Lisle takes 'time-out' to re-evaluate Navistar plans

After weeks of contentious public hearings on Navistar's plans to move its headquarters and advanced technology center to Lisle, all parties now seem content to play the waiting game for at least another month.

Two weeks after Navistar asked for a delay in hearings related to its proposed Advanced Technology Center, Lisle announced Wednesday that it, too, would defer its consideration of creating a special taxing district for the Warrenville Road property currently owned by Alcatel-Lucent. Navistar plans to take over the site.

The delay postpones a meeting scheduled for Friday of the Joint Review Board - a legally designated group of local taxing bodies within the proposed Tax Increment Financing district to recommend approval or denial of it.

A public hearing, scheduled for Jan. 4, also will be deferred.

"This is a deferral, not a termination of the TIF process. We still have an obligation under the Intergovernmental Agreement with (DuPage) County and (DuPage) Forest Preserve to pursue the TIF process and we intend to honor that agreement and complete the requirements to determine if a TIF will be created," said Mayor Joe Broda. "But just as Navistar has called for a pause in the public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission, I think it's appropriate for the village board to initiate a similar delay with the TIF proceedings pending Navistar's efforts to more clearly define their project."

For months, residents have voiced concerns and challenged the safety of Navistar's plan to test engines and the use of diesel fuel on the property that abuts the Pebble Creek subdivision. Not all the them are thrilled with the decision to postpone the process, either.

"My immediate reaction was not 'Oh, wow, the project is being delayed' because I'm not putting this thing behind me until it's over," said MaryLynn Zadjel, one of the more outspoken opponents of the project. "I'm just more suspicious about the real reason for the cancellation."

Before continuing the public hearing process, Navistar spokesman Roy Wiley said the company requested time on Nov. 19 to incorporate the concerns of the community, refine its plans and then provide specific details about the activities that would take place at the Advanced Technology Center.

On Wednesday, Wiley said Navistar was not happy with further delays.

"While we don't like delay, the potential project can't be completed until both the TIF and PUD (Planned Unit Development) are completed," Wiley said. "They are tied together."