Elmhurst Neighbors Oppose Townhome Development Plan

ELMHURST, IL – A proposal for townhomes in an Elmhurst neighborhood is getting more pushback from neighbors.

Island Construction plans 13 homes for the northeast and northwest corners of West Avenue and Third Street.

In an email Tuesday to the city, Cory Christmas, who lives on Third Street next to the northwest part of the development, said it would hurt the neighborhood.

He objected to the developer's request for an exception to the zoning code, reducing the setback to 12 feet, from 20.

Granting the request, he said, could set a precedent that would further erode the residential atmosphere.

"The proposed reduction in setback would place the new townhomes unreasonably close to our backyard," Christmas said. "This would greatly diminish the privacy we currently enjoy and affect our ability to use our outdoor space comfortably."

Another resident, Kevin Kirby, who lives on the other side of Christmas, said the plan for the northeast corner would benefit the neighborhood. Those lots, he said, are occupied by buildings that are either dilapidated or near that condition.

But Kirby, who ran for City Council last year, said the part northwest of the intersection is a "drastically different" case. That area is now occupied by The Independent Newspapers, which publishes the Elmhurst Independent, among others.

"The lot itself is simply too small for what is proposed, as evidenced by the requested easements, which would lead to the structure being a safety hazard for cars turning North on West Avenue from 3rd Street," Kirby said in a letter to the city.

Kirby said the developer contended townhomes were better for the lot because a single-family home would be unprofitable along a busy street.

Kirby disagreed. He said a house on a larger lot would achieve profitability, as shown by other recently sold homes.

"For this lot, it feels like we are being asked to set aside safety and common sense at the expense of the exorbitant profits that selling multiple units would provide," Kirby said. "Building a single-family home on this lot with the high-quality standards that Island is known for would be a win for all involved."

In a recent memo, City Engineer Ted Sianis agreed with the developer's traffic consultant's analysis.

"(The) potential for traffic at the corners with the proposed townhomes is less than what is currently zoned and built out there now," Sianis said.

In a statement Wednesday (below), Island Construction said the residents' letters were surprising. The developer held a meeting with neighbors Friday to discuss the project and seek feedback.

"(T)hese specific objections were not brought up at the time," the business said. "We have reached out to these neighbors again to continue the dialogue."

The company also said it is orienting the townhomes toward West Avenue, which places the rear of the building 36½ feet from Christmas' fence and backyard. That provides more separation than what is there today and more than what would likely occur if a building were rebuilt on the site, the firm said.

"Abutting duplex townhomes already exist directly north of 240 West Ave, with additional townhomes just to the South," the developer said. "We believe townhomes at this location would be consistent with the surrounding area and would enhance, rather than detract from, the character of the neighborhood."

Island Construction said it has built over 300 homes in more than three decades in Elmhurst.

In 2023, the City Council approved Island's plan for 30 townhomes for a vacant lot at 240 W. Lake St.

On Tuesday, the city's Zoning and Planning Commission was set to continue its discussion on the latest townhome proposal. But it delayed the matter until its Jan. 20 meeting.

Statement from Island Construction:

We were surprised by the letters from the neighbors. We held a neighborhood meeting on January 2, 2026, to discuss the project and solicit feedback, and these specific objections were not brought up at that time. We have reached out to these neighbors again to continue the dialogue.

Regarding the Mr. Christmas letter:

• Setback: We are proposing to orient the townhomes toward West Ave, which places the rear of the buildings more than 36'-6" from Mr. Christmas’ fence and backyard—significantly exceeding the previously referenced 12' setback.
• Privacy and Enjoyment: With a 36'-6" backyard setback, the proposed design actually provides more separation than what exists today and more than what would likely occur if a building were rebuilt on the site.
• Neighborhood Character: Abutting duplex townhomes already exist directly north of 240 West Ave, with additional townhomes just to the South. We believe townhomes at this location would be consistent with the surrounding area and would enhance, rather than detract from, the character of the neighborhood.

Regarding the Mr. Kirby letter:

• Traffic Safety: The proposed townhomes will maintain the same 25' front setback as the existing office building. In addition, the City Engineer’s memo dated 12/23/25 supports the traffic analysis, noting that “the potential for traffic impacts at the corners with the proposed townhomes is less than what is currently zoned and built there today.”