Burr Ridge Rejects Housing Development

BURR RIDGE, IL – A majority of the Burr Ridge Village Board on Monday voted down a plan for a new housing development.

One of the trustees called the proposed subdivision too dense and monotonous.

In 2018, the village approved the eight-lot Cottages of Drew. The homes were to have two-car garages.

The development was proposed by Anthony Perino of Jarper Properties. It would be at the southwest corner of 79th Street and Drew Avenue.

The developer has yet to break ground. In 2019, the company asked officials to waive impact fees. But the village rejected the request. It said it would be unfair to exempt one developer if virtually all others were charged the same fees.

In the spring, Jarper Properties asked for three-car garages at six of the houses. The village's Plan Commission approved the request twice.

At Monday's board meeting, trustees expressed frustration that the developer had yet to start the projects four years after approval.

Trustee Guy Franzese said the designs indicate that most of the houses look similar. That goes against the village's anti-monotony standards, he said.

"The anti-monotony standards should be incorporated in terms of building elevation and garage orientation," Franzese said. "I'm seeing a lot of monotony here. I encourage you to work with (village) staff to minimize the monotony."

One of Jarper's representatives, Nick Patera, responded, "Monotony is not one of the things we're seeking here."

Franzese also said the garages appeared to be displayed more prominently than the houses. The project, he said, was too dense.

"They look like garages with attached homes," he said.

Trustee Russell Smith questioned whether selling expensive homes now would be realistic, contending that higher interest rates were killing the housing boom.

"I'm really questioning whether this project will take off," he said.

Patera said Jarper aimed to start earthwork this year.

Jarper's lawyer, Bob Minetz, said it's costing the company money waiting.

"We would like to move and sell some of these homes," he said.

Minetz said the village has been cooperative. But he said the engineering has been difficult.

"It's not an easy project to get off the ground," he said.

The board voted 3-2 to reject the plan. Trustees Franzese, Smith and Tony Schiappa were against it, while Al Paveza and Joe Snyder were for.

Trustee Anita Mital was absent. Franzese presided over the meeting, saying Mayor Gary Grasso was unavailable.