Nightclub opposes Elk Grove Village annexation plan
Elk Grove Village wants to annex land near Interstate 90 on the east side of town - a decision being opposed by a nightclub characterizing the move as a land grab.
The village board is holding a special meeting Thursday to vote on the annexation of the unincorporated land approximately bounded by the interstate, Oakton Street, Higgins Road and east of Elmhurst Road. About 41 acres is owned by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District - which handles wastewater treatment in the Chicago area and asked for the annexation. The remaining land is occupied by businesses.
Elk Grove officials say the area already is commonly assumed to be part of the village, though it is actually served by Cook County. The idea is to "clean up the borders" of the village and provide better service to the area, Mayor Craig Johnson said.
A developer has not approached the village seeking the property to be annexed, he added.
Phoenix Bar & Nightclub at 1932 E. Higgins Road opposes the annexation. In a Facebook post, owners of the nightclub said the annexation is a "travesty," called it a "forced taking" and encouraged supporters to attend Thursday's special board meeting to object.
"Phoenix Nightclub, formerly known as 'Hunters' has been a safe haven for the LGBTQ community since 1982!" the post reads. "Now Elk Grove Village wants to take it away from us by a forced annexation."
Attempts to reach the nightclub for comment Tuesday were unsuccessful.
However, village officials dispute claims the annexation will close the business.
"The annexation in no way prevents the continued operation of Phoenix Bar & Night Club," the village said on its website, noting that other businesses operate in the area, including Jiffy Lube, McDonald's and Days Inn.
"This annexation will help the village maintain its reputation as an affordable community with high quality services and 'Beyond Business Friendly' customer service by providing consistent fire and police protection, as well as enforcement of health and safety regulations to these areas," the village statement reads.
Johnson said state law prevents municipalities from prohibiting or changing operations of a business after it is annexed, except for health and safety reasons. In fact, Johnson said, some businesses have expressed appreciation because services will improve.
The village also has completed an analysis of property tax changes, concluding that the total difference will be "pennies," largely because property owners no longer will pay separate fire protection district taxes, Johnson said.
Not included in the proposed annexation is the Roppolo subdivision neighborhood. That area could be annexed in the near future, Johnson said.
The board meets at 2 p.m. Thursday, at village hall, 901 Wellington Ave.