The Downers Grove Village Council gave preliminary approval to a developer’s plans to build six homes on a 4.8-acre lot off of Middaugh Avenue just north of 60th Place.
The council will take the final vote on the issue Aug. 7.
Downers Grove-based Bradley Land Group Inc. proposed plans that originally called for seven lots on the land, but the council reduced the number to six lots. It also opted not to vacate village-owned property at the western edge of the land extending from the north end of Middaugh to 59th Street to the development despite recommendations from staff and the Plan Commission. The council wanted to keep its options open if Middaugh Avenue had to be extended, said Ken Rathje, director of planning services.
A group of neighbors were disappointed with the council’s action. They wanted the village-owned land vacated so Middaugh could be permanently closed, ending any possibility of the road extending to 59th Street and keeping their neighborhood quiet.
“We, quite frankly, as a group of neighbors, are extremely disappointed,” said resident Chris Hayden.
He said the village hasn’t been a “good steward of the land” and infrequently mows the area. The neighbors now are considering forming a task force to pursue closing the north end of Middaugh.
