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Settlement clearing way for controversial drug treatment center near Campton Hills

The most-protested development in Campton Hills' history is poised to move forward.

Kane County officials confirmed Thursday there will be a vote to settle a pending lawsuit with the developers of a proposed drug treatment facility. As part of the settlement, the developers, known as Maxxam Partners LLC, would move forward with the project and possibly receive yet-to-be finalized compensation.

A letter sent by Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon, and obtained by the Daily Herald, shows McMahon's office has debated the details of the pending settlement, including a payout, with county board members in recent weeks. The letter also warns the board and Chairman Chris Lauzen against discussing the settlement, citing possible violations of attorney-client privilege as the ramification.

Officials interviewed for this story asked not to be named as a result. They all confirmed a vote on a settlement agreement will happen as soon as next month. Most of the details of the settlement are still in flux, but allowing the treatment center to open at the 120-acre former site of the Glenwood Academy on Silver Glen Road in unincorporated Kane County is a basic part of all the scenarios on the table, officials said.

The pending agreement follows Maxxam's filing of a $68 million lawsuit against the county. The suit accuses county officials of violating the federal Fair Housing Act, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. The amount sought in damages far exceeds what is covered by the county's insurance policy.

Little is known about Maxxam, including its investors. It was expected that some of that information would come to light in the deposition process. The pending settlement would stop the legal process before those depositions occur.

The opening of the drug treatment facility will be a bitter pill for many local officials. Before the lawsuit, Maxxam envisioned a 120-bed, private drug and alcohol treatment center. The county board voted down the project twice. Campton Hills officials also voted down a nearly identical project and fought against the subsequent Maxxam plan.

Campton Hills Village President Harry Blecker said he would reserve comment on the settlement until more details emerge.

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