Burr Ridge Developer's Request To Waive Fees Rejected

BURR RIDGE, IL — A developer earlier this month asked Burr Ridge officials to waive fees for sidewalks and roads for an eight-lot housing subdivision. But the village board rejected the request, saying it was unfair to exempt the developer if virtually all others have been charged the same fees.

Burr Ridge-based Jarper Properties is planning the Cottages of Drew development at the southwest corner of 79th Street and Drew Avenue, an area known for flooding. The company wanted to waive $118,000 in fees because concerns over wetlands would prevent the village from widening 79th and Drew and adding sidewalks on those streets. At the village board's Dec. 9 meeting, a representative of the developer said the waiver request was justified because the circumstances were unique.

Board member Guy Franzese agreed the situation would be unique, but said that was the case with every development. He said all previous subdivisions, with the exception of one, have had to pay fees. The sidewalk and road fees, he said, could pay for projects elsewhere in town, which has been the case with other subdivisions.

"The sidewalk on the north side of 79th was built with funds from other developments in the village, far away from this subdivision," Franzese told the developer. "Your residents will benefit from fees collected by other developments."

Board member Antonio Schiappa agreed, saying the fees should be seen as the cost of doing business in Burr Ridge.

Board member Zach Mottl said he was unconvinced the developer's plan for drainage would be enough. He said he was concerned with promises that the development would not increase the flooding problem.

He said he lived on 79th Street and that when Burr Ridge approved another subdivision, he heard concerns from neighbors and came to regret the village's action.

Tony Perino of Jarper Properties said the process of planning for the development was "very expensive."

"That's why we are asking for some help. I understand it's not the village's problem. But it's not unusual for the village to waive sidwalk fees," Perino said.

Mayor Gary Grasso said it was unusual.

The village board voted 5-1 for the final plan for the subdivision, but did not include the waiver of fees. Mottl, who was concerned with the flooding, was the lone dissenter.