Gated Communities Debated in Burr Ridge

BURR RIDGE, IL — Residents of a small subdivision in Burr Ridge want to put up a gate to bar "unwanted" cars from entering, but they need the village's permission. Some village board members philosophically oppose gated subdivisions, even though some exist in town.

At last month's meeting, representatives of the seven-lot Cabernet Court subdivision requested a gate for safety in addition to the already-installed security cameras.

"We get no less than 30 unwanted cars a day that don't deserve to be on our street," resident Rocco Salviola said.

If Burr Ridge allows a gate, then the subdivision's lone street, Cabernet Court, would no longer be the village's responsibility. That would be a win-win deal for the town because the village could save money, Salviola said.

In response, board member Zach Mottl said some are concerned that Burr Ridge is becoming an all-gated community. A few times over the years, officials said, the village has pushed back against gates to subdivisions.

Member Guy Franzese said he has opposed them for more than three decades.

"I think they create isolationism in the village. We are trying to keep connectivity with our pathways," Franzese said.

He said all of the village's subdivisions, including his, have public safety issues, but gates will do little to stop the "bad guys" from entering.

The subdivision's homeowners association has yet to present a detailed plan for the gate. That's because the village's assistant administrator, Evan Walter, wanted to check with the board before the association spent money on such a plan.

Village board members suggested it may be costlier to maintain and resurface the road than the association thinks. The village's plan for streets included a $51,000 resurfacing of Cabernet Court in the coming years — money that Salviola, the resident, said would be savings for taxpayers if the gate is approved.

Mayor Gary Grasso warned the association to think hard before getting a gate.

"It's a forever thing," the mayor said. "Some day, you will sell your homes. That road will not be in Burr Ridge. That may be a marketing thing, maybe a bad marketing thing."

If the village denied the association's request, Salviola said the group would approach the village attorney and ask why the board rejected the gate when it accepted others over the years.

The attorney, Mike Durkin, bristled. "I won't be in the business of giving you advice," he told Salviola.

Salviola noted two gated neighborhoods are near Cabernet Court.

"We are very passionate about this. This is something we will vehemently pursue," he said.

Grasso asked the association to come back with more information before the board made a decision.