Bensenville, park district end long-running legal squabble

Nearly two decades of animosity and, at times, vicious infighting between two Bensenville taxing bodies has come to a halt, resulting in better stormwater detention for some of the village's most flood-prone areas.

Officials from both the village and Bensenville Park District ended a long-running litigation battle Wednesday that included disputes ranging from liquor license assignments to water distribution and rates.

The last remaining piece was settled when the village agreed to waive $43,000 owed to it by the park district in exchange for the district allowing a half-acre, 4-foot deep stormwater detention pond to be built at Veteran's Park to assist in flood control.

"The stormwater detention is of far greater value than the $43,000 the village would have received," Village Manager Michael Cassady said. "This will go a long way to alleviate flooding in the vicinity of Church and Green streets. But of equal importance, this settlement demonstrates the positive impact on the quality of life our taxing bodies can provide when they work together for the common good."

Parks Director Bob Jarecki said the district was more than happy to "bury the hatchet."

"From the park district's point of view, it's nice not to have to pay those legal fees," he said. "But we're also happy to be able to finally work together to solve problems in the most efficient and economical way we can do it."

The detention project is expected to begin as soon as the weather breaks in the spring.