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La Grange board approves variance to let homeowner add detached garage off Stone Avenue
Summary
After neighbors raised safety and historic‑character concerns, the Village Board approved a zoning variation allowing a detached garage and driveway at 449 South Stone Avenue that encroaches 11 feet into the 17‑foot corner side yard; trustees said the change improves safety and reduces impermeable surface compared with alternatives.
The Village Board of La Grange voted 6–0 on Jan. 13 to approve a zoning variation permitting a detached garage at 449 South Stone Avenue that would encroach 11 feet into the required 17‑foot corner side yard and place driveway access on Stone Avenue rather than 47th Street. Trustee Thompson introduced the ordinance and asked for the board’s support.
Neighbors testified against the proposal during public comment, citing sight‑line issues, proximity to a busy park and the historic‑district character. "Putting a structure of this size is gonna impede sight lines for people going to and from that park," said Jane Hamblin, who lives next door, arguing the homeowner had not demonstrated that no other remedies were available. Resident Tia Manilakis said the owners had not met the code’s variance standards and suggested alternative fixes such as a turnaround pad or a concrete pad adjacent to the existing garage.
Property owner Steven Specht said the change responds to documented safety concerns after a vehicle previously struck a house on the block. He said his design would reduce impermeable surface compared with adding a concrete pad, and that a future building‑permit review would address detailed sight‑line calculations and design to match the house. "I certainly would never want to build anything that creates a new unsafe condition," Specht said.
Trustees debated tradeoffs between safety, neighborhood character and alternative remedies. Trustee Thompson, a 47th Street resident, and other trustees described recurring accidents and backed the change as a safety improvement. Trustee Gail and trustee Peterson both said the proposed location would likely improve safety and could raise the property’s value, while asking that final design and landscaping be handled through the building‑permit process.
The board recorded a roll‑call vote with Trustees Thompson, Augustine, O'Brien, McGee, Gail and Peterson voting aye; the ordinance passed with six votes, the number required under the recently adopted comprehensive plan rules. President Kuchler thanked neighbors for coming to speak and noted that the building‑permit stage would provide additional opportunities to address appearance and sight lines.
What happens next: the applicant may pursue building permits; staff and the village engineer will evaluate detailed plans and sight‑line calculations during permit review.
