Neighbors Oppose Western Springs Developer's Request

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Many neighbors are protesting a request by a developer to waive backyard setbacks for many homes in a Western Springs neighborhood.

At issue is the Timber Trails development. Last year, Tim Holcer, who lives at 1102 White Pine Lane, requested a second-story deck, along with other backyard improvements. The changes would need an exception from setback requirements.

The developer, Burr Ridge-based McNaughton Development, is backing the request. It is seeking variations from setback requirements for two-thirds of the neighborhood's more than 230 lots.

If approved for the area in question, residents could build elevated decks, enclosed porches and patios that would currently be in violation.

According to Holcer's request, a vast majority of homes within the application area back his request. The village, however, has received many critical comments from opposing neighbors.

On Monday night, the Village Board plans to take up the issue. No vote is set.

In one of the many letters to the village, residents James and Cynthia Johnson, who live on Parkview Drive, opposed the request.

Like other residents, they said bigger structures would worsen stormwater problems.

"Of course, the builders, Timber Trails Development and McNaughton Development, want to make as much money as possible by maximizing the living areas of homes they are building," they said. "The result is very small back yards that are very different from the other neighborhoods in Western Springs."

They said the open space views and walking paths in Timber Trails are of significant value to the residents who have invested in the development.

In another letter, resident Ann Marie Kartsounes agreed.

"This is not something that should be sought after to change what is already in place," she said. "Frankly, this could be a slippery slope within the Timber Trails community and the Village of Western Springs overall."