Hazel Crest trustees will consider annexing the Calumet Country Club property at their Feb. 14 meeting after discussing the issue during the administrative meeting Tuesday, Jan. 24, and hearing from a number of Hazel Crest, Homewood and Flossmoor residents on the issue.
The annexation of the property at the request of owner Diversified Partners of Arizona is a precursor to the possible redevelopment of the property as a mixed industrial/commercial complex.
than a year of political wrangling. (Chronicle file photo)
Members of South Suburbs for Greenspace spoke out against the project again, as they have done since early 2021 when a previous all-industrial proposal was presented to Homewood. The property was later disconnected from Homewood at the request of Diversified Partners.
The group also spoke in opposition at the Hazel Crest board’s Jan. 10 meeting, when the board approved hiring a consultant to explore the feasibility of establishing a tax increment financing district on the property if it is annexed.
More Hazel Crest residents spoke out on the issue than have in the past. Some expressed opposition to the development, but several requested the board hold a community forum to educate residents about the project and explain the pros and cons of annexation.
One person suggested the annexation question should be determined by referendum.
Mayor Vernard Alsberry said residents would be welcome to attend the village board meeting to ask questions and express their views but did not indicate that a public meeting prior to that would be scheduled.
Vince Bass, a principal in Catalyst Consulting, also spoke. His firm has presented a new version of the plan, which includes expanded warehousing facilities surrounded by hospitality, recreation, agriculture and manufacturing businesses.
He invited residents to attend information sessions, which the firm is holding at the country club’s club house, 2136 175th St., at 6 p.m. each Thursday night.
Alsberry also urged residents to take advantage of that opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the project.
SSG also will provide an opportunity for residents to learn more during a public meeting at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5, at Wiley’s Grill, 800 Kedzie Ave. in Flossmoor.