Grayslake parks tax hike mailer under scrutiny

Grayslake Park District supporters sent a mailer to residents this week encouraging a "yes" vote for a tax increase to buy 70 acres to preserve as open space, and noting land that size typically accommodates up to 250 single-family houses and possibly 500 townhouses.

However, village officials confirm there are no known immediate plans for residential development on the site, and zoning laws currently require single-family houses on roughly 1-acre lots there.

Voters will decide if they want to pay more toward the park district in the April 7 election. If the ballot measure passes, an owner of a $300,000 market value home would pay about an additional $90 in taxes in the first year.

Most of the money gained from the tax increase would be used to buy the 70 acres at Lake and Washington streets so it can be preserved as an open space park.

In the Friends of the Grayslake Park District mailer, there are contrasting images of homes and traffic, and a family strolling though open land. "Will it be This ... or This?" states the text adjacent to the images.

As part of the pitch, the literature states 70 acres equals the size of a subdivision with 250 single-family homes or 500 townhouses. It doesn't specifically claim there is a residential plan for the parcel sought for purchase near Lake and Washington.

Steven Fabbri, who heads the Friends of the Grayslake Park District tax increase proponents, said there is nothing misleading about the mailer.

Fabbri said there are no guarantees Grayslake's zoning classification will continue to require 1-acre home lots on the property near Washington and Lake. He said residents who vote in favor of the tax increase can guarantee the 70-acre site's future.

"We're protecting it forever, in perpetuity," said Fabbri, an elected Grayslake park board member.

Grayslake Zoning Officer Kirk Smith said any residential construction would be limited on the 70 acres the park district wants to buy. He said the maximum number of single-family homes wouldn't equal 70 under a nearly 1-acre limit, because about 25 percent of the property must be deducted in part for roads and water detention.

Part of the money from the tax hike would go for extensive development of 55 acres on Alleghany Park's back section. The first phase of the park, near Route 120, was finished in 2008.

Bob and Ron Parker have agreed to sell their late mother's 70 acres near Lake and Washington. Ron Parker has said other options for the land would be considered if the tax hike is rejected.