Wheaton council split on proposal for five downtown homes

The northwest corner of Wesley and West streets in downtown Wheaton soon will be occupied by new houses, the specifics of which are in the hands of the city council — for now.

On Monday, the council heard Airhart Construction's plans to build five houses on the half-acre lot at 208 N. West St., where one 128-year-old home currently stands.

Court Airhart said the proposed homes are three-story and between 2,400 and 3,000 square feet, with detached garages. The homes would incorporate stone, cedar and brick, feature exterior color schemes picked by homeowners and include features found on other homes in the area, such as front porches. While there has been debate on the orientation of the homes, Airhart said he believes it makes sense for them to face toward West Street.

“We really looked to create a development that will fit in well, in a cohesive nature, while also providing some differentiation,” he said. “It provides a really pleasant streetscape, creates some interest and some movement.”

Neighbors argued, however, that the development is too dense, too close to neighboring property lines and facing the wrong direction. They also expressed concerns about the creation of a separate, private “motor court” that would be built off the public alley and potential for more flooding in an area that already has stormwater issues.

If the council agrees with the planning and zoning board — which rejected the application — another proposal could be coming their way, possibly for a seven-story, multifamily residential building.

Ron Darosa has owned the subject property since 1977 and is ready to sell it as part of his retirement strategy. He said he has tried renting the property and selling it as a single-family home, with no success.

The property has been sold twice to developers who backed out of plans, and Darosa said he doesn't want to see Airhart's plan fall through.

“If you require us to do less than the five units, this project will not fly. I'm not saying that to rattle sabers, I'm just telling you there's a cost factor,” Darosa said. “If you deny the project, what I'm going to be forced to do is withdraw this petition and I'm going to demolish the building and I'm going to come back and I'm going to request at that point in time what I'm entitled to to make this financially feasible, and that's R7.”

The property is currently zoned R7, which only permits multifamily units and allows for more stories. Airhart is requesting a downgrade to a use for smaller, single-family or multifamily developments.

Council members Suzanne Fitch, John Prendiville and John Rutledge opposed the development. Fitch said she liked the landscaping and home designs, but felt the homes should face Wesley.

But Councilman Phil Suess said the city doesn't have the authority to limit the developer to less than five homes. He called the plans for the project “viable,” “well-done” and less dense than the development across the street.

Mayor Michael Gresk and councilmen Todd Scalzo and Thor Saline agreed with Suess. Scalzo, however, had to leave early, resulting in a lack of quorum.

The council deferred the item to the first meeting in February, when all council members will be present.