Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: March 20, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - March 20, 2025

Mayor's Message

“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does” - William James

As residents of the City of Darien, you have expectations of the city in providing services that meet your needs and enhance your living environment. Your expectations are probably very similar to those of residents in other communities throughout Illinois and the country. You expect a public safety program that provides you with a sense of security, along with a public works component that keeps your roads, water system and infrastructure in order, and elected officials and staff who respond to your needs. I would venture to say that, based on feedback, a vast majority of Darien residents are quite pleased with the services the city provides them. I believe resident satisfaction is not just based on delivering these services; resident satisfaction encompasses how services are delivered, and the manner in which city staff responds to the needs of our residents.

Our governance system in Darien is founded on the belief that a truly effective system should not only cater to the logistical and economic needs of its residents but should also honor the emotional, social and psychological dimensions of their lives. Ours is a philosophy that prioritizes human connection, understanding, and a shared commitment to care for one another. Requesting assistance from city personnel can be difficult for some individuals, and our staff and elected official’s mindset is such that we work to assure that those reaching out are met with kindness and genuine concern.

In Darien, governance is not merely about managing resources or enforcing laws, it is about responding to individual needs with kindness, and ensuring that every resident feels seen, heard and valued. In the end, the City of Darien’s approach is not just about meeting residents basic needs, it is about fostering a community where every individual is supported, valued, and empowered, and where the humanity of each resident is the ultimate priority. We believe this is what leads to resident satisfaction, and what contributes to making Darien a nice place to live.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Hydrant Flushing Begins Sunday, March 23

The Municipal Services Department will be flushing fire hydrants beginning Sunday, March 23. Flushing activities will take place between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. and will take approximately one week to complete. The City flushes all of its hydrants in order to remove any accumulation of minerals and other deposits that exist in the water main. In addition, we inspect hydrants to make sure that they are working properly.

As the flushing process removes accumulated deposits in the water main, residents may temporarily experience some discolored water. If this should occur, simply run the cold water until the line clears (3 to 10 minutes). The City will post signs in advance of the area that is going to be flushed in order to advise residents of when the hydrant flushing will be taking place. If you have any further questions, please contact the Municipal Services Department at (630) 353-8105.

Metronet Coming Soon

Starting soon, you may see Metronet construction crews in your neighborhood as they prepare to bring 100% fiber-optic internet to Darien. To install their fiber-optic cable throughout the city, they may access rear easements on your property or be in front of your homes and businesses as they begin work. Crews are identifiable by ID tags and branded vehicles.

You will receive notification from Metronet via letter and postcard approximately 30 days before construction begins in your neighborhood. You will also see large construction signs in your neighborhood’s entrance and smaller signs near your mailbox.

You will likely notice pink flags and temporary paint marking existing utilities. If you have questions or would like additional information, contact Metronet at metronet.com/construction or 866.292.5382. Learn more.

Controlled Burn Notice

Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. (CBBEL) has been contracted by the City of Darien to complete a controlled burn of wetlands/natural areas at Dale Road Basin. You may have received the pictured postcard if your residence or business is located within 500 feet of the proposed burn area. The burn is targeted to take place March - May 2025.

If you have health problems that may be aggravated by smoke, contact CBBEL through one of the following methods so that they can contact you the day before the burn:

Email CBBEL at controlledburn@cbbel.com. Please include your name, address and phone number, and use "Dale Rd. Controlled Burn 2025" in the subject line. Let us know that you wish to be notified.
Call 847-823-0500 and tell the receptionist that you are calling about a burn. Provide your name, address, phone number, and mention "Dale Rd. Controlled Burn 2025."

It's Time for Spring Break

Families across the City are getting excited for Spring Break! Even if you don't have school-aged children, you should to be prepared to see more families out and about on foot or bicycle in the community. If you are driving during the busier days ahead, follow these tips to make safety a priority:

Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
Never drive under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
Follow the speed limit, especially around people on the street, near parks/playgrounds, and in neighborhoods where children are present.
Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians.
Learn more.

Please Keep Political Signs on Private Property

Political campaign signs and other temporary signs are not permitted on City property. They must be placed on your private property or they will be removed and disposed of by the City.

