We, the undersigned insist that the Village of Clarendon Hills protect the safety and welfare of the neighborhood adjacent to and surrounding the property at the corner of 55th & Western Ave., 401 55th Street in Clarendon Hills, formerly known as Tracy’s Tavern.

In February of 2022, Krohvan Developers of Hinsdale submitted an application for conditional use of a double-lane Mega Drive-Thru for a proposed Dunkin Donuts, along with approximately 5,000 sq ft of retail space to be named later.  We insist the Zoning Board and Board of Trustees of Clarendon Hills Vote NO on this conditional use for the following reasons:

1.    The proposed location is surrounded entirely by residential properties, as close as 100 feet.

2.    According to the developer’s traffic study, the number of left hand turns at the corner of 55th & Western will increase 244% during morning rush hour.

3.    According to the developer’s traffic study, this high-volume, fast turnover drive-thru will cause massive delays on Western Ave, a main access road for the entire neighborhood.

4.    The awkward design makes west bound access difficult and dangerous - increasing the opportunity for accidents.

5.    Pedestrian travel to this development is extremely dangerous.

6.    Access from Western Ave is only 3 car-lengths from 55th Street, mirroring the main entrance to Coventry Ct, making this entry more congested and less safe.

7.    Nearby homeowners will be subject to the noise of idling cars, car radios, and the squawk of the order board from 4am to 10pm, 7 days a week, and will negatively impact of our ability to enjoy our homes.

8.    Home values up to 750 feet away will suffer from the noise, congestion and visibility of this national chain, fast food, drive-thru added to the residential neighborhood.  Such an establishment so close to homes, schools and parks is out of character with Clarendon Hills and suburban living in general.

9.    There is no guarantee the additional retail space will be family-friendly and appropriate for a neighborhood.

A public hearing before the Clarendon Hills Zoning Board is scheduled for Thursday, March 17, 2022, at 7:30pm.  Their vote will serve as a “recommendation” for Board of Trustees.  Approval of the conditional use of this Mega Drive-Thru should be DENIED.  However, if allowed, the developers must be required to protect the surrounding community in the following ways:

1.    Access to this development should be limited to 55th Street only, keeping Western Ave. safe for residents.

2.    Create a berm, fencing and shrub barrier taller than is currently required by the Village ordinances to buffer the Western Ave. property line.

3.    Create a permit requirement that any business leasing the additional space is “family-friendly.”