New life for old mining site in Lakemoor? Developer proposes commercial, industrial uses
A long-closed mining site on Lakemoor's west side could see industrial activity again, but various concerns will need to be addressed before a tentative plan advances.
James Kanzler, of Lakemoor, has had preliminary discussions with village officials for what is being called the Moraine Hilltop Reclamation Plan for 203 acres on the south side of Route 120.
The plan at this point calls for rezoning and approvals to pursue different uses on the property at various times, in a project that could last decades. Those include eventual commercial uses on the north portion of the site; gravel mining, a recycling center and an asphalt/concrete plants in the middle; and open space/recreational area on the south portion.
Representatives for Kanzler earlier this month presented the concept to village officials to determine whether there was support to continue with an official application. The property was annexed to the village in 2001, but approvals given at the time have expired.
Village board members were noncommittal after the preliminary presentation this month, but raised various concerns including truck traffic, noise and groundwater quality that would need to be addressed in more detail.
Chicago attorney Dan Shapiro told trustees the long-term project could take 40 to 50 years to complete, but would provide benefits, including sales tax, mining royalties and the extension of sewer and water to the site.
"It is a project that can generate significant revenue, jobs and opportunities for the village," he said.
According to the plan, 51 acres on the northern portion closest to Route 120 would be filled over a 10-year period with an estimated 330,000 truck loads - or 5 million cubic yards - of clean soil, resulting in a site that could host a big box store or other commercial uses.
More immediate uses call for the extraction of sand and gravel at various locations on the property; a concrete and asphalt plant: and a recycling plant to collect and separate plastics, fiber and metal waste products.
Questions have arisen as to whether the commercial area would be viable at that location and whether the proposed uses are in line with recent efforts to change the village's image.
"This is in opposition to what we talked about for years," said Trustee Kathleen Lennon. "I'd have to learn a lot more before I'd be convinced."
The next step would be for developers to submit a detailed application and discuss the proposal at a public hearing before the village's planning and zoning commission.