Even though a proposed subdivision’s 128 houses will start at $170,000 and although the west side development meets all city zoning requirements, neighbors oppose it.
Beecher & Dill Builders of Burr Ridge plans to build the Blackberry Trail subdivision on 45 acres south of Galena Boulevard just east of the Blackberry Historical Village.
But neighbors in the Cherry Hill subdivision east of the site would like to see fewer homes built there. Their hopes, however, are not likely to be satisfied; the Planning and Development Committee recommended approval of the subdivision, and the full City Council is expected to approve it next week.
Cherry Hill homeowners’ spokesman Ken Palmatier said the developer has worked hard to meet residents’ concerns and has enlarged lot sizes on the east end of the subdivision at their request. But Palmatier faulted city zoning standards, which he said are the least restrictive in the region.
Aurora requires a front lot line width of at least 60 feet and a minimum lot size of 8,000 square feet. By contrast, nearby Montgomery requires a 75-foot lot line and a 9,000-square-foot lot; Naperville requires an 85-foot lot line and 13,000-square-foot lot.
Lot lines in Cherry Hill start at 95 feet, and the smallest lot is 12,000 square feet, Palmatier said.
Mayor David Pierce said the city is willing to look at the issue, but he maintained that many neighboring municipalities bargain away minimum standards when approving planned developments. He said Aurora does not.
