Elmhurst's 'Gift' To Developer? Aldermen Disagree

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst alderman said Monday that his colleagues grant "gifts" when they change zoning designations for properties.

Other aldermen disagreed.

The debate occurred before a final vote on a 13-unit townhome development for the northeast and northwest corners of West Avenue and Third Street.

Two weeks ago, the council voted 13-1 in favor of the complex. Alderman Rex Irby dissented.

In doing so, aldermen approved substantial exceptions to setback rules and changed the zoning from commercial to multifamily housing. Neighbors were divided over whether to allow the townhomes.

At Monday's meeting, Irby said when people buy property, they expect static zoning in their neighborhood.

"Zoning map changes are 99 percent gifts from council," Irby said. "We have no requirements or expectations as we do with variances and other issues. We are the gift that gives the zoning map changes."

He continued, "I wish (for) a more sustainable ethics framework for all of those in Elmhurst, including council."

Alderman Chris Jensen, who heads the council's zoning committee, said he stood by the work of the Plan Commission and his panel.

"And certainly their ethics," he added.

Alderman Guido Nardino, another zoning committee member, disagreed that zoning map changes are gifts. He said such a statement sends the wrong message to the public.

As for Irby's reference to the "ethics framework," Nardini said he didn't think the alderman meant it, "but if he does, I strongly defend the ethics of my chair and of the committee that voted to put this to the council."

With Irby dissenting, the council voted for the development a final time. Aldermen Emily Bastedo and Jennifer Veremis were absent.

The developer is Island Construction, which says it has built more than 300 homes in Elmhurst over three decades.

In 2023, the City Council approved the company's plan for 30 townhomes for a vacant lot at 240 W. Lake St.