A proposal to develop the Lucas Berg Nature Reserve Reservoir property was presented before a standing-room crowd during the Worth Village Board meeting Tuesday night.
Abdallah Herzallah, of Quad Group Properties, gave a presentation about the Lucas Berg Reservoir, 72 acres of property that is fenced in along 111th Street. His objective is to develop the property with 20 acres of the land to be under the auspices of the Worth Park District.
His goal is to have a community center, possible hotels and various businesses, along with a body of water to allow for canoeing and other aquatic activities.
“We want to have a place where everyone can enjoy,” said Herzallah, who said he grew up in the community and now lives in Orland Park. “We are a family business. We want this for all the kids to enjoy. And we want this for seniors, too.”
Algis Rugienius, president of Morris Engineering, which would work on the project, said that they are evaluating the feasibility of filling in a portion of the reservoir.
The intent of the project is to fill the reservoir with structural material in a suitable manner to allow for future land development of about 52 acres. According to Rugienius, the western portion of the southern reservoir would be filled in to allow for commercial development along Southwest Highway.
Mayor Mary Werner reminded residents at the meeting that this was a presentation and not a public hearing. The project has to be approved by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District, which owns the property.
Nick O’Connor, an attorney for the MWRD, said that no decision has been made and still has to be considered. Werner also pointed out that the village board also has to review the plans for the project.
The mayor noted that MWRD will probably take a year before they make a decision.
Mike McElroy, former president of the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners, is concerned about the proposal. He said that volunteers and residents dating back 57 years have worked to make Lucas Berg a nature reservoir. He is not sure that this project will benefit the community and those who have worked hard to keep it a reservoir.
Rebecca Roberts, vice president of the Worth Park District Board of Commissioners, said the park district has taken no position on the proposal.
She said the new board president is Donald Dambek.
Night out success
Bill Nilles, who serves as chair of the public safety committee, said that 50 criminal arrests took place last month. He noted that 21 offenders were arrested for driving on a suspended or revoked license. Ten other individuals were arrested for possessing a controlled substance.
“The National Night Out was also a success,” Nilles said about the event that took place Aug. 4 near the boat launch. “About 250 people turned out for the event.”
Trustee Brad Urban, who is the head of the public works committee, said that four water main breaks occurred last month. They have all been repaired. He also said that hydrant flushing will continue. Bacteriological samples last month were taken and tested. All samples passed and are IEPA compliant, he added.
New businesses
A business license was tentatively granted to owner Rokhaya Cisse, who will operate the Zahra CiCi Hair Braiding at 11015 S. Harlem Ave. She said that no renovations will occur to the building.
Cheyenne Ciametti was given tentative approval to operate Sitting Pretty Pet Grooming, 11324 S. Harlem Ave. Ciametti is moving the business from Palos Hills. She hopes to open Sept. 1 if she is given full approval by the board.
The annual Worth Park District Fall Fest event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4, at Gale Moore Park. The Board approved permission to close portions of Depot Street, Nordica Avenue, from 109th Street and 109th Place.
The closure begins at 10 a.m. and will end at 6 p.m.