County Official Against LTHS Plan For Land

LA GRANGE, IL – A Cook County official on Tuesday joined other area leaders against industrial development on Lyons Township High School's land in Willow Springs.

In a letter, Cook County Board member Sean Morrison said the school should respect Willow Springs' zoning regulations.

He noted other public bodies and residents have called for the school to reappraise the property for the uses that Willow Springs allows. Those uses are single-family houses, small retailers and senior living complexes.

Morrison, whose 17th District includes the property in question, said he understood the school board's desire to explore a sale of the 71 acres and its efforts to meet students' needs.

"I simply and respectfully ask that you do so in a way that mutually respects and adheres to the Village of Willow Springs' current zoning ordinance for that location, placing consideration to the feedback you have received from multiple residents and your fellow governing boards," said Morrison, a Republican.

The letter was read by resident Jim Distasio at Tuesday's school board meeting. Distasio forwarded a copy to Patch on Wednesday morning.

The board did not respond to Distasio or any other residents who spoke out Tuesday against the plan to sell to an industrial developer.

It's been nearly a month since the board last publicly addressed the issue. At a January meeting, members rejected the two bids by industrial developers. But the board indicated it would continue negotiations.

The board's appraisal of the property was geared toward industrial development. Willow Springs officials have vowed to keep the zoning as is.

Before Tuesday's open meeting, the board met behind closed doors to discuss setting the price of real estate, likely the Willow Springs land. No action was taken.