Plans for a new Hindu temple and a development of townhomes on Route 20 at Galt Boulevard have received approval from the Elgin City Council. The decision, made on the evening of October 11, 2023, came despite significant opposition from local residents concerned about potential traffic issues.
The development, proposed by Umiya Mataji Sastha, includes an 86,000-square-foot temple, which will not exceed 90 feet in height, along with 33 townhouses arranged in five buildings and an 8-acre private recreation area. The council voted 6-3 in favor of the project, even though the Planning and Zoning Commission had not made a recommendation, reflecting a divided stance on the proposal.
Concerns were raised by council members Steve Thoren, Diana Alfaro, and Dustin Good. Thoren noted the importance of addressing traffic issues, stating, “I did go over there. I drove it. I tried to envision the traffic issues at those intersections.” He emphasized that existing conditions at the intersection are problematic, pointing out that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has labeled it a “delicate infrastructure.”
In contrast, Mayor Dave Kaptain argued that infrastructure improvements would only be undertaken by IDOT when a problem is recognized. He reassured attendees that the temple’s prayer schedule would not significantly impact traffic flow. “There’s a small window of time where traffic control will be needed,” he explained, adding that the temple plans to employ off-duty police officers during peak periods.
Initially, Umiya Mataji Sastha proposed a much larger project, which included a 231,000-square-foot temple and additional residential units. However, after listening to community feedback, the organization scaled back its plans significantly. Peter Bazos, the legal representative for the project, highlighted this adjustment as a demonstration of the group’s commitment to addressing community concerns, stating, “This should speak volumes as to the character of this petition and allay any concerns.”
Despite the council’s approval, the project faces another significant hurdle. A consent decree from 1967 restricting land use on the site must be lifted by a Cook County judge before construction can proceed. Following this, Umiya Mataji Sastha will also require final subdivision plat approval from the city.
Local residents expressed their discontent during the council meeting. Over 20 speakers, primarily from the nearby Oak Ridge and Sherwood Oaks subdivisions, voiced their opposition. An opposition petition containing 220 signatures was presented, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction among area residents.
Concerns about traffic safety were vocalized by Lorne Iverson, who described the dangerous conditions at the Lambert Lane and Route 20 intersection, stating, “IDOT previously has declared this is a dangerous intersection. Today I’d like to ask you to consider this with the temple proposal.”
Another resident, Jessica Astrung, expressed that while the area was prepared for a general industrial project consistent with its zoning, the planned development would attract significantly more traffic than anticipated. She also pointed out that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have identified wetlands on the property, raising further environmental concerns.
As the Elgin City Council moves forward with the approval, the future of the development remains contingent upon judicial and additional municipal approvals. The outcome will significantly affect not only the local community’s infrastructure but also the representation of cultural diversity in the area.
