Controversial Duplexes Get Darien's Final Approval

DARIEN, IL – The developer of a proposed duplex subdivision got the Darien City Council's final go-ahead Monday, despite neighbors' continuing opposition.

The council's vote was unanimous for the 17 duplexes in the 2900 block of 87th Street, compared to a 4-3 vote in favor late last year.

Before Monday's vote, the city's attorney, John Murphey, said the second vote would be more limited.

"The owners' rights have vested. The owner has received the zoning," Murphey said. "The council's task is to determine whether the final plans submitted by the developer comply with the rezoned property and the plans that have been approved."

Attorney Elizabeth Uribe, who represents neighbors Jeanine and Tony Antiporek, said she "unfortunately" agreed with Murphey's conclusion. But she said his analysis missed an important point.

The developer's rights, Uribe said, do not supersede the rights of others or absolve the city or developer from following the law.

"The city and developer must take care in coordinating with and respecting the rights of nearby neighbors, including the Antiporeks, whose rights in their property and their home vested more than 28 years ago," said Uribe, who owns the Actions Speak law firm. "To this end, my clients look forward to working with the city and the developer as neighbors to ensure the subdivision is successful as it transitions into what is hopefully an asset to the community."

Jeanine Antipork, who lives east of the proposed development, said she was disappointed.

"I'm disappointed that the city is ignoring over 50 petition signatures from surrounding neighbors who overwhelmingly do not want this development to move forward," Antiporek said. "I'm disappointed that the city is granting seven significant variances and waivers that allow this project's density to be way too high."

At the end of her comments, Antiporek took aim at Darien's slogan.

"Finally, I'm disappointed that I no longer consider Darien 'a nice place to live,'" she said.

Karla Twombly, who lives behind the proposed development, said she, too, was disappointed. She said the development would cause more flooding issues in the neighborhood, although the developer argued last year that the subdivision would improve the situation.

"I have no idea how our property is going to take on any more water," Twombly said. "What is going to happen if the whole thing goes wrong and we lose what we have?"

Burr Ridge-based Woodland Glen Development is proposing the duplexes.

The developer plans to market the duplexes for those 55 or older. Prices for the homes would start in the upper $500,000 range, the developer said. It would require the demolition of at least a couple of older houses