Darien 'Fortunate' To Get New Development

DARIEN, IL – Neighbors have a few minor issues with a proposed two-story office building along 75th Street, but Darien would be "extremely fortunate" to get such a development, an official said this week.

Willowbrook's Zee Signs is seeking zoning approval for the 7,000-square-foot building at 2505 75th St. The plan includes the demolition of an old house on the site.

The property is between a car repair shop and a shopping center that includes Jimmy John's.

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, officials acknowledged that residents are concerned about the placement of the dumpster, a fence and spotlights.

Alderman Eric Gustafson lives a few hundred feet away from the proposed building.

Darien, he said, would be "extremely fortunate" to see such development because the office would be open 8 to 5, be closed on weekends and only have a few employees.

"They have one dock door in back that faces the homes, but they only have five or six deliveries a month," Gustafson said. "So it's a really low-volume-type business."

Dan Gombac, the city's municipal services director, said the city cannot regulate the hours and that they could change.

Gustafson agreed, saying he was getting his information from Zee Signs' current operation. He said he visited there recently.

Darien's Plan Commission was expected to take up the proposal at its meeting Wednesday night.

In 2020, DuPage County considered a proposal for a car wash on the property. Neighbors in the subdivision behind the house contended that such a business would be disruptive.

The car wash did not happen.

Because of the neighbors' concerns, Darien annexed the property, so it could regulate its use.