Darien May Act On Controversial Apartments In May: Official

DARIEN, IL — The Darien City Council may act on a controversial apartment complex as soon as next month.

For months, residents have expressed their concerns about the project, according to the city. It was originally proposed as condos 16 years ago, but that plan has changed to apartments.

At Monday's City Council meeting, Alderwoman Mary Sullivan said she had received "extensive" communications from residents near the proposed complex. Called Darien Heights, the apartments are set for the southeast corner of South Frontage Road and Sokol Court, east of the Extended Stay America hotel.

The city's Planning and Zoning Commission plans to hold a second hearing on the proposal Wednesday. In 2005, the complex was proposed as two buildings, but the new developer wants to change it to one.

The project is in Sullivan's Ward 5, but she said other aldermen also have received residents' messages about the project.

"I'm just asking everyone to take extra special attention to read all the communications as well as the packet that will be presented from the developer," Sullivan said. "It will be coming to the City Council at some point in May."

City officials say they have heard concerns from residents that the project is changing from condos to rentals. Online commentary also has been critical of the project, with one person declaring last week, "Apartments are the downfall of a community."

The developer, Paul Swanson of Mount Prospect-based Paul Swanson Associates, describes the apartments as upscale. He also maintains that the complex may turn into condos in the future as market conditions allow.

The project is expected to include exercise rooms, patios and balconies, with rent said to range from $1,500 to $2,700 a month. The goal is to attract an "upscale clientele," the company says.