Burr Ridge Panel Sounds Off Against Industrial Plan

BURR RIDGE, IL – A proposal for a commercial development in Burr Ridge drew opposition Wednesday from a village committee reviewing it.

Members said the plan to build seven industrial buildings on the old CNH Industrial property would hurt surrounding neighborhoods. Some said housing would be a better choice.

Officials said representatives of the developer, Bridge Industrial, declined to attend the meeting.

Committee members noted the development has been described as light industrial. But they questioned that characterization. They said the plan is for around-the-clock truck traffic, which would disturb the area.

For decades, the 110-acre site at 6900 Veterans Boulevard has been the site of International Harvester, then CNH.

"It's going from a sleepy, quiet research and assembly facility to where all industrial uses would be permitted," committee member Steve Patterson said. "That's a pretty intense use."

Member Colleen McCormack suggested the site would be better for multifamily housing, particularly for senior citizens. She said Burr Ridge does not need more single-family houses.

Member Ingrid Tepler objected to the proposed truck traffic.

"One of the biggest red flags from Bridge is the 24-7 trucking, which is what is required to make their business model feasible," she said.

Another member, former Burr Ridge Trustee Bob Grela, said he was neither a supporter nor opponent of the proposal. But he said he wanted to provide "counterpoints" to the committee.

Mary Bradley, a member of Burr Ridge's CNH Committee, speaks on Wednesday against a proposed industrial development as fellow member Bob Grela looks on. (David Giuliani/Patch)

Grela said he has been familiar with Bridge for the last three decades of his professional life. Bridge, he said, doesn't "do anything lightly."

He said the site is near two major expressways, which he called a "major plus" for logistics.

Grela also said he was "shocked" the village approved the Fieldstone and Fieldstone Club subdivisions years ago because they are next to CNH.

Long ago, he said he figured residents in those neighborhoods would eventually get a "horrible surprise" at what could be allowed on the site.

Patterson responded by saying Bridge's proposed development doesn't meet the village's code.

"They have to get a massive zoning change," he said.

The committee's chairman, Gerald Sweeney, asked the members whether anything in the proposal would make it acceptable.

Most members said the plan would have to be heavily amended. Others said it was a no-go.

Grela said the plan would be "workable with amendments." But he countered those who suggested housing for the site, saying developers would be "hard-pressed" to get a return on their investment for such a use.

Burr Ridge, he said, traditionally resists multifamily housing and requires big lots for houses.

During public comments, residents spoke out against the proposal.

Holly Adkins, who lives on Hamilton Avenue, said she has lived in the neighborhood all her life.

"This project, to me, is completely overwhelming," she said. "I'm sad it's even being considered."

Grela responded that the village must review proposals from any property owner.

"The village of Burr Ridge, to the best of my knowledge, is not condoning this," he said.

Nicholas Esposito, an attorney with an office near the CNH property, opposed the project.

"This facility doesn't make sense," he said. "It will terribly impact all of us – the noise, the pollution. I just don't see it."

A Plan Commission hearing on the proposal was originally set for Nov. 18. It has since been moved to Jan. 20, the same day as the presidential inauguration.

The commission is expected to make a recommendation on the development to the Village Board, which has the final say.

Bridge had initially considered a Costco for the site. But it pulled that from the plan after neighbors' opposition.

CNH's predecessor, International Harvester, was tied to Burr Ridge's history.

According to the village, International Harvester's decision to build a research center nearby prompted residents to vote for incorporation in 1956 as the village of Harvester. The name changed to Burr Ridge six years later.

Burr Ridge's Harvester Park was named in honor of the company.

Burr Ridge attorney Nicholas Esposito, whose office is near the old CNH Industrial site, says Wednesday a proposal for seven commercial buildings "doesn't make sense." (David Giuliani/Patch)

Bridge Industrial is looking to build seven commercial buildings on the old 110-acre CNH Industrial site. Neighbors oppose the development. (David Giuliani/Patch)