Deerfield Mayor Opposes Bridge's Rezoning Request At Baxter Property

DEERFIELD, IL — In recent months, Deerfield Mayor Daniel Shapiro has discussed his concerns regarding a plan Bridge Industrial to redevelop the former Baxter International campus into an industrial complex. Now, he is asking his fellow members of the Deerfield Village Board to send a message to Bridge by adopting a resolution in opposition to a rezoning request by the Chicago-based developer.

"I previously expressed reservations about its project and over 500 people attended our Plan Commission’s public hearing prior to the time that Bridge withdrew its applications," Shapiro said at Tuesday night's Village Board meeting. "It is clear to me that Bridge’s applications raised many unresolved issues."

Shapiro, who called the current proposal by Bridge "problematic," noted that if Bridge decides to move forward with possible rezoning, public hearings would be required, giving the public an opportunity to voice any concerns. Shapiro said Bridge has not officially applied for rezoning the property as of Tuesday night.

Because the property is located in unincorporated Lake County, development at Baxter is "potentially subject to regulations from various Lake County agencies," according to officials.

In June, Shapiro said Baxter's plan "raised more questions than answers." Earlier that month, Bridge opted out of a meeting with the Deerfield Plan Commission, and a public hearing was also canceled as a result.

Instead, Bridge met with Lake County officials in July for an "Early Assistance" meeting. Lake County said it would complete a report for Bridge regarding the plan to annex and redevelop the site. The findings of the report were released Friday. Lake County is asking Bridge to rezone a center area, conduct a traffic study, utilize Lake County utilities, including public sewer access and a number of changes to building code, among other requests. The complete report can be found here.

Bridge's original intent with the 101-acre property was reportedly to demolish all existing structures and redevelop the property as a state-of-the-art business park. Bridge is under contract to buy the property for between $90 million and $100 million.

In July, Lake County set up a 24-hour automated public information telephone hotline number (847-377-7460) for residents to provide comments, input and concerns about the project via voicemail. With the hotline, Lake County officials assured residents whatever information they leave will be reviewed by staff and retained for future reference. An online form can also be found here.

RELATED:

• Lake County Talks Baxter Site With Developer, Sets Up 24-Hour Hotline
• '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