor is approved for a liquor license they have to comply with several conditions. One condition is that alcohol is only served in three areas of the facility — the gymnasium/patio areas, the general concession area and in the paddle hut area of the building.

Also, alcohol is restricted to being sold between the hours of 12 to 11:30 p.m. seven days a week.