Mundelein OKs land sale that would keep reservoir away from Vernon Hills park
Mundelein officials have agreed to sell Lake County vacant land in Vernon Hills so the county can build a 2-million gallon water reservoir.
The reservoir will expand the capacity of Vernon Hills' water system, which Lake County oversees.
The nearly 5.5-acre site is at 240 W. Greggs Parkway, near the White Deer Run Golf Club. Formerly the site of a Mundelein waste treatment plant, it's been vacant and unused for years.
The Mundelein village board unanimously agreed to sell the land for $425,000 during its meeting Monday night.
The purchase awaits discussion by Lake County Board committees and approval by the full board, possibly in April, a county spokesman said.
A new reservoir will ensure water availability during periods of high demand, emergencies and in other situations, officials have said.
The deal would mean a reservoir won't have to be built near Vernon Hills' Carriage Green Park and the Carriages at Gross Pointe Village condominium community as originally proposed.
Residents and Vernon Hills Park District officials had opposed that plan.
Building the capped, concrete reservoir is expected to cost between $5 million and $10 million, county officials said.
Money from the land sale will help fund a proposed outdoor dining and entertainment area on a block of Park Street east of Route 45 in downtown Mundelein, officials have said. That roadway was converted to an outdoor dining area last year to assist restaurants there during the COVID-19 crisis. It proved popular, and officials want to do it again.
As part of the plan, portable barriers and planters will be used to keep cars from driving onto the block. Directional signs and promotional banners are planned, too.
A decorative archway over Park Street and an overhead light array could be added later.
• Daily Herald staff writer Mick Zawislak contributed to this report.