Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: May 14, 2026

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - May 14, 2026

Mayor's Message

One of the most significant pieces of legislation to come out of Springfield in years is currently under consideration in the Illinois General Assembly. Known as the “Building Up Illinois Development” or “BUILD” Program, this multi-faceted proposal represents a major shift in how land use decisions would be made throughout Illinois.

View video of May 4 City Council Meeting where this topic was discussed

If adopted in its current form, the BUILD program would establish statewide standards that would override many local zoning and development procedures that communities like Darien have relied upon for decades. Among the proposed changes are reduced lot size requirements and expanded allowances for housing types such as duplexes, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units in areas that have historically been reserved for single-family homes. Two brief examples include: Two or three townhomes being constructed on a parcel that previously permitted only one detached home, or smaller lot size requirements allowing homes to be built closer together with reduced setbacks from neighboring properties. The program would also limit the ability of local governments to deny or modify certain developments; they would require strict timelines for permit approvals, restrict zoning regulations to those deemed “clear and objective,” and standardize impact fees. These changes would not be optional; they would be mandated at the state level.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

City Council Meeting - May 18

City Council will meet on Monday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

CANCELLED - Planning, Zoning & Economic Development Meeting - May 20

The Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development Commission meeting scheduled for Wednesday, May 20 has been cancelled.

E-Bikes and Scooters

With the weather getting nicer, we are seeing more e-bikes and scooters out on the streets. As a reminder, Darien City Council unanimously approved an ordinance governing the operation of bicycles, low-speed electric bikes, and personal mobility devices on public property. You can view the ordinance here. Regulations help manage speed, designate appropriate areas for riding, and clarify rules for parking and usage.

If you observe operators of bicycles, low-speed electric bikes, and/or personal mobility devices not complying with the new ordinance, please call 911 to report this activity. View Flyer.

Hometown Hero Banners

As part of the celebration of our country's 250th anniversary, the City of Darien decided to honor past and present military service members of the Darien community with photo banners of the veterans and their branch of service. These banners are currently on display throughout the city of various street light poles and will remain on display through Veterans Day. Read more.

Present in the photos, left to right are Frank & Fran Modelski, Darien Mayor Joseph Marchese, Christina & Andrew Brunsen.

Cop on a Rooftop

Help the Darien Police Department support Special Olympic athletes during "Cop on a Rooftop"! Come out to the Dunkin at 7532 S Cass Ave this Friday, May 15, to grab a coffee and to raise awareness and funds for a great cause. If you want to learn more or prefer to donate online, head over to https://support.soill.org/team/820884.

Thank you for your support!

National Police Week

This week, the City of Darien celebrates National Police Week (May 11-17, 2026) to honor those who serve and protect. Thank you to our Darien police officers for their unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.

Learn more about National Police Week and how you can show your support.

Memorial Weekend Carnival

The 2026 Memorial Weekend Carnival is back at Chestnut Court Shopping Center! We hope you'll come by and stay a while to enjoy the rides, games, food, and more. You can find daily ride specials at windycityamusements.com and if you have questions, you can reach out to April Padalik by email or at 630-353-8111.

Location

Chestnut Court Shopping Center at 7511 Lemont Rd.

Dates/Hours

Friday, May 22, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 23, 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 24, 1:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Monday, May 25, 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Upcoming Events with Darien VFW Post 2838

“NATIONAL POPPY DAY”

Saturday, May 23: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

In front of the Jewel-Osco at 7329 Cass Ave

The red poppy is a nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn by Americans since World War I to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars. It reminds Americans of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. On Sept. 27, 1920, the poppy became the official flower of the American Legion Family to memorialize the soldiers who fought and died during the war. In 1924, the distribution of poppies became a national program of The American Legion.

“MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY”

Monday, May 25: 11:00 a.m.

Darien Community Park at 7100 Clarendon Hills Rd

Darien Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2838 will commemorate Memorial Day at the Veterans’ Memorial Monument at Darien Community Park.

