In my June 21 statement regarding the Baxter property, I stated that Bridge Industrial was in discussions with Lake County regarding its proposed industrial development. On July 18, Bridge met with Lake County staff and, on September 1, the County posted a report from its meeting. Part of the report addressed the general office zoning district that lies to the northern and western portions of the Baxter property. Whether Bridge decides to move forward with a possible rezoning is unknown at this time but if it does, public hearings would be required at which point the public would have an opportunity to voice its concerns.
The Village of Deerfield’s planning jurisdiction includes the 102 acres that Bridge sought to annex and develop this past spring. Accordingly, the Village will have an opportunity to articulate its position on Bridge’s possible rezoning request with the County, if it is made. I previously expressed reservations about its project and over 500 people attended our Plan Commission’s public hearing prior to the time that Bridge withdrew its applications. It is clear to me that Bridge’s applications raised many unresolved issues. Therefore, to the extent that Bridge seeks to rezone the general office zoning district for its proposed project, I will encourage our Village Board to adopt a resolution in opposition to the rezoning request for Bridge’s proposal.