Signs cannot be placed in the public right-of-way, which includes:

Roadways
Parkways (the area between the street and sidewalk)
The area between a ditch and road
10-15 feet from the street on streets with no sidewalk

Please note that 75th Street, Cass Avenue and Plainfield Road are DuPage County-owned roads. The County does not prohibit election signs on their roads.

2025 Branch Pick-Up Schedule

Spring April 21st

Summer June 23rd

Summer August 25th

Autumn October 27th

The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents.

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

If you have questions regarding branch pick up, contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.

Fix a Leak Week - March 17-23, 2025

Household leaks may seem small, but they add up fast! According to the EPA, a leaky faucet that drips at the rate of one drip per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year. That's the amount of water needed to take more than 180 showers! Imagine the water and money you could save by checking for leaks this week. Click here to find out where to check and how to make repairs, if needed.

Public Portal – Property Maintenance Concerns

The City has a public portal for submitting property maintenance concerns online. Darien works proactively to make sure properties are properly maintained because, in general, properties that are well maintained are more likely to increase in value, and are less likely to contain safety hazards.You can access the portal and learn more about the City's Property Maintenance Code here. If you have any questions, please contact the City Planner at (630) 353-8113.

ComEd Tree Trimming Scheduled In Your Area

Darien residents may have received postcards to let you know that arborists performing vegetation management for ComEd will be working in your neighborhood within the next 3 months.

ComEd has contracted with Intren, LLC and their subsidiaries Kendell and Shade Tree to assist with this trimming project. View this map to see where the trimmings are taking place. Learn more about the importance of tree placement and trimming here.

VFW Post 2838

The City of Darien thanks the VFW Post 2838 for their continued community service. To learn more, donate or join the VFW, please visit vfw2838.org, scan the QR code, or call Commander Frank Hernandez at 630-674-1065.

Order Your Plants Today!

The Darien Historical Society and Darien Woman's Club's annual plant sale is coming up and your plant order must be submitted by Monday, April 7! Download your order form here. All proceeds will go towards the efforts of both organizations to benefit the community. View the flyer.

Darien VFW Offers $1,000 Scholarship to Hinsdale South Senior in Honor of Two Veteran Alumni

Veterans of Foreign Wars Darien Memorial Post 2838 offers a yearly $1,000 cash scholarship to a graduating Hinsdale South High School senior intending further education.

The scholarship honors the memory of Hinsdale South alumni Lance Corporal Lester W. Weber, a Medal of Honor recipient and Captain Scott T. Corwin, an outstanding Hinsdale South athlete and graduate of West Point. The scholarship award is based on a winning essay written on the topic of Americanism. For further information and an application, please contact Veronica Alvarez, Hinsdale South Counseling & Social Work Offices, by email or by calling 630-468-4252. Entries are due by March 25, Medal of Honor Day.

SIX: The Musical at Hinsdale South High School - April 11-13

Experience history like never before as Hinsdale South's award-winning drama team presents SIX: The Musical (Teen Edition)! The cast brings Henry VIII’s six wives to life in a high-energy pop concert that reclaims their stories. With powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and a modern twist, this electrifying show will have you dancing in your seat!

Tickets are sold at the door one hour before each show (Adults: $20, Students K-12: $10). View the flyer.

Sponsorship Opportunities for the 24th Annual Darien Dash

Sign up to sponsor this great community event today! For more information on the available sponsorship opportunities, contact April Padalik by email or by calling 630-353-8111.

Notice of Public Hearing - April 2, 2025

The Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Commission of the City of Darien will hold a public hearing on April 2, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road, Darien.

The purpose of the public hearing will be to hear testimony from interested persons and make a recommendation on CASE NO. PZC2024-09. This case involves a petition from Chestnut Court Darien IL, LLC for the rezoning and redevelopment of the Chestnut Court shopping center. Find the full notice here.

April 1, 2025, Consolidated Election

The Consolidated Election is coming up in less than two weeks! Don't wait until the last minute to vote - find your Early Voting Location here or make your plans for election day by finding your Polling Place here.

Not sure who you're voting for? You can find a Sample Ballot here and take your time making your decisions from the comfort of your home before heading to the polls!

Be in the Know - Help Spread the Word

Darien’s Direct Connect E-Newsletter (DC) is the City’s primary source of information for residents and businesses. Please tell your friends and neighbors about DC, forward this email to them, and ask them to sign up. Signing up is simple and can be done here.