Downers Grove planners recommend rezoning at 4908 Cross Street to allow two single‑family homes

The Downers Grove Planning & Zoning Commission voted July 6 to recommend that the village council approve a zoning map amendment for 4908 Cross Street that would change the property from R‑1 (Residential Detached House 1) to R‑4 (Residential Detached House 4).

Brad Santana, representing Cross Development, told the commission the site is four 25‑foot parcels with an abandoned home and that his plan is to consolidate the lots into two 50‑foot parcels and build two single‑family homes. "Our intention is to take those 4 25 foot parcels, consolidate them into 2 50 foot parcels, and build 2 single family homes," Santana said, adding the project would remove an unsafe structure and align with nearby R‑4 development.

Staff presented the case, saying the property was annexed in 2012 with a default R‑1 designation but that many nearby lots have widths of 50–55 feet consistent with R‑4. Planning intern Nathaniel Vanoski told the commission that noticing requirements were met and that staff finds the approval criteria satisfied.

A neighbor who identified himself for the record as Mike Baclage said his house sits very close to the lot line and asked that stormwater and drainage concerns be addressed at the building‑permit stage. Vanoski and staff said stormwater review would occur during permit review.

Commissioners discussed conformity with the comprehensive plan and observed that similar lot consolidations and R‑4 zoning had been approved nearby. Commissioner Patel moved to recommend approval; the commission voted in favor and will forward the recommendation to the village council for final action.

Next steps: the village council will schedule its own public hearing and take a final vote on the rezoning. If the council approves, the petitioner will then pursue permitting and lot consolidation under village regulations.