Wheeling will let market decide on Industrial Lane

The Wheeling village board formally decided Monday that the market will dictate what businesses come to Industrial Lane near the north end of Chicago Executive Airport.

However, the village will enforce codes against parking on the street and outside storage, which could force some of the current businesses to move.

Wheeling will also study public infrastructure projects such as improved streets, a traffic signal at Sumac Road, stormwater detention and expanding utilities such as sewer and water to the area. Eventually the village could target more investment to encourage private development.

At the urging of the Wheeling plan commission, the village will study implementing an overlay zoning district to encourage airport-related businesses. Officials will also investigate a north-south road connecting Industrial Lane and Sumac Road, which is farther south.

Businesses on Industrial drive currently include landscaping and construction firms and auto body shops.

Answering a question from Trustee Ray Lang, staff members said the village will help any businesses that feel forced to move to find other locations in the village.

Some might be eligible for funds from the southeast tax increment financing district to help cover moving costs.

The area was unincorporated when Industrial Lane was developed but came into the village in 2002.

The plan would cost the village $6.5 million that would come from TIF funds, according to a study by Teska Associates of Evanston. Property tax increases were expected to provide the TIF $4 million above those expenses.

Some businesses, including Waste Management and SET Environmental on Sumac Road, and CubeSmart Public Storage on Milwaukee Avenue would not be expected to move.