New Darien Apartments 'Dump' Stormwater Onto Neighbors: Condo Leader

DARIEN, IL – A new Darien apartment complex, which sparked controversy before the city approved the zoning three years ago, has stormwater problems, an official said Monday.

Dan Gombac, the city's top public works official, responded to the concerns of the leader of a nearby homeowners association.

"I am moving very expediently," he said.

A year ago, the four-story Jade Residences at Waterfall Glen opened at 2305 Sokol Court in southwest Darien.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Susan Kleyweg, president of the Waterfall Glen Condominium Association, said muddy water from the apartment building is going onto the condo complex's property.

"It's been over a month since dredging (of ponds) was done. We were told there would be landscaping taking place," Kleyweg said. "We continue to have muddy water dumped onto our property. I just feel that you guys have forgotten us."

Gombac said the new owners have sought proposals for landscaping. And he said the city is taking charge of the issues because a "disconnect" exists, with "too many players involved."

Any improvements are being paid for with money set aside by the developer as well as the company's maintenance bond, Gombac told Patch in an interview.

"We look forward to working with the developer to rectify the outstanding issues," he said.

South Barrington-based Jade Group broke ground on the project in summer 2022. Wheaton-based FCA Asset Management is listed on the apartment building's website. Patch left a message Tuesday afternoon with an employee who answered the apartment building's phone.

In May 2021, the City Council voted 4-3 in favor of the four-story apartment building. This was after the Planning and Zoning Commission voted 7-1 against the proposal.

The debate over the project was heated, with at least a couple of aldermen upset over written comments they deemed derogatory toward renters. One said some comments came off as racist and classist.

During public input at a council meeting, residents said the four-story building was too large for the property in question.

They also objected to the proposed building's height, its closeness to a children's park and the effects on drainage.

The neighbors rejected suggestions that their opposition was rooted in racism or classism.