High-Priced Burr Ridge Development Opposed By Neighbors

BURR RIDGE, IL – A proposed high-priced housing development in Burr Ridge is facing opposition from neighbors on all sides.

A hearing is set for Monday.

Subscribe

The developer expects the starting home price to be $2.7 million. The subdivision would bring an estimated $864,000 a year to local taxing bodies.

But neighbors contend the development would worsen traffic and drainage. They also dislike the proposed increased density.

The subdivision at 6191 S. County Line Road would replace a 7.6-acre equestrian estate. It went on the market for $10 million a year ago, finally selling for $6.1 million over the summer.

The developer, Downers Grove-based Oakley Home Builders, is proposing a subdivision called Saddle Hill Court, consisting of 16 houses for those 55 and older.

Besides the homes, the developer proposes an outdoor fireplace, a gathering area, a scenic pond and a pedestrian loop. The subdivision would have no gate.

To make the development work, Oakley is asking the village to allow half-acre lots. Now, the area's zoning calls for acre lots.

In July, the Village Board rejected another developer's proposal for half-acre lots in a neighborhood in the south part of town. Current zoning calls for 5-acre parcels.

In Illinois, the average-sized lot is about a fifth of an acre.

The typical lot in Burr Ridge, a town known for its mansions, is far larger.

In its application, Oakley said Saddle Hill represents a "thoughtful, low-density response to a documented and growing need for for-sale, age-targeted housing within Burr Ridge."

Burr Ridge's median age is 57.

The developer said the proposed density was among the lowest of any recent Burr Ridge residential approval.

Neighbors disagreed with the plan.

"(A) 16 dwelling unit subdivision stands against and is contrary to the vision and character of Burr Ridge," Michael and Erin Gibbons said in an email to village officials. "We feel it is precisely because of the lack of density in our community that current and prospective homeowners desire to live here and make Burr Ridge so attractive and valuable."

In a report, Oakley's traffic engineering consultant said the subdivision's traffic impact would be minimal.

However, the president of Burr Ridge Club, the subdivision across the street, said the development's entrance across the street could create a "demolition derby," with cars turning left from both sides colliding.

"We remain perplexed by the arrogance of Oakley Home Builders, which purports to be an experienced developer who is committed to being a good neighbor but has never once reached out to anyone at The Burr Ridge Club to discuss the proposed project, which is located adjacent and across the street," the group's president, David Lind, said in a letter to the village.

Many residents pointed to drainage as a concern. Among them were Luis and Maria Redondo, who said they recently took video of their backyard "becoming a pond."

"This is not a hypothetical concern about what might happen after development," they said. "It is an existing and documented problem that already affects our property."

According to a memo, a village engineer said submitted evidence "satisfactorily" shows the stormwater runoff from Saddle Hill would not exceed the capacity of the village's storm sewers.

The Plan Commission's hearing on the subdivision is set for 7 p.m. Monday at Gower Middle School, 7941 Madison St.