Duplexes Planned In Darien Neighborhood

DARIEN, IL – A developer planning duplexes in a Darien neighborhood is asking to convert the zoning to multifamily residential, from single-family.

Burr Ridge-based Woodland Glen Development is seeking Darien's permission for 17 duplexes in the 2900 block of 87th Street. They would be at 2941, 2963 and 2985 87th St., south of the street.

The city has set a hearing of the Planning and Zoning Commission for 7 p.m. Oct. 18 at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road.

The last major controversy involving multifamily housing in Darien was two years ago.

In May 2021, Mayor Joseph Marchese cast a tie-breaking vote in favor of a controversial apartment complex. In so doing, the City Council rejected the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission, which voted 7-1 against the proposal.

The debate over the project was heated, with at least a couple of aldermen upset over written comments they deemed derogatory toward renters. One said some comments came off as racist and classist.