Annexation South Of Darien May Fuel Fears

DARIEN, IL – Woodridge's interest in annexing an area south of Darien may fuel fears that a gas station chain is coming to the neighborhood.

Recently, Woodridge sent a letter to neighbors about an Aug. 20 meeting about the areas along Lemont Road, much of which is unincorporated.

"While these properties are not currently under Woodridge jurisdiction, responsible planning requires anticipating changes and preparing for unincorporated areas to annex into the Village of Woodridge," the letter said.

The letter, which has become a topic on local social media, said input from residents, businesses and others is important for planning decisions.

Over the last year, the Lenny's Gas N Wash chain has bought four houses south of Darien on Lemont Road. They are just south of the Lemont National Bank branch, which is southwest of Lemont Road and 97th Street.

The chain purchased the houses for far more than their tax-assessed values.

Recently, residents in the nearby Pleasantdale neighborhood started a Change.org petition. As of Monday, it has collected more than 600 online signatures.

The gas station chain has not returned a message for comment. Patch left a message for comment Monday morning with Woodridge's community development department, which sent the letter.

The meeting on the Lemont Road area is set for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Fred C. Hohnke Community Center, 2600 Center Drive.