The Downers Grove Village Council this week approved a development but said flaws allowed the developer to make changes to another plan that had already approved by the council.

While the council voted 4-2 for the development Monday, Mayor Brian Krajewski said that frequent split decisions by the council was proof that village code needs to be reviewed.

The 4.8-acre project, called the Nelson Meadows subdivision, is being developed by Joel Andersen Homes Ltd. Andersen had petitioned the village for several exceptions to village code for the project.

Residents of southwest Downers Grove where the development is being built said Monday they were concerned about tree damage and safety issues. Krajewski and Commissioner Martin Tully voted "no" to the planned subdivision, believing that the project didn't meet requirements.

"The fact is," said Commissioner Ron Sandack, "we have had engineers on staff and from outside firms look at it and all agree [the project] meets our code. Some people may not like it, but it's what our code says." And to do anything other than approve this development "would be to invite chaos."

Krajewski had asked about Andersen's previous development, wondering how grading was changed without company officials going back to the council for approval. Deputy Manager Dave Fieldman said that issue was being researched and said Wednesday Andersen didn't do something without the village's knowledge.

"We're looking into it, but it's a process issue," Fieldman said. "[Andersen] was working with staff within the system we had at the time. And we're looking at the details of how the site development ended up different than what the village approved."

Fieldman said a new checkpoint process is now in place and an assigned project manager will help coordinate. The village also said a Morton Arboretum arborist has volunteered to ensure the safety of trees in the project.

John Schofield, a spokesman for the 80 residents who appealed to the council, said: "We're pleased that the village staff and council made as many changes as they were able to with the new proposal before approving it."