Resident urges cleanup and fixes at Darby Farms retention area; village staff pledges follow-up

Timothy McCutchen, a New Lenox resident at 950 W. Woodlong, told the Village Board during public comment that the retention/detention area installed as part of the Darby Farms subdivision has not been completed to residents' expectations and is creating quality-of-life problems.

McCutchen described a pond area he called a "swamp," said he and neighbors moved onto lots before the Darby Farms work, and said they now see standing water, washouts and persistent odors. He said the developer planted native species that did not establish as expected in some places and that grading left humps and drainage patterns that do not move water away from backyards. "We built that house five years ago... it was a field," he said, recounting long-term resident frustration. He added, according to his remarks to the board, that residents worry a large developer could pull out and leave the community holding the cleanup burden.

Village planning staff (Robin) and public-works staff (Will) responded that they are coordinating a corrective timeline with MI Homes, noted that certain native-planting areas were designed differently from manicured ponds, and emphasized that the village retains surety and will not make large reductions in bonds until punch-list items and public-improvement requirements are satisfied. Will said the village will meet on site with residents and staff to assess outstanding items and pursue remediation if the developer does not perform.

Why it matters: The complaint highlights how subdivision construction and stormwater infrastructure affect adjacent homeowners. Retention/detention features and their upkeep are long-term obligations tied to development approvals; surety funds exist precisely to allow municipalities to require completion or to hire contractors to finish the work if developers do not.

What the village will do: Staff committed to coordinating a meeting with the developer and residents, to enforce punch-list items before any major surety reduction, and to follow up in short order. Residents asked for quicker action and clearer timelines.

Representative resident excerpt: Resident Timothy McCutchen said builders "planted cattails and native species" that later washed away and that he is concerned about standing water and smell near his yard. Staff said they will revisit the site and work with the developer to correct outstanding items.