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Fox River Grove trustees back variances for 206 N. River Road over neighbor objections
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Summary
Trustees voted 5‑1 May 20 to recommend drafting an ordinance approving variances for a home at 206 N. River Road that will allow reduced lot width, a smaller front yard and a covered porch in an interior side yard; a neighbor opposition cited flooding and drainage concerns.
Fox River Grove trustees voted 5‑1 on May 20 to recommend an ordinance approving zoning variances for a house at 206 N. River Road, despite objections from nearby residents who said the changes could worsen flooding and drainage.
Assistant Administrator Bechler summarized a revised proposal and renderings submitted by petitioner James Allen, who told the board he consulted multiple contractors and revised the design to avoid encroaching into the 8‑foot side setbacks. "I met with more than one contractor to discuss options to increase living space while staying within the setbacks," Allen said during the presentation.
Neighbor Bill Maxon told trustees he opposed Zoning Case 2025‑03, raising concerns about flooding and stormwater drainage if the variances are granted. Ron Rutkowski also said he did not support the request but said he had not prepared specific reasons when asked by a trustee.
Trustee Steve Knar said he could not support the variance because neighbors had repeatedly expressed concerns and because he believed the petitioner had previously performed work on the property without required permits. "Given the neighbors' concerns and apparent past noncompliance, I cannot vote in favor," Knar said before casting the lone 'no' vote.
Trustee Andrew Migdal said he supported the footprint presented but asked that the board include a condition that a previously added garage bump‑out be removed because it was never permitted. Trustee Joseph said memorializing the current front yard setback would not harm the neighborhood, and Trustees Curtiss, Hester and Wall said they felt the petitioner had made an effort to stay within the 8‑foot side setbacks.
Trustee Devin Hester moved—and Trustee Kirsten Wall seconded—a motion to recommend that staff draft an ordinance approving a lot width of less than 65 feet, a front yard of less than 30 feet and a covered porch in an interior side yard for 206 N. River Road, with the condition that the garage bump‑out be removed and no additional bulk be added to the garage. The motion passed on a roll call vote, 5‑1 (Curtiss, Hester, Joseph, Migdal and Wall yes; Knar no).
Staff will draft the ordinance for consideration at a future board meeting.