'You Guys Aren't Special,' Burr Ridge Neighborhood Told

BURR RIDGE, IL – Burr Ridge officials on Monday rejected a gated neighborhood's request for an exception to the local code, with a village trustee saying, "You guys aren't special."

On Monday, Oak Creek Club, which consists of 63 townhomes, asked to be allowed to store a second piece of snow removal equipment outside. It got approval for the first one five years ago.

The landscaper handles the plowing and told the subdivision's homeowners association that he needed a second piece of equipment for bigger snowstorms.

The landscaper started parking the second piece of equipment outdoors in the subdivision, but the village said the association needed permission. At least one resident, Susan Sullivan, expressed concern.

The association's president, Ken Curelo, said the neighborhood is made up mostly of retirees. They need snow removed quickly because of doctor appointments, while some require home health care.

However, Trustee Guy Franzese disagreed with making an exception, given that people in other areas need medical services as well.

"You guys aren't special," Franzese said. "You're just like everybody else."

The association, he said, could bring a second piece of equipment into the neighborhood by trailer when needed.

"That's the reality of living in a gated community," Franzese said. "(The association) is asking for forgiveness instead of permission."

Mayor Gary Grasso said he did not think the subdivision showed a hardship that met the threshold for an exception.

"Your landscaper put you in the position of asking for forgiveness for him," the mayor said. "I think it's unfortunate he's not here."

Grasso also said having snow removal equipment outdoors is an "attractive nuisance" for children.

The Village Board voted 4-0 to deny the subdivision's request. Trustee Anita Mital was absent, and Joe Snyder, who was connected to the meeting by phone, apparently had technical issues when it came time to vote.

During the discussion, Curelo told the board that his group paid the landscaper $30,000 under a yearly contract to plow the subdivision, regardless of the number of snowstorms. He said the person came out three times, given the low amount of snowfall.

The association pays another $8,000 for salting in lesser storms, Curelo said.