Plans for a multi-family building project move ahead in the city of Highland

A five-unit, multi-family building has cleared another step toward approval in Highland.

Migliore Properties LLC of Glen Carbon received its special use permit on Monday, June 19, for a planned use development. Migliore is developing the townhouse-style housing development for a vacant lot along Oak Street near the El Kay Apartments, which they have operated since 2005. El Kay is a four-building complex with 48 units featuring 2- and 3-bedroom apartments.

Migliore’s proposal promises “upscale” three-bedroom, 1.5-bathroom townhouses with open floor plan, a two-car garage and other amenities. Additional parking will be available for visitors, and no traffic impact is expected, it stated.

The city’s review confirmed the development is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan and does not deviate from regulations. However, Migliore still has to go through a formal site plan review and building permit review, but the memo from city officials stated they do not currently have concerns, as the area is already zoned for multi-family housing.

The planning and zoning commission gave its approval on June 7 with a few conditions, including proper stormwater design and proposed closure of the front access to Oak Street.

City Manager Chris Conrad said this was just the approval of the planned unit development. “They will now need to do design and site plans, and then come back to both the (Combined Planning and Zoning Board) and council for final approval,” he said.

In the meantime, the city has hired Moran Economic Development as a contractor to take over some of the duties of former economic development coordinator Breann Speraneo, who left to work for the city of Litchfield. Moran will provide economic development services at $130 an hour not to exceed $2,600 a month or $31,200 a year.