Bridge 'Struggled To Present Compelling Case' At Site: Deerfield Mayor

DEERFIELD, IL — Following Bridge Industrial's withdrawal of a petition to annex and redevelop the Baxter International campus earlier this month, Deerfield Mayor Daniel Shapiro said Wednesday the real estate agency's plans "raised more questions than answers."

In a message to the community, Shapiro said Bridge "struggled to present a compelling case," while also saying "it was disheartening to witness instances where innuendo, rumors and smear campaigns overshadowed thoughtful public debate and discussion."

Over the last few months, Baxter International was nearing the sale of the 101-acre campus to Bridge. The Chicago-based developer was proposing to annex the property to Deerfield and rezone the site for industrial and recreational use. Their intent was to then demolish all existing structures and redevelop the property as a state-of-the-art business park.

"Legitimate concerns emerged regarding traffic, pollution, noise and alternative uses that had not been adequately addressed," Shapiro said. "The hearing process and public participation provided valuable opportunities for the Plan Commission and the public to ask tough questions, ultimately highlighting several unresolved issues."

On June 7, one day before a plan commission meeting and public hearing was scheduled with Bridge regarding the property, the company withdrew the petition. Last week, Crain's Chicago Business reported that Bridge is not expected to abandon the Baxter campus project altogether.

RELATED: Bridge Industrial Withdraws Petition To Redevelop Baxter Property

"At this time, we are unaware of their future plans, although it has been reported that they are in discussions with Lake County," Shapiro said. "It remains uncertain whether they will abandon their desire to purchase the 102 acres altogether or approach Lake County with revised plans."

Shapiro said if the latter occurs, any zoning or land use process, including potential restrictions, would be handled by Lake County rather than the Village.

Since plans for the proposed redevelopment project went public, more than 5,400 local residents have signed a petition, pushing back against the proposed redevelopment. At issue, according to opponents of the plan, is an estimated 600 semi-trucks per day congesting the streets of Saunders, Lake Cook, and Deerfield roads that would take place during the redevelopment, local residents said. A GoFundMe effort has also raised more than $3,000 to oppose the development project.

"Whether you supported, opposed or remained neutral towards the proposed development, I appreciate that Village residents and others voiced their opinions," Shapiro said. "Engaging in honest debate, free from harsh judgment or incredulity, often leads to better decision-making."

Read Shapiro's full statement here.

RELATED:

• 'It's Not Over' — Lake County Residents Ready To Fight Baxter Project
• Baxter Site Meeting Moved To Deerfield High School On May 11
• Baxter Site Meeting Postponed Due To Large Crowd In Deerfield
• Petition Against Baxter Site Plan Nears 2,000 Signatures In Deerfield