Mundelein launches webpage for $2 billion Ivanhoe Village development
Extensive information about the proposed Ivanhoe Village residential and commercial development has been compiled in a single digital repository on Mundelein’s website.
The dedicated webpage has an overview of the project, concept plans, maps, an explanation of the development process, reports from public meetings, information about future meetings and assorted correspondence regarding the plan.
“It’s a tool both for the village board to help answer questions from residents, for staff and the public,” Mayor Robin Meier said following the page’s public unveiling Monday night.
To find the page, visit mundelein.org and then hover over the “Community” tab near the top of the homepage. “Ivanhoe Village Development Activity” is the third menu option shown.
The massive Ivanhoe Village development is planned for the village’s northwest side. It has supporters and critics in the community.
The Blackhawks-owning Wirtz family and its Wirtz Realty intend to construct thousands of houses, townhouses and apartments — as well as retail and light industrial buildings — on 773 acres near Route 60 and Peterson Road. The project is proposed to be done in phases over 25 years.
Build-out could cost Wirtz Realty $2 billion.
A feud erupted earlier this year after the village board approved a financial plan calling for Wirtz Realty to pay Fremont Elementary District 79 and Mundelein High School District 120 millions of dollars to offset future facility expansions. That work likely will be needed because the development will draw many families with school-age kids.
The arrangement is expected to generate about $6.6 million for District 79 and $4.3 million for District 120.
School officials have said that isn’t enough. District 79 officials want $90 million and District 120 officials want $22 million.
Mundelein officials have said they don’t have the legal authority to mandate impact fees, even though state legislation was approved this year to clarify that communities do, in fact, have that power.
Officials insist school leaders and Wirtz Reality will be able to examine the impact of the project 10 years into construction and adjust future fees.
The Mundelein-based Fremont Public Library District is set to receive funds from Wirtz Realty, too, but library officials aren’t disputing the formula.
Mundelein’s community development director, Amanda Orenchuk, explained the new webpage’s features during Monday’s village board meeting. A video recording of her presentation is at mundelein.org.
The page prominently indicates when it was last updated to let frequent visitors know if there’s new material since the last time they opened the page.