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Council approves special‑use permit for rectory at 8825 Robert Road after clarifying ordinance language
Summary
After extended public comment from Terra Hill neighbors, the Darien City Council amended and approved a special‑use permit (PZC 26‑7) allowing a rectory (to be recorded as a private residence) at 8825 Robert Road; the final ordinance passed 6–1.
The Darien City Council on June 1 approved an ordinance granting a special‑use permit (PZC 26‑7) for a rectory at 8825 Robert Road for the Society of Mount Carmel after amending the ordinance language to clarify that the rectory is a private residence.
Neighbors from Terra Hill testified in opposition, citing the R‑2 residential zoning, concern about neighborhood character and potential impacts on school tax receipts. "This use is not necessary," said Brian Negoi, a Terra Hill resident, arguing the property is remote from the parish's main 40‑acre campus and noting the home recently sold for about $1.2 million. Other residents asked the council to include explicit ordinance language forbidding ministerial gatherings, counseling or public events at the property.
Attorney Michael Gerrian, representing the petitioner, told the council the owners had committed in written material and on the record that the house would be used only as a residence for clergy, that it would not host ministerial services or public gatherings, and that the special use would terminate if the property were sold. City attorney John Murphy explained that a single tax‑exempt parcel would not materially reduce levy receipts to local taxing bodies and characterized the fiscal effect as infinitesimal.
Council members debated occupancy limits (the petitioner asked for a maximum of four clergy; municipal services recommended six consistent with the number of bedrooms) and whether the ordinance should explicitly ban ministerial uses. To remove ambiguity, the council voted unanimously (7–0) to amend section two of the ordinance, changing the phrase "rectory/private residence" to "rectory (meaning private residence)." On the final vote the ordinance passed 6–1, with Alderman Gustoson voting no.
The ordinance includes a recorded restriction preventing the special use from running with the land so that the uses and restrictions will appear on title and provide notice to future buyers. Council members said the recording and the ordinance conditions give neighbors enforceable remedies if the use changes in the future.
Next steps: the special‑use conditions will be recorded with the county and city staff will monitor compliance; the petitioner indicated willingness to limit occupants and not host ministerial activities at the property.
