Costco plans are ready to roll in Mettawa

Work on a Costco store in Mettawa is expected to begin within weeks, although the retailer was silent about the details Friday.

"Our corporate policy is to not comment on specific markets," Jeff Brotman, chairman and co-founder of Costco Wholesale, said in a statement.

Nonetheless, there was plenty of buzz in the little community a day after residents were alerted a bitter two-year fight over village property at Route 60 and the Tri-State Tollway had ended.

The settlement of a lawsuit allows Costco to proceed and promises a mighty stream of revenue for the village of about 400.

Not only does Mettawa expect to net $1 million a year in sales tax revenue from Costco, but it will be reimbursed about $1 million in fees paid to have sewer service extended.

Mettawa also will get $110,000 for legal fees.

The settlement put Mayor Jess Ray, who announced the news, in a peculiar spot. As a private citizen before the municipal election last spring, Ray filed a suit against the village to stop the project, questioning the village's dealings in acquiring the property.

He assembled a slate of candidates to oppose incumbent trustees for the first time in memory and squared off against Barry MacLean, who had served on the village board for about 38 years including as mayor since 1997.

The Costco deal became a divisive campaign issue, and Ray and MacLean literally tied on election day. Ray was named the winner about two weeks later after absentee ballots were counted.

Ray was replaced as a plaintiff in the lawsuit by Peter Ritsos and the action continued.

That it ended was bittersweet for Ray.

"That's an understatement," he said Friday. Ray did not participate in settlement discussions.

Ritsos will be paid $45,000 as part of the settlement, but none of that money cannot be shared with Ray or any other village board member.

As the originator of the lawsuit, Ray felt a pang of defeat but also contended it resulted in a stronger contract and benefits for the community.

"There were many things about the design of the site," he said. "We got them to raise the height of the berm and increase the number of plantings so we can hide it as much as possible."

Truck traffic will be prohibited from traveling south on Riverwoods Road, Ray said. Language also was added prohibiting the extension of any sewer or water service further south of the site.

Costco expects to be open by November, Ray told residents in a release Thursday.

A vindicated MacLean said Friday he was thrilled with the outcome, and the sales tax and other proceeds "really makes the village whole in a hurry."

"I wish Jess Ray good luck. He was wrong all the way along," MacLean said. "I'd like to see the village get on with life and spend the Costco dividend wisely."

Village Trustee Larry Falbe said he opposed the original contract based on the process, but always contended there were beneficial aspects.

Costco will be a "fabulous corporate neighbor," he said.