'Blind Eye': Darien Country Club Neighbors Warned

DARIEN, IL – Carriage Greens Country Club has suffered its fourth incident of vandalism this year, prompting the owner to warn that he may seek a permit to erect a fence.

"It’s astounding to me how our golf course neighbors seem to have selective vision when it comes to issues regarding my business, Carriage Greens Country Club," owner Brian Broderick said in a statement to Patch on Tuesday morning. "The homeowners association, for example, focuses on minor details, like a fence that needs painting or complaints about snow plows in the parking lot, while turning a blind eye to far more pressing matters – such as groups of kids causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage to the golf course in their backyard."

Broderick, who owns the club with his wife Adriana Broderick, said homeowners along the course were "incredibly fortunate" to have it in their backyard.

"This isn't just a business; it's an asset that enhances property values, unlike a gas station or a fast food drive-thru," he said. "Neighbors should recognize and protect this valuable resource rather than undermine it through trivial complaints to City Hall. If we don’t work together to safeguard our community's assets, we risk losing what makes our neighborhood unique and appealing."

Broderick said he was hopeful that the police will eventually solve the vandalism cases. Perhaps, he said, all it would take is door-to-door inquiries to identify the troublemakers.

"Somebody local knows who did this," he said.

The damage was a topic during Monday's Darien City Council meeting.

Alderwoman Mary Sullivan urged residents to report any information about those responsible.

"Obviously, it's unacceptable," she said. "It's private property."

Mayor Joseph Marchese recalled that more than two decades ago, the golf course saw significant damage, including carts being driven into water.

At the time, the Broderick family considered putting up a fence around the entire course, blocking off homes, the mayor said. A meeting was held with the homeowners, who were warned about the possibility of a fence, he said.

"That was enough for the homeowners to investigate themselves about who did the damage, and we eventually caught the people," Marchese said. "I don't think anyone wants to see fences on Carriage Greens Country Club."