$90K Balcony For Darien City Hall Prompts Debate

DARIEN, IL – The Darien City Council this week voted to spend up to $90,000 on a new balcony for City Hall at 1702 Plainfield Road.

The city went to bid for the project last month, but no one responded. So the city contacted Tinley Park-based Landmark Construction Services for a quote.

The company and city negotiated a price of $85,000, plus $5,000 for unforeseen problems.

"I don't think of it as a balcony where the queen comes out and waves," Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said. "It's another roof line to protect the lower level. It will aesthetically look good."

Officials said the balcony would protect the lower level from water issues. According to the city, the current balcony is deteriorating and requires an updated look.

"I think a balcony is better than an awning. We don't know how long an awning will last," Alderman Ted Schauer said. "There are too many situations that if we go with an awning, we're not going to know about."

But Alderman Thomas Belczak said Landmark's proposal did not clearly define what the alternatives would cost. Alderman Eric Gustafson agreed, saying he would reject a proposal if he did not fully understand the alternatives.

The council voted 5-2 for the expenditure, with Belczak and Gustafson dissenting.