Lawmakers assist Wood Dale annex of land along Route 83

SPRINGFIELD - Wood Dale would gain legal authority to annex a small portion of land along Illinois Route 83 under a plan the Illinois House approved Wednesday.

State Rep. Mike Fortner, a West Chicago Republican, said Wood Dale wants to annex the property in order to impose consistent zoning along the roadway. The village surrounds the property on all sides except the roadway.

Under existing laws, the village cannot automatically pursue annexation because of the roadway border. If it were a railroad or other barrier, Wood Dale could move ahead. But the law doesn't address the roadway situation.

Fortner said the legislation is drafted so as only to apply to this parcel in DuPage County.

It was approved 90-27 and advances to the Illinois Senate for consideration.