Darien Condo Plan Draws Concerns

DARIEN, IL – A plan for 16 condos on Plainfield Road in Darien has some officials and residents concerned.

The condos are proposed for 1225 Plainfield Road, where the city demolished a dental office last year because of code issues.

At Monday's City Council meeting, a couple of aldermen, Gerry Leganski and Mary Sullivan, said visitors and delivery drivers would use neighboring Lester Lane to turn around before entering the condo site.

That's because the developer is planning an entrance on Plainfield Road that would bar left turns into the property. (An official said that part of the project could change.)

The two aldermen also said the developer was not planning enough parking spaces for visitors. The proposal includes 16 two-car garages and eight more parking spaces.

Resident Jackie Price, who lives at the end of Lester Lane, echoed those views and added that she was concerned about the project's density.

"We're thrilled there's something going to be done there, but I'm not sure that this is the best fit the way it's proposed," Price said.

Officials emphasized the plan was preliminary and that a more detailed plan would come before the council later.

Mayor Joseph Marchese said legitimate concerns had been expressed. And he said a less dense project would be nice.

But he said the developer needed 16 units to make money on the project.

"He's not going to build it for charity and lose money on it," Marchese said. "We have a developer who is dealing with a very, very rigid property owner, and he's invested a lot of money in the process already."

The mayor continued," Do I sound like a proponent? Yeah, I am. I think this is a good use of the property."

He recalled a proposed subdivision on Manning Road years ago that drew objections from neighbors. The city approved it.

"If you go by that subdivision today, it's a beautiful subdivision. And the people in that area have stated how they feel it has added to the quality of their homes," Marchese said.

Richard Grant of Atlantic Homes told the council that the condos would go for $350,000 to $375,000, depending on the market.

As for parking, Beata Pacura of BNR Builders, a partner in the project, said the homeowners association would enact regulations.

"We will start the association," she said. "We will make the rule that people need to park in the garages."

The council voted 5-1 for rezoning the property. Leganski voted no. Alderman Eric Gustafson was absent.