The Village of Monee is in the process of annexing a massive 600-acre swath of land on the southwest corner of Ridgeland Avenue, Dralle Road and Stunkle Road.
The attachment got a unanimous thumbs-up from the Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals during a public hearing on Oct. 22. It goes to the full Monee Village Board for final approval next.
The property is vacant and currently zoned for light industrial.
Neighboring residents said during the public hearing that they fear development of the land will include a data center or other big-box industry.
Monee Mayor Therese Bogs said later that the village will be selective about what types of development will be suitable for that site.
“At this time there are no plans for the land,” she said.
“Monee is definitely not interested in data centers or lithium battery storage. We are focused on bringing things to and for our residents to enjoy and what will enhance the village,” she said.
Bill Barnes, director of economic development for the village, also sought to assuage the homeowners’ unease.
The village, he said, is “very aware of what we want to come in and what you don’t want. We get it.
“I mean, do we want more big warehouses? And somebody said data center. You know, that’s not going to happen,” he said.
“We’re very aware of the beautification (of the village) and the mayor listens to the residents. I mean, we’re out and about talking to people.
“Right now, we don’t have a plan because, you know, we’re just annexing this in.
“We’ve been working with (the developer) and, you know, we have some ideas that we’ve shared that aren’t just warehouses, I can tell you that, but those are ideas.”
Planning and Zoning Board Member Ron Lindstrom reiterated Barnes’ comments.
“I just want to make one quick point, folks,” he said. “You know, if you paid attention to what’s going on right now in town, look at Vortmann. Look at my Mi-Jack. You know, we’re not letting people come in and putting in this garbage. Like Bill is saying, they (village officials) really are paying attention to what they’re bringing in.
“We’re not going to bring in any junkyards that’s going to come showing up next to your property. If anything, this is going to be a class act. And I would rather have Monee do this than have other towns annex this with a different idea.
“Like I said, you have to remember this: If we don’t take that land, somebody’s going to grab that. And I would rather have somebody that’s got an interest in the village and the surrounding towns than anybody else.
“I’m in the country, too. I live on a pond in town here, and I don’t want to see anything moving next to me, either. But sometimes we just don’t have a choice. And again, what’s the better choice? Us taking charge of this property or somebody else?”
The properties to be annexed already have detached from the Village of Frankfort.
Zachary Brown, Frankfort’s Assistant Village Administrator, noted that, “Several parcels are being de-annexed, and they have varying ownership. The Will County Treasurer lists the following as the owner on the tax bills:
LTC 008002370220 35 W. Wacker Dr., 11th Floor, Chicago, IL 60601.
Also, Chicago Title Land Trust Co., TR 8002370220, 3301 Wireton Rd., Suite 100, Blue Island, IL 60406.
“The Village of Frankfort did not initiate or actively seek the de-annexation of these properties. The annexation agreements expressly grant the property owner the right to de-annex all or any portion of the property at any time during the term of the agreements and for any reason. The agreements also require the Village to take all necessary actions to promptly complete the detachment upon 90 days’ written notice,” he said.
“The agreements impose significant daily penalties if the Village fails to proceed with the detachment after receiving notice. Accordingly, the decision to de-annex the properties rested with the owner, and the Village was contractually obligated to comply.”
De-annexation from a municipality or district often includes some compensation for the tax revenue that will be lost, but Brown said there was no such exchange this time.
“The Village received no compensation or other benefit. Instead, it incurred costs associated with the properties, including road maintenance, police protection, and engineering and planning studies.
“Access to utilities has long been a barrier to development in the area, and I suspect that may have been a factor in the request. I am also unaware of what, if anything, Monee may have offered to incentivize de-annexation from Frankfort and annexation to Monee.”