Fort Sheridan suit settled
The equivalent of nearly 12,000 truck loads of dirt and debris that had become an obstacle to development of the Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve will be cleared as part of an agreement announced Friday.
The Lake County Forest Preserve District will receive $1.75 million in the settlement with six entities involved in development of the Town of Fort Sheridan, avoiding a trial in a lawsuit brought by the district three years ago.
"It's been a drain on the staff. It's been just a long time coming," said the district's executive director, Tom Hahn. "We're pleased that part of Fort Sheridan is completed and we'll move forward with taking care of those dirt piles."
The six defendants also have approved the settlement, Hahn said.
Three hills, some as tall as 20 feet, have sat for years between two ravines east of Sheridan Road on a portion of the preserve the district had considered restoring as a golf course.
The former golf course was torn up, but an upscale replacement course was shelved because of higher than expected costs. The future of that plan is expected to be part of a spirited discussion.
"The board will have to have the land use debate. We've been focused on this litigation and getting it done," Hahn said.
Of immediate note is the settlement will allow for removal of the hills, which contain dirt, clay, bricks, concrete, old pipes and other debris.
The piles consist of about 235,000 cubic yards of material. It will be sorted and usable earth used to create contours on the land, concentrating north of Hutchinson Ravine, an area that once was an airfield for the former Army base. The work will not affect the Parade Ground area to the south.
Part of the work involves restoration of Janes Ravine and a large area along Lake Michigan to repair erosion damage and improve wildlife habitat. Stormwater will be routed away from the ravine and through new wetlands and ponds. The Hutchinson Ravine was restored earlier.
V3 Construction Company Ltd., of Woodridge has been hired to handle the dirt piles, grading, demolition of some old roads and the airfield and restoration of Janes Ravine. The work is expected to begin soon and be largely complete by the end of the year.
The Army closed the base in 1993, and in 1998 began transferring land to the forest preserve district for use as open space, recreation and preservation. The third and final parcel was transferred in 2003, increasing district holdings there to 259 acres.
The district solicited bids for a master plan in 2004. The complete plan exceeded available funds, so work has proceeded in stages. The district opened trails in 2006 as the first public access to the grounds and lake shore since military operations began in 1887.
Educational exhibits and viewing stations also have been installed.