Want to honor the Fallen and support our living soldiers who have worn our nation’s uniform? Wear a “RED POPPY” all Memorial Day weekend long.

Municipal Services Crack Sealing Program

The City of Darien has begun work on sealing roadway cracks. Check out the list of streets scheduled for repair here.

2026 Concrete Replacement Program

The City of Darien will be providing residents interested in replacing their driveway, apron and City sidewalk the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Concrete Replacement Program. Suburban Concrete, Inc. is the vendor for the program this year with pricing as follows:

Driveways - $ 20.00 per square foot
Sidewalks - $ 9.50 per square foot
Apron w/fiber mesh - $ 9.95 per square foot
Curb & gutter - $ 33.00 per lineal foot
Sealer - $ 5.00 per square foot

The deadline to participate in the program is June 30.

Click here for more information.

Tree Inventory and Management Plan Grant

The city has been awarded a $53,000 Illinois Community Canopy Tree Inventory & Management Plan Grant awarded through Trees Forever, with funding through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This grant will support a comprehensive tree inventory and long-term management strategy to ensure Darien's public trees remain safe, healthy, and sustainable for years to come.

Davey Resource Group has been out surveying all public trees in Darien, located within street right-of-ways. During the inventory process, residents may see forestry crews walking through neighborhoods and working near parkways - no access to private property will be required. As an update, the tree inventory management project is approximately 50% complete.

Should you have any questions or comments, please contact us at trees@darienil.gov or call 630-353-8105. Learn more.

The City is Hiring: General Utility Worker II – Water

Join the Public Works Team! Under immediate supervision of the Water Foreman of Public Works Operations, the General Utility Worker Class II performs manual labor in the maintenance and repair of City streets, storm sewers and facilities, water mains and appurtenances, and building and grounds. This position is on call, 24-hours per day -seven days per week.

Learn more and apply here!

Now Hiring: Community Service Officers (CSOs)

The City of Darien Police Department is accepting applications for (two) Part-time Community Service Officers (CSO).

This is a 25-hour-per-week position with paid holidays and up to 40 hours of paid vacation per year. Starting pay is $19.84 per hour. The top pay range for this position is $26.78 per hour. Uniforms and equipment are provided.

The candidate has to be able to work on Monday - Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. OR Monday - Friday, 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (excludes holidays). Schedules may vary during training and special city events. View job description and apply.

Darien Businesses of the Week

In an effort to further promote and assist our local businesses, Mayor Marchese, the Darien City Council, and the Darien Business Alliance are proud to present: The Darien Business and Restaurant of the Week!

Almanal Kitchen

7516 S. Cass Ave. #25B

Almanalkitchen.com

Popeyes

7518 S. Cass Ave.

Popeyes.com

DSRC Community Yard Sale

Looking for amazing bargains? Cleaning out your home? Head over to the Darien Swim and Recreation Club on May 16 (9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.) for the DSRC Community Sale! Come shop for treasures or reserve a space to sell your items. Learn more here.

Cops N' Bobbers

Join the Darien Police Department on June 6 for Cops N' Bobbers, a fun, community youth fishing event! Children ages 5 - 14 are invited to bring your rod and reel to South Grove Park from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Spots are limited; email jparris@darienil.gov to register.

Darien Arts Council Meeting

Everyone is welcome at the upcoming Darien Arts Council monthly meeting. Join us at the Indian Prairie Library Board Room on Tuesday, May 19 at 6:00 p.m. See you there!

Recycling Event for Electronics, Books, & Textiles

Recycle your electronics, books, and textiles on May 16 in the parking lot of Christ the Servant at 8700 Havens Dr. Drop-off will be from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Check out the flyer for a full list of accepted items.

Darien Lions Club Big Raffle

The Darien Lions Club is selling tickets for their annual Big Raffle Fundraiser, which helps to support the club’s activities in the community as well as its charitable donations.

The drawing will be held at their annual golf outing on June 5th at Village Greens. Tickets are $100 each and participants have a chance of winning a $10,000 grand prize! Winners need not be present. Learn more.

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