City Council members and residents are voicing concerns about a proposed housing development that could dramatically increase residential density and traffic congestion in one of St. Charles’ oldest neighborhoods.

Chicago-based Lexington LLT is looking to redevelop 28 acres of property at the old Applied Composites site. Plans call for 22 townhome units and 53 single-family homes to be built just north of Dean and State streets. The single-family homes will be one- and two-story units featuring a rear garage. The townhomes will be three-story units.

Residents asked questions at Monday’s, Nov. 10, City Council meeting and discussed potential pitfalls, including traffic, lot space and overcrowding at schools.

“We’re not trying to stop this,” said resident Ronald Rudnick, who lives near Seventh and State streets. “We’re just asking for something that blends in with one of the older neighborhoods in downtown.”

Lexington has suggested realigning roads by connecting Ninth Street to Seventh Street and Ryan Street to 12th Street. Rudnick said despite the changes, he expects traffic to increase on Seventh Street.

Residents said a proposed park is not large enough to accommodate the expected population increase. There also was concern about the park’s 42-foot-by-110-foot size, which some consider too small.

“Where do the children and dogs play? That’s just not acceptable to me,” said Alderman Jo Krieger. “I think you’re trying to fill way too many houses in way too small an area.”

Gary Taylor, Lexington president, said the homes would target older adults and empty nesters, not families.

The new homes will be designed with a mixture of siding and brick and will resemble Georgetown-style townhomes. City Council members also asked that Lexington reduce the amount of proposed townhomes.

Taylor said the company will meet with architects and designers and take into account each of the community’s concerns before moving forward with a plan.

The proposal’s next scheduled meeting date has not been announced.