West Dundee OKs planning extension for Wal-Mart

The West Dundee village board has given Wal-Mart a one-year extension to meet preliminary planning deadlines for a supercenter near Spring Hill Mall.

Pending litigation against Wal-Mart and the village has delayed the approval of site-related plans and prevented the retailer from executing special use permits, which expire on June 16, 2009.

Almost one year ago, the village board issued Wal-Mart special use permits for the planned development and outdoor sales garden, and had also approved specific site design variances related to the parking lot design and lighting.

"This is a semi-boiler plate request because of litigation and the delays it has caused," Trustee Norm Osth said.

The ordinance, which trustees approved 6-0, extends the deadline to June 16, 2010.

A group of residents filed a lawsuit against the village and retailer claiming the village failed to comply with its own ordinances in granting several variances for a 186,000 square foot supercenter at the corner of Huntley Road and Elm Avenue.

A Kane County judge in April granted the village's motion to dismiss the case. However, residents have asked Judge Michael Powell to reconsider the verdict based on the bankruptcy filing of General Growth Properties, which owns the proposed site and nearby mall.

The lawsuit has also stalled plans for a neighboring site, which is contingent upon the approval of Wal-Mart.

West Dundee village attorney John Brechin said the a decision on the motion to reconsider is pending.