Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: August 21, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - August 21, 2025

Mayor's Message

From time to time, I will present residents with updates as to how the City is moving forward with several key development projects:

Chestnut Court Shopping Center – A Fresh Look is Coming!

Located at 75th Street and Lemont Roads

Update Façade including storefronts and walkways
Improved landscaping and lighting
New Designs that will attract both new businesses and more shoppers
Redevelopment to start sometime in the fall of 2025

New Condo Development: Plainfield Road and Lester Lane

Located Directly West of Modell Funeral Home

A new residential condo development has broken ground on Plainfield and Lester Lane
The project includes two multi-storied buildings with eight condo units in each building along with sixteen two car parking garages

Wendy’s Re-development: Plainfield and Route 83

Located on the Southwest Corner of Plainfield Road and Route 83

The former Wendy’s location at Plainfield and Route 83 is being re-developed for new commercial use
The building is currently undergoing modernization on its exterior and interior
We plan to announce a new restaurant early this fall

Former TGI Fridays: Darien Towne Center

Located at the Eastern Portion of the Towne Center

The former TGI Friday’s remains vacant but continues to be marketed by the property management to potential tenants
The space has generated interest from restaurant businesses
City staff will work with brokers to ensure the site is repurposed efficiently and in line with community needs.

As these projects proceed, I will continue to provide residents with updates on these developments as well as any other new development within the city.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Storm Debris and Branch Pickup - August 25

Due to the recent storm, we will combine a special pickup of storm debris with the scheduled branch pickup on August 25. When preparing branches for pick up, please review these reminders:

Stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup.
Weather conditions, equipment failures and the like may result in delays. The chipping crew will make only one pass and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning.
The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with LRS. City crews will only pick up branches.

WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT LOGS, STUMPS, ROOTS, GRASS CLIPPINGS, FLOWERS, WEEDS, PLANTS, LEAVES, LUMBER & ANYTHING IN BAGS OR OTHER CONTAINERS.

The next branch pickup will be on Monday, October 27. If you have questions regarding branch pickup or if you need to report hazardous tree conditions, contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105 or by email at rkokkinis@darienil.gov.

Darien's Summer Concert Series - August 28

Are you ready to rock 'n' roll with The StingRays next Thursday at Westwood Park? Don't miss all the best songs from the 50s, 60s, and 70s at the final show of the 2025 Summer Concert Series! The show starts at 6:00 p.m. and is free. There will be delicious food available from local restaurants. You can also bring cleaning supplies and canned goods to donate to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Food Pantry. See you there!

Darien Tree Planting Programs Available Now

Interested in ordering trees for your parkway or to plant on your private property? The City's tree planting programs offer cost-saving options for Darien residents!

Find more information and a full list of available trees here. The deadline to order parkway trees is August 31 and the deadline for private property trees is September 19.

The Darien Park District Fitness Center

Did you know the Darien Park District has a Fitness Center with great workout equipment, fitness classes, personal trainers, and more? On top of all that, residents can join at a discounted price! Learn more here or head on over to the Community Center at 7301 Fairview Ave to check it out for yourself!

Fitness Center Hours

Monday – Friday: 7:00am – 8:00pm

Saturday and Sunday: 7:00am – 2:00pm

Veteran's Resource Fair in DuPage County

Find essential resources for veterans next Tuesday, August 26, at the Veteran’s Resource Fair. This event will provide information and resources on everything you need, including healthcare, legal aid, jobs, and more! This event is free to attend and will offer refreshments and door prizes.

Event Details

Date: August 26, 2025

Time 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Location: 421 N County Farm Rd, Wheaton, IL

DuPage County Active Transportation Plan Survey

If you walk or bike in the county, the DuPage County Division of Transportation (DuDOT) needs your input! DuDOT is creating a new Active Transportation Plan (ATP) to encourage walking and biking throughout the county and is looking for feedback on existing public infrastructure. Please visit the project website here to learn more and take the online ATP survey by Friday, September 5.

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