NORMAL - A new high-end housing development will expand the town's eastern boundary by more than 80 acres.

The uptown Commerce Bank also will get a new home. The town purchased the property at 210 Broadway for $1.5 million Monday night.

Approval of the executive-level Trails at Sunset Lake, a development on the northeast corner of Airport and Fort Jesse roads planned by Jim O'Neal and B.J. Armstrong, didn't come quickly Monday night.

City Council members struggled over the developers' request to have eight 65-foot lots. The other 120 lots featuring homes in the $600,000 range will have 70-foot lots.

Bloomington attorney Frank Miles, who is representing the developers, said the smaller lots still would have executive-level homes.

"We think it can be done and it is done elsewhere, but we haven't seen it done here," said town planner Mercy Davison. Town staff recommended against a waiver that would allow the smaller lots.

"We're not seeing it in this market," said City Manager Mark Peterson. "If there was some way to assure smaller executive houses, the staff would endorse it. We're concerned that's not what you're going to get."

Armstrong asked the council for "a leap of faith."

Officials have been reluctant to expand the town's boundaries unless a development offers something unique or addresses a need that isn't being fully met. Ironwood subdivision is the only other area in town with the larger lots.

Mayor Chris Koos said he has a lot of confidence in Armstrong and O'Neal's ability and work so he urged a compromise.

"If all the lots were 65 feet, it would be a big deal," said Councilman Jason Chambers. "But we're getting a lot of things with this development."

Council members ultimately approved the development with the eight smaller lots, but will require the developers to bring in a concept plan for the smaller lots before starting to build the homes.

Meanwhile, Commerce Bank will move to a temporary modular bank facility at 101 E. Mulberry St. when current occupant Main Street Bank moves to its new facility. Commerce will eventually have space in a new building planned by One Main of Champaign at the current site of the bank.