Mcnaughton Industrial Park Tabled

by Jamie Lynn Ferguson

November 12, 2007

The 309-acre industrial park proposal to the City of Lockport by McNaughton Development will be postponed for approval until the land from 159th to 167th streets is reevaluated by a professional consultant. The decision was made at the Lockport City Council's workshop meeting Nov. 7 amidst a room full of Homer Glen, Homer Township, Lockport and unincorporated Lockport residents waiting in line to voice their disapproval of the proposal.

McNaughton was not present at the meeting, but a letter from the developer was read at the opening of the meeting. The letter stated that based on negative recommendations from neighboring communities and the desire for a consensus from the board, the development will be postponed until the land is analyzed.

"We want to analyze what the best use of this land is based on Lockport's comprehensive plan," Lockport Mayor Tim Murphy said.

While the news deterred some of the public's comments until the next meeting, when the developer would be present, there was still a line of citizens behind the podium who were ready to speak.

One of those speakers was William M. Ballweber, of Windmill Estates in Homer Township. Homeowners in Windmill Estates, Bristol Heights, Victoria Crossing, Cedar Ridge and Regal Acres feel they will be most affected by the park's presence if it is approved.

"Financially, this is a poor use of tax dollars," Ballweber said. "We have more opportunities with the opening of I-355 that will not influence our property value, or have environmental and safety risks for our children and families."

"We look to you to make intelligent decisions," he said to the board.

Other concerns expressed during public comment were the leaking of truck fluids into homeowners' water wells and flooding that may occur if the roads surrounding the land are widened to accommodate truck traffic.

Thomas Gangas, also a resident of Windmill Estates and a business owner in Lockport, was primarily concerned for his children's safety.

"Our children are put in unnecessary danger with the traffic and water contamination, and our air quality will be diminished," he said. "We have a combination of land and location here, which is of limited quantity. I think we should sit back and look at what else is offered."

As more residents expressed their concerns about environmental hazards, Murphy clarified that the development will have no trucking terminals and is zoned as a business campus. He was also careful to point out that he was not promoting the development, just clarifying facts.

"I think people are getting mental images of smoke stacks when they hear industrial park, but these are corporate warehouse parks," he said.

Ald. Pete Colarelli, 1st Ward, added that the City of Lockport is working with neighboring communities to decide what is best for everyone.

"We are in the process of working with Homer Glen, and we are excited to plan with our neighboring communities," Colarelli said. "A regional strategic planning session will be held, and we've already met with Paula Wallrich (Homer Glen acting village manager) and Mayor Jim Daley."

The approval or dismissal of the proposal will be decided after the study of the land between 159th and 167th Streets is completed.

The study will cost $50,000, which council member Tom Kelly made sure to repeat to the board and those in attendance. Kelly and council member Joseph Fracaro were the only city council members to vote no to the proposed study.