'Bad Taste': Burr Ridge Officials Criticized Developer's Offer

BURR RIDGE, IL – Members of Burr Ridge's Plan Commission earlier this month denounced a local developer's offer of gift cards to residents in return for praise.

Patch has already reported on criticism from Mayor Gary Grasso and Trustee Guy Franzese on the gift card offer.

The minutes from the Plan Commission's Dec. 5 meeting indicate members were also unhappy with McNaughton Development's gesture. One said the offer compromised the developer's proposal.

According to the minutes, McNaughton's attorney, Jim Olguin of Buikema Law Group, said the developer had no ill intent in offering gift cards. He said it was a thank-you to people for showing support and that it was a marketing item.

McNaughton released a statement to Patch earlier this month saying the offer "may have not been in the best business judgment."

In an undated letter, McNaughton Development asked residents of the Savoy Club and Lakeside Pointe subdivisions to send positive comments to the village government about its work. In return, it would give residents Capri Ristorante gift cards.

As a bonus, residents who attended a village meeting on behalf of the developer were promised a second gift card for the popular Italian restaurant.

McNaughton built the Savoy Club and Lakeside developments.

At the Dec. 5 meeting, member Enza Parrella said it was "bad form" to give out gift cards and that "even marketing has some rules," according to the minutes.

Member Mike Stratis said he has attended many public hearings and never saw anyone offering gift cards for positive comments.

Stratis said he did not believe the letters of support were real. The gift card offer, he said, was in "bad taste" and compromised the application for the development.

Member Richard Morton agreed that the offer was inappropriate, the minutes said.

The members voted unanimously to recommend against the development. McNaughton later withdrew the application, meaning it would not come before the Village Board.

Members said they were against the development because of its density, among other things.

Called Enclave of Highlands Fields, the proposed 20-home development was planned for near 87th Street and County Line Road. The developer said it would be similar to Savoy Club.

McNaughton has developments throughout the suburbs, including Timber Trails in Western Springs. Last year, Hinsdale gave McNaughton's proposal for the Heather Highlands development a thumbs down.

McNaughton declined to comment on the gift card offer after it released a statement in response to the criticism earlier this month.