More Top Picks Headphones
player ready...What a difference 14 years can make.
After officials in Clarendon Hills and Westmont battled in 2004 over the annexation of unincorporated property on and near the 5700 block of Western Avenue, both villages are working together to help a resident in that area to de-annex from Westmont and annex into Clarendon Hills.
The owner of the property at 417 57th Court in Clarendon Hills purchased the home and property at 5708 Western Ave., in Westmont, about a year ago. He wants to use part of that recently acquired property, which is between two Clarendon Hills addresses, to extend his backyard for his children and rent out the house on the lot.
To do so requires that both properties be in the same municipality.
“Because of the continuity issue, Westmont has told us they are willing to approve the de-annexation,” said Dan Ungerleider, Clarendon Hills’ community development director.
He said the process calls for Westmont to take action to de-annex before Clarendon Hills can approve an annexation ordinance.
Before formal action is taken, Clarendon Hills staff is working with the property owner to create an annexation agreement agreeable to both parties, Ungerleider said, adding that he expects the actions to likely take place in September.
He said that along with standard language, the agreement is expected to confirm that the property can remain on Westmont water, something to which Westmont has agreed, and can remain on its existing septic system.
“The agreement will state that, if either of those conditions change, the owner will have to connect to the Clarendon Hills water system and Flagg Creek sewer system at the owner’s expense,” Ungerleider said.
The annexation of this property was identified as desirable in Clarendon Hills’ 55th Street Sub-Area Plan.
“It’s nice to have the two villages working together,” Ungerleider said. “We’ve been working with Westmont the past few years on the Richmond Education Gardens & Apiary, and have gotten quite bit done on something that is a great thing for both communities.”
