Westgate Valley Lawsuit Against Palos Heights Set For Trial

Over three years later, a lawsuit filed on behalf of homeowners associations in the Westgate Valley development will reach an end after a judge set the case for trial. 

In 2008, homeowners of the Westgate subdivisions near 135th Street and Ridgeland Avenue and provide maintenance and snow removal among other services.

The lawsuit hinges on an annexation agreement from 1998 that states upon completion the roads would be dedicated. The city maintains that every subsequent agreement and document says the streets were intended to remain private.

On Friday, Aug. 26, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Mary Anne Mason set the case for trial saying that she couldn't make a legal judgement on one of the counts herself.

The court date did shed light on two other developments in the ongoing battle. It appears Palos Heights will take over some utility services in the developments, pending an agreement on specifics.

The installation of a sidewalk along Ridgeland Avenue was also brought up as a possibility during the proceedings.

A pre-trial date of Oct. 24 was scheduled. The trial will begin on Nov. 14 and is expected to take no more than five days.

In recent months another disagreement between and residents of Westgate Townhomes has bubbled up. recently relocated to 13400 S. Ridgeleand Ave. at a July city council meeting.

The lawsuit was also a major issue in the April aldermanic election that saw in the first ward.