Saia and Village Still Hope to Avoid Forced Annexation

Over six months ago, the Village of Burr Ridge and Saia Motor and Freight was not the resolution either party favored and agreed to begin working together to resolve the problem outside of the courts.

As reported on Feb. 15, instead of moving forward with an annexation agreement at the last village board meeting, it was announced that while Saia and the village had found common ground, an impasse had occurred in discussions between the village and the landowner, once again stalling the hopes of an amicable solution.

Village Administrator Steve Stricker said that Mayor Gary Grasso, trustees and staff did not feel that zoning allowing the property to remain a truck depot was in the best interest of residents. The village hoped for a sunset clause that would cause for an eventual termination of truck depot operation. They also worried it would open the door for more truck depots in the village, which they also do not favor.

The landowner, Robert Rogulic, has insisted that the zoning allow operation in perpetuity.

“Obviously, that will be a problem for my client,” said attorney Tim Dwyer, who is representing the landowner, when asked about the village standing firm on the zoning issue.

Dwyer also said he has not heard from the village since they failed to reach an agreement and said whether or not forced annexation will bring the issue to the courts, “remains to be seen.”

Saia Attorney Scott Hargadon said it would not be in anyone's best interest if the agreement falls through to a forced annexation.

“Saia is actively trying to dissolve the impasse with the landowner,” said Hargadon.

Hargadon said that Saia would prefer the zoning change that the landowner supports because a sunset clause could cause problems for the trucking company in the future.

“In the best of all possible worlds the zoning would allow the truck depot to remain in perpetuity,” said Hargadon. “However, the village has made it quite clear that is not an option.”

At the last Feb. 14, trustees unanimously agreed to table a possible village initiated annexation to the March 14 meeting.

Grasso said the village still does not favor a forced annexation and that he hoped something could be worked out. He also told Chestnut Hills resident representative Steve Less that if the village did move forward with a forced annexation, it would be next to impossible to predict a time line because of the unpredictability of the issue once it enters litigation.

“I remain optimistic that an agreement will be reached just because that's the nature of my personality,” said Hargadon. “But it's hard to say for certain right now.”

Residents of the Chestnut Hills subdivision gathered outside the village hall after Monday's meeting and agreed that they felt “back at square one” and were “devastated” by the news.

At the time of publication, the parties have not had any additional discussions regarding the issue.