Development Agreement Moves Cornerstone Forward

The Grayslake Village Board voted unanimously to approve the execution of a Development Cost Agreement between Lake County Land Holdings, LLC and the village. Mike Ellis, Grayslake village manager, said the approval signifies one of the last major agreements between the village and the developer of the Cornerstone Project, the Alter Group.  

Rhett Taylor, Grayslake mayor, said this agreement will provide for water, sewer and road improvements associated with the Cornerstone project in the Central Range and serve as a mechanism for permit revenues from the Cornerstone project to pay for a portion of these improvements.

Ellis said that estimated land development costs are $195 million.

"Infrastructure covered in the agreement will help the village expand the local economy beyond the Cornerstone project," he said.

The off-site work, he said, is estimated