Clarifying Burr Ridge Official's Role In Costco Matter

BURR RIDGE, IL – In an August email, Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso referred to a village plan commissioner as Costco's attorney. So has Patch.

However, Mike Stratis, the plan commissioner, said that information is incorrect. In an email to Patch, he said he is not Costco's lawyer, but rather provides real estate consulting services to the national chain. He said he does not manage the company's legal affairs.

Stratis is a key player in the effort to bring Costco to the old CNH industrial property on Veterans Boulevard, which neighbors oppose.

He promised he would not vote or discuss any proposal involving Costco during Plan Commission meetings.

In an interview with Patch, Stratis said he is a site selector for Costco and provides a range of real estate services.

In his emails, he uses the title of vice president and counsel for Oak Brook-based Intrepid Properties. But there is no president. He is the owner and only person with Intrepid, he said.

Stratis said he has been doing site selection for Costco for 32 years. Others with Intrepid left long ago, with Stratis keeping his title of vice president and counsel, he said.

In Intrepid's Secretary of State filing, Stratis is listed as the president.