Ex-Darien Official Opposes Duplex Development

DARIEN, IL – A former Darien official is opposed to a planned duplex development in west Darien.

Earlier this month, former Ward 6 Alderwoman Sylvia McIvor said her area already has seen a big increase in noise, traffic and pollution, with continuing construction and developments along Woodward Avenue.

"The character of our area has changed, dramatically, no thanks to Woodridge and Bolingbrook," McIvor said in comments to a Patch story about the duplexes earlier this month. "Now our own City is willing to do this to its residents?"

At 6 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, the City Council's Municipal Services Committee tentatively plans to hear the proposal for the Woodland Glen subdivision in the 2900 block of 87th Street.

Last week, Darien's Planning and Zoning Commission voted unanimously to recommend the project.

The developer, Woodland Glen Development, is seeking Darien's permission for 17 duplexes. That would require converting the zoning to multifamily residential, from single-family.

Woodland Glen described the housing as "an upscale, maintenance-free residential community, featuring larger ranch-style homes with full basements, featuring both 'look out' and 'walk out' options."

The 7.3-acre site includes two older houses that the developer plans to demolish. The houses are served by wells and septic systems, but Woodland Glen says it will connect to public utilities.

In her comments on Patch, McIvor, who lives in the nearby Farmingdale Village neighborhood, said the city should follow its master plan for development.

"The City should not become the new Woodridge – with a complete disregard for existing residents and taxpayers while granting rezoning and variances galore for developers," McIvor said. "This is a NO for us. If you don’t live near this area and will not suffer the negative impact on your daily life, kindly keep your opinions to yourselves."