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Fox River Grove board approves variances for 206 North River Road after split votes
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Summary
After public comment and split initial votes, the Fox River Grove Village Board approved variances to memorialize existing lot dimensions and allow a reduced front yard, narrower lot width, a reduced northeast side yard and a covered porch at 206 North River Road.
The Fox River Grove Village Board on June 3 approved variances allowing changes at 206 North River Road that memorialize an existing 50-foot lot width (65 feet required), a 2-foot front yard (30 feet required), a 4-foot northeast side yard (8 feet required) and a covered porch.
The vote followed public comment that split between neighbors who urged denial and those who backed the petitioners. John Martin of 514 Asbury Court opposed the ordinance, saying work at the property appeared to have been done without permits and that, based on his review with Algonquin Township and McHenry County, the property could be subject to fines or deconstruction notices if violations are confirmed. Several nearby residents — including Dave Kopeny, James Buster and Ryan Bandolik — urged approval, describing the homeowners as long-standing community members investing in the house and neighborhood. Bill Maxon raised concerns about zoning compliance and flooding.
Trustee debate produced two roll-call motions. Trustee Steve Knar moved to deny Ordinance 2025-15; Trustee David Joseph seconded. That motion failed on a roll-call vote with Trustees Curtiss, Hester, Migdal and Wall voting “No” and Trustees Joseph and Knar voting “Yes.” Trustee Andrew Migdal then moved to approve the ordinance; Trustee Jennifer Curtiss seconded. The second motion passed with Trustees Curtiss, Hester, Migdal, Wall and President Marc McLaughlin voting “Yes,” and Trustees Joseph and Knar voting “No.”
Supporters on the board said approving the variances would allow the homeowners to invest substantially in the property and could improve neighborhood property values. Trustee Curtiss said enforcement and inspections would proceed through the stormwater and permitting reviews, and called the completed project “a win - win” for the neighborhood and schools. Trustee Knar cited consistent neighbor opposition and remained opposed.
No formal penalties, fines or deconstruction orders were announced at the meeting. Administrator Soderholm and village staff said site inspections and stormwater review would be completed during the permitting and construction review process.
Votes at a glance: - Consent agenda (items A–G): approved unanimously (motion by Trustee Devin Hester, seconded by Trustee Steve Knar). - Ordinance 2025-15 (variances for 206 North River Road): initial motion to deny failed (Knar moved; Joseph seconded). Final motion to approve passed (Migdal moved; Curtiss seconded).
The board proceeded to other business and later recessed to executive session to discuss property purchase and sale, pending and imminent litigation, and personnel. The meeting reconvened and adjourned at 8:02 p.m.