Grayslake officials defend trucking terminal
Increased property tax revenue for two school districts and job creation are among the benefits of a controversial truck terminal rising in Grayslake near a Mundelein residential neighborhood, according to village officials.
Despite the rosy economic forecast, about 60 opponents mostly from Mundelein departed Tuesday's Grayslake village board meeting visibly perturbed after trustees approved a zoning change for the 33-acre site.
Trustees granted a limited industrial-use zoning classification that will allow the $14 million Saia Motor Freight Line facility. Construction is well under way on the southwest corner of Peterson and Midlothian roads.
It was the second time since August 2014 trustees approved the Saia plan. Officials said the company asked that the process be repeated because of a lawsuit claiming there were defects in the original rezoning request.
Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor told the crowd that Saia is expected to create at least 60 jobs at the 24-hour facility on the village's far south end. Grayslake Trustee Bruce Bassett then cited a projected increase in annual property tax revenue for Fremont Elementary District 79 and Mundelein High School District 120.
Based on an estimated construction value of $14 million and using 2014 property tax rates, Saia should generate annual revenue of $166,000 for Fremont and $130,000 for Mundelein High, according to village documents.
Saia also is expected to initially generate $45,476 in annual property tax revenue for the Grayslake Fire Protection District and $31,416 for village government.
Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz, who spoke at public comment time Tuesday, questioned whether Saia's new jobs will do much for the area. Citing noise and diesel emissions, Lentz and other opponents contend it's inappropriate the trucking facility is being built close to a Mundelein residential neighborhood.
"It's one thing if you guys had solicited a developer who came in and built a corporate headquarters or something, providing hundreds of jobs, something that we could all rejoice in," Lentz said. "We could go to lunch, Mr. Mayor, and I could tip my hat (to Grayslake)."
Taylor responded to air pollution concerns expressed by opponents Tuesday and at previous village meetings. He stressed Saia will meet all federal and state standards regarding vehicle emissions.
"The trucks will be running only when going in and out of the facility," Taylor said.
Documents show Saia's planned 100-door freight terminal meets criteria for new job creation and financial investment established for state tax credits. Saia plans to move 30 employees from Burr Ridge to Grayslake, according to the most recent 2014 annual report from the Illinois Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit Program.
Mundelein and several residents have sued Grayslake and Saia, questioning the validity of last year's annexation and zoning of the 33 acres. Saia plans to open the Grayslake facility in early 2016.