NEWS

As reported by Brian Nadig of the Reporter - As of July 16, Alderman Margaret Laurino (39th) has formed an advisory committee to address the problem of homes in Sauganash being torn down and replaced with larger homes, referred to as "McMansions."

Laurino said that the Sauganash Design Committee began meeting about three3 months ago and that it has been given the task of formulating guidelines for home builders on the design styles which fit in with the character and history of Sauganash. The committee is made up of eight residents, including an architect and an attorney "The committee's going to show what the community does not want but, more importantly, what we would like, although I must caution that this is only advisory," Laurino said. She said that contractors could benefit by following the recommendations because homes which blend in with the neighborhood could have a higher resale value.

Laurino said that her office will promote the committee's recommendations and that the Sauganash Community Association plans to place them on its Web site. "We're going to have to get out the message," she said, "Frankly we expect that there will be more of these 'McMansions.' In today's day and age, people want bigger homes. They want more space."

Laurino said that the committee's primary focus will be aesthetics and architectural design, but that it also might recommend guidelines for building height and yard setbacks which would be more restrictive than zoning requirements. Most of Sauganash is zoned RS-1, which is the city's most restrictive residential zoning classification and which has a minimum lot requirement of 6,250 square feet and a height limit of 30 feet.

One zoning issue which the committee may examine is the front setback of homes, which for the standard size lot in Sauganash
must be at least 20 feet. However, some lots in the area have deeds with restrictive covenants that require a minimum setback of 30 feet.

Zoning attorney John Pikarski Jr. said that the covenants were created when the subdivisions were platted. He said that he represented the community association about 20 years ago in a lawsuit which forced a home owner to move a new garage because it was less than 30 feet from the street.

Laurino said that the foundation of a home recently under construction near Peterson and Forest Glen avenues had to be altered after the property owner was informed of the lot's covenant. She said that the city Department of Construction and Permits apparently was unaware of the covenant when it issued the permit but that property owners are responsible for making sure that their building plans do not violate any covenants.

Laurino said that some residents expressed concern recently that the builders of two large houses were allowed to exceed zoning restrictions by obtaining administrative adjustments which allow slight yard or height variations. However, she said that no adjustments were granted and that the homes meet all zoning standards. Laurino added that she does not endorse adjustment requests, which are decided by the city zoning administrator, unless the neighboring property owners have no objections.

Email us with your questions, concerns, or feedback.