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

DEERFIELD, IL — Are you looking to talk with someone about Bridge Industrial's potential redevelopment of the Baxter International site? Lake County recently announced it has set up a 24-hour automated public information telephone hotline number for residents to provide comments, input and concerns about the project via voicemail.

On July 18, Lake County officials met with representatives from the Chicago-based developer regarding a plan to annex and redevelop the site into an industrial site. The plan has drawn criticism from residents and local government officials, so much so that Bridge withdrew its petition in June.

According to officials, the Lake County Planning, Building, and Development Department was contacted by Bridge to set up the "Early Assistance" meeting. Following the meeting, Lake County staff told Bridge it would provide the company with an Early Assistance report within 15 to 20 days of the meeting, or mid-August.

On a website dedicated to the project, Lake County said the report will contain "a detailed assessment of what review processes would apply to the request, the types of regulations that would be relevant, and the next steps to expect if a developer chooses to move forward with a formal project development application."

RELATED: Bridge Industrial Set To Meet With Lake County Over Baxter Property

With the hotline, Lake County officials assured residents whatever information they leave will be reviewed by staff and retained for future reference.

Bridge's original intent with the 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, reports Crain's Chicago Business.

On June 21, Deerfield Mayor Daniel 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."

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.

RELATED:

• Bridge 'Struggled To Present Compelling Case' At Site — Mayor
• '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