Opposition Builds to Large-Scale Commercial Development on Route 12
Public comments to be heard on Dimucci development, at Route 12 and Old McHenry Road, during June 20 meeting.
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Representatives of two groups have expressed opposition to a commercial development proposed for Route 12 and Old McHenry Road.
The Dimucci family has submitted a development application to Lake County to develop their approximately 109 acres of property at the southeast corner of Route 12 and Old McHenry Road. The request is for a rezoning from residential to commercial with a planned unit development to allow for up to 53 acres of high-quality commercial development, surrounded by about 50 acres of open space. Lake County Planning, Building and Development has more information on its website.
Lake Zurich-based Active Citizens for Responsible Expansion Inc., also called ACRE, and the Barrington Area Council of Governments are opposed to the plan.
BACOG has pointed out in a news release that the proposed development ignores an intergovernmental agreement between Hawthorn Woods and North Barrington and does not follow the Lake County Framework Plan.
ACRE stated in a news release “Such an enormous commercial development would pose dire, area-wide impacts on local residents and business owners. Previous evaluations by experts have helped determine that such a large development would generate significant traffic congestion, would be an anchor for commercial sprawl and a magnet for crime, and would negatively impact quality of life and other environmental factors in our local communities.”
North Barrington and Hawthorn Woods officials have adopted resolutions opposing the plan, according to the Barrington Courier Review.
The June 20 public meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at Concorde Banquets, 20922 N. Rand Road, Kildeer. Each member of the public will be allowed up to three minutes to make a statement about the project.
Say it isn't so
7:29 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Outstanding! really dont like traveling to shop
TMS
8:11 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Personally, I think the intersection of Old McHenry and Rt. 12 is already a dangerous one and that any busy commercial development will only add to that danger.
Lead Follow or Get Out of the Way
9:15 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Hawthorn Woods residents, please do not lump all us into your opposition by using the name "Lake Zurich Area" Most of us in LZ think you people are off your rocker for opposing something that can help your village out of the deep financial hole in which it currently resides. You finally have the opportunity to develop a piece of land which will continue to be a source of review unlike the one-time developer fees from residential developments. Long Grove, Deer Park & Kildeer are fine examples of how you can plan and manage retail development and still maintain the facade of a rural community. LZ will gladly welcome your cast-offs.
Deborah Barry
4:41 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
This doesn't benefit either Hawthorn Woods or North Barrington when Lake County itself leads the development process. In fact, it will pull sales tax revenue not only from HW and NoBa, but also from the area 5-10 miles surrounding any new mall. It's a zero sum game, played with taxpayer's money and public sector staff resources.
Bob Kunath
9:43 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Finally! A credible project that will not only add value to Hawthorn Woods, upgrade our visibility, improve our access to shopping, and provide some sorely needed tax revenue. There is no downside. This area is very thinly populated compared to the rest of Hawthorn Woods. The 50 acre buffer around the site should reduce the impact to the homes to the north and south.
The excesses of prior village boards reckless spending on the pool have come to roost with high tax rates and virtual bankruptcy. This Board should support this project, making sure that any new revenue reduces our debt and is not used for new projects.
JenGa
9:58 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
This intersection is especially dangerous. We know one boy who was killed there due to the awful traffic and speeding on Rand in that area. That needs to addressed and corrected before any development should be considered. Also, what would be better for the community is to redevelop existing and vacant properties that are ALL OVER THE AREA! The upscale shopping in South Barrington is not flourishing...why would we want to develop more of the same in the area? Please think more about this and do what's best for the whole community and not just the developers/owners of this property.
eicy
11:23 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
It would be better to have commercial rather than residential; commercial doesn't negatively impact via our real estate tax bills as would more residential and children being put into the local system. Yes, there may be increased traffic with commercial, but remember, with residential more than likely, there will be 2 or more cars per home added to the local roads.
Debbie Miller
11:51 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Would love to see this development happen! It would bring new jobs, tax money and more options for shopping which could equal lower prices and competition is good for the consumer! Empty space is ugly and more residential space brings more cars and increases traffic. I hope it happens.
Deborah Barry
4:45 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
I'm curious what kinds of jobs you think a mall would bring? Do you think Lake County area contractors would be used on the project? At prevailing wage scales? Would future retail store workers receive pensions and benefits as well as a living wage. And how many workers are needed for 800,000 square feet of shops? 53 acres of blacktop...you'll be seeing that in your basement shortly thereafter.
Marie
2:14 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
I would personally LOVE to have a grocery store closer to me. As to the argument of "dangerous intersection," this can be solved with proper signalling.
Cheryl Mitchell Wenzel
4:52 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
In this economic climate, how could it be anything but a positive? -- Jobs for area residents, added tax revenues, convenience/gas saving for those living in the immediate area. Why not improve that property with a development that will provide continuous financial benefits?
Rob Smith
9:37 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Living in Wauconda, I think this is a bad idea. I do not support this and I think the Dimucci family needs to stop being greedy. I would like to know where they live, and how much money they stand to make from this development. I do not believe the developers of this property will have the best interests of the surrounding community residents in mind during this construction. Dimussi will probably not even see any real opposition, which is a sad statement of reality about our local community government.
Deborah Barry
4:49 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Over 400 turned out Wednesday, 6/20, all but one in opposition--and they spoke politely, with expertise, facts and figures to support them. This is not about the DiMucci family per se; but does one family's interests outweigh the 40 families that abut the parcel and the communities from whom the development of this land has been usurped.
Mommy102805
11:01 pm on Tuesday, June 19, 2012
There are to many vacant buildings for them to be taking all our land to build new stuff. K-mart's old building, Bay furniture's old spot and that huge newer place across from walmart! we don't need new places we need the old stuff filled up leave out trees along and use what is already there!!!!
Say it isn't so
8:42 am on Wednesday, June 20, 2012
What does greedy have to do with it? All I know over a million dollars goes to the schools every year..... Maybe they will get off (school) our backs! As far as open buildings in LZ- go talk to ANYBODY that proposed or opened anything in LZ- they make it as hard as they can!