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Burr Ridge board unanimously adopts resolution opposing Illinois 'Build' housing initiative
Summary
The Burr Ridge Village Board approved a resolution opposing the state's "Build" initiative, saying the package would preempt local single-family zoning and curtail municipal authority; the vote was unanimous, 6-0.
Mayor Grasso and the Village of Burr Ridge Board of Trustees voted unanimously on May 11 to approve a resolution opposing the Illinois "Build" housing initiative, which staff described as preempting local single-family zoning across the state.
The resolution, introduced by staff at the mayor’s request, calls for rejection of the Build package as drafted and asks for more careful consideration of "missing middle" housing approaches. Evan, a village staff member, told the board the legislative package would allow courtyard housing, two- to eight‑unit buildings and other 'missing middle' product types on single-family lots of 2,500 square feet or greater — a threshold the village staff said would include every single‑family lot in Burr Ridge.
Mayor Grasso framed the measure as a defense of municipal authority and due process, saying the proposal "would take away our authority" and adding that, in his view, "this whole thing is unconstitutional" because it would limit residents’ right to petition their local government. Several trustees and longtime residents concurred, urging the board to oppose the legislation while acknowledging the need to address middle‑market housing in other ways.
Former plan‑commission chair Robert Grella, who told the board he has lived in Burr Ridge for 36 years, told trustees, "This bill will destroy the very fabric of every community by removing local control from the process of zoning and residential construction," and urged approval of the resolution.
The board moved and seconded the resolution; roll call recorded a 6-0 vote in favor. Board members said the village will forward the resolution to the Illinois Municipal League and continue monitoring the legislative session through the end of May.
