McHenry City Council Skeptical of Proposed Riverfront Condos

A proposal to construct a condominium complex on the Fox River has met with skepticism from the McHenry City Council. During a meeting held on September 5, 2023, developers Nick Mazzio and architect John Swierk, representing Over the Bridge LLC, pitched their idea for a four-story, 40-unit residential building at 1211 N. River Road, the current site of Vickie’s Place, a restaurant that has operated for over 40 years.

Vickie Clawson, the restaurant owner, expressed her disapproval of the proposed development, stating that she had no intention of selling the property and found the condo plan unacceptable. “I do want to sell, but I live in this town and don’t want something so awful,” Clawson said. She specifically criticized the project’s height and parking arrangements, stating, “Five stories, with the parking underneath? No.”

The site, which is less than half an acre, is currently zoned for commercial use. The concept plan indicates that the developers intend to provide 40 parking spaces beneath the units, along with an additional 10 exterior spots. However, the council members raised concerns about the overall density of the project and its parking adequacy. Third Ward Alderman Stephen Doherty commented, “I love the concept on that property… but I think it is too dense and there is not enough parking for the residents.”

Alderwoman Sue Miller from the 7th Ward acknowledged the interesting nature of the proposal but hesitated to support a project that would replace the long-standing restaurant with condos. “I hate to give up the commercial aspect of that side of the river. It has been a restaurant for a very long time,” Miller stated.

According to Ross Polerecky, McHenry’s Director of Community Development, the city’s building code mandates 1.5 parking spots per unit, which would require a total of 60 dedicated spaces for the proposed condominiums. Mazzio indicated that they would seek a variance to meet the parking requirements.

Discussion also touched on potential pricing, with Second Ward Alderman Andy Glab asking about association fees and sale prices for the condos. Mazzio estimated monthly association fees could range from $300 to $400, with sales prices between $500,000 and $550,000. Glab expressed concern that these figures might be too high for the local market, questioning their sellability in McHenry.

Despite the council’s reservations, Mazzio remained optimistic about the prospects for the development, citing improvements to the area. “I grew up here… and am impressed by the direction the Chain [O’ Lakes] is going. This is unique to the Chain,” he noted.

Mayor Wayne Jett announced plans to meet with the developers to explore alternative options, including a mixed-use development that could incorporate both residential and retail spaces. Clawson reiterated that there are currently no contracts in place for the sale of the restaurant or the associated land, which is listed for $1.3 million on real estate site Loopnet.com. After facing significant challenges, including an eight-month closure due to flooding and subsequent repairs in early 2023, Clawson indicated she is ready for a change. “I am ready to do something other than come in here every day of my life,” she remarked.

As discussions continue, the future of the proposed condominium project remains uncertain, reflecting the complexities of balancing community needs and development opportunities along the Fox River.