Elmhurst Home Teardown Tied Up In Legal Issue

ELMHURST, IL – A construction-type fence was erected this week around the trees in front of the house at 292 S. Arlington Ave. in Elmhurst.

The nearly century-old home's proposed demolition has been embroiled in controversy. Neighbors interested in historical preservation became aware of the plan a month and a half ago.

Recently, a legal issue emerged with the timing of the home's teardown, the city acknowledged Wednesday.

In March, Richard "RJ" and Alyssa Parrilli bought the house for nearly $2 million. They asked for a zoning change, so they can consolidate the lot containing the house with a vacant parcel to the north. They plan to build a bigger house.

In a statement to Patch on Wednesday, the city said it received several inquiries about the fence. The city requires such a fence to protect parkway trees during demolitions.

The Parrillis applied for a demolition permit June 7, but the city has not granted it, city spokeswoman Kassondra Schref said.

Several things need to be done before the Parrillis get a permit, she said. They include utility disconnections, right-of-way inspections and fence installation.

Last month, the city's Zoning and Planning Commission approved the zoning change for the Parrillis, despite neighbors' opposition. The City Council has yet to vote on it.

In her statement, Schref said the city received a question about the part of the code titled, "Permits Pending Decision on Amendment." That refers to amendments to the zoning code – in this case, changing the zoning for the Parrillis' property.

The code states no permits for construction or changes to buildings can be issued for 90 days after the Zoning and Planning Commission has received a proposed amendment.

"The lot subject to the zoning map amendment request is not the lot where the house resides today," Schref said. "The City has reached out to the City Attorney for an opinion on whether this Code section applies to the requested Demolition Permit or not. The City will not issue the demolition permit until this legal opinion is clarified."

Patch left a message for comment with the Parrillis' lawyer, Francis Bongiovanni, Thursday morning.

Neighbors say too many historic homes have been demolished in recent years, hurting the neighborhood and the city in general