Groundbreaking: Protecting Oak Brook’s Borders

In-the-KNow-Borders-Photo-2-DSC01275

For a century, multiple radio transmitter towers have stood on 19 acres of unincorporated DuPage County land near the Saddle Brook subdivision. Many longtime residents fondly recall school trips to the site where light bulbs lit themselves. When plans began to emerge to decommission the towers permanently, the Village of Oak Brook Village Board swiftly took action to secure a role in shaping the land’s future.
Initially, the Village sought to purchase the property using its strong fund balance. However, the seller ultimately opted to sell to a national home developer.

With ownership settled, the Board focused on influencing the develop-ment process. Trustee A. Suresh Reddy emphasized, “Given Oak Brook’s history and commitment to green space, the Board prioritized preserving open areas while ensuring housing density aligned with our residential zoning standards. Equally important was minimizing the impact on Village services.”

Although the site will be annexed into Downers Grove, the Board negotiated a groundbreaking agreement with the developer. Oak Brook agreed not to intervene—provided the developer adhered to specific conditions set by the village.

The approved development plan allows for up to 35 single-family homes, each with a minimum size of 3,000 square feet. A maximum of seven homes will border Oak Brook, and only in the rear yard. To maintain privacy and aesthetics, adjacent lots must include a 20-foot landscaped buffer with evergreen trees. Building coverage is limited to 32% per lot, and at least 30% of the total site will remain preserved as permanent open space. Only uniform, open ornamental fencing under four feet will be permitted, and outbuildings such as sheds, chicken coops, and above-ground pools are prohibited.

These homes are expected to sell for over $1.5 million. Because the development falls within Downers Grove, Oak Brook will avoid the costs of maintaining streets and infra-structure. Trustee James Nagle noted, “By being proactive, we’ve ensured a development that aligns with our community’s character. The families who purchase these homes will shop and dine in Oak Brook, benefiting our local economy while we maintain our high standards for residential growth.”

The removal of the radio transmitter towers will lead to residential development.

Author

Chocolate brownie cake with a scoop of ice cream with a mint leaf on a white plate

Oak Brook: A True Dining Mecca

Naz Faces fall (51) (2)

EDUCATION: Nazareth Academy

Timothy Christian School Ed Issue.3

EDUCATION: Timothy Christian Schools

Downers Grove Christian School

EDUCATION: Downers Grove Christian School – Downers Grove

St. Mary of Gostyn School

EDUCATION: St. Mary of Gostyn School

St. Joan of Arc School

EDUCATION: St. Joan of Arc School – Lisle

St. Joseph School-8218

EDUCATION: St. Joseph School

Elmhurst University leaders Kent Dahlgren, Wes Becton, Hugh McLean, Diane Salvador and Troy VanAken, and Elmhurst Mayor Scott Levin take part in the groundbreaking for a new health sciences building. Photo courtesy of Elmhurst University.

Elmhurst University introduces multimillion-dollar health science hub

Rudy-IMG_8430-copy-2

Rudy: 30 years later, Rudy walks on with a new generation

pexels-jay-randhawa-19099691-e1704578338601

The Essentials: Winter Clothing and Accessory Trends

Glaciers-Photo-by-Chris-Henry

Iceland

Hiking electric blue tinted glaciers and exploring ice caves are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ice-caving season goes from mid-October through March.  Photo by Chris Henry

Iceland