No Answers Yet as Forest Preserve Board Pushes Annexation Item to Committee

A years-long, heated land dispute remains unsettled, as the forest preserve district Tuesday moved to send the plan to its real estate committee for review.

The Cook County Forest Preserve District Board of Commissioners will consider allowing Palos Park to annexing a small portion of forest preserve land in exchange for the municipality providing Lake Michigan water to a nearby police facility. Lemont officials argue that the annexation would allow Palos Park the contiguity needed to annex Lemont Township properties owned by Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Gleneagles Country Club, Mid Iron Golf Club and Ludwig Farm.

Mayor Brian Reaves fears annexation of those nearly 2,000 acres would ”split the village in half.” Roughly 50 Lemont residents attended the meeting to back Lemont’s cause.

“I thought today went excellent, and I’m extremely proud of anyone who spoke on our behalf,” Reaves said. “I thought it showed our unity as a community. I also wanted to thank the Cook County board for sending this to the real estate community to be further reviewed.

“This is not a water issue. This is corridor, annexation issue.“

This story is developing. Check back for more.

Read up on the background:

• Lemont School Districts Oppose Annexation
• Mayor Says Annexation Would ‘Split Lemont in Half’, Tells Residents ‘We Need Your Help’