Darien Apartment Project Still Concerns Neighbors: Official

DARIEN, IL — Darien has made no decisions yet on a proposed 68-unit apartment complex , with residents expressing concerns at a meeting last week.

On Monday, Ward 5 Alderwoman Mary Sullivan, who represents the neighborhood in question, said Mount Prospect-based developer Paul Swanson Associates plans to meet with the homeowners associations for a nearby condo building and town homes.

At last Monday's City Council meeting, Sullivan said she received "pretty positive feedback" from the homeowners associations about their discussions with the developer on the proposed Darien Heights apartments.

On Wednesday, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on the proposal. At that meeting, nearby residents expressed concern about the changes in the development since it was first proposed in 2005, Sullivan said. Back then, it was supposed to be condos in two buildings, but the project never happened. Now, it is set to be apartments in one building. Paul Swanson Associates was not the developer in 2005.

In an interview, Sullivan said the hearing provided her with more updated information on residents' concerns. She said while the homeowners associations appreciated the developer's presentation in the fall, they still have concerns about the building design and the conversion from condos to rentals.

"I think a lot of people weren't communicated to about his. With COVID, it's tricky," Sullivan said. "I have definitely gotten a significant amount more in communications about the development. At the time I spoke (to the council), I hadn't heard from some people."

She said the Planning and Zoning Commission decided to continue the hearing on the project to a later meeting. She suggested a compromise could be reached for the project.

Paul Swanson of Paul Swanson Associates said he was surprised with the residents' reaction to his firm's proposal during Wednesday's meeting. He said he spoke with a couple of representatives of the homeowners associations months ago.

"They seemed fine with it," he said in an interview.

But Swanson said the word did not get out about the project. Because of that, he said he plans to meet with residents in the police department's training room Thursday, which he said would be a "more relaxed atmosphere."

He said he expected the Planning and Zoning Commission to resume its hearing April 21.

According to the project proposal, rent will amount to $1,500 to $2,700 a month. To attract an "upscale clientele," the developer is offering six floor plans.

"Another plus for these Upscale Residences is the fact that there will be very few school-aged children as these residents will be economically upscale, mobile, young working professionals and older empty-nesters," the proposal says.

The apartments are set for the southeast corner of South Frontage Road and Sokol Court, east of the Extended Stay America hotel.

In a November interview, Swanson said the building would feature exercise rooms, patios and balconies. He said market conditions guided the switch to apartments.

"I think it will be an asset to the community," Swanson said. "They will be condo quality. They can be converted to condos when the condo market comes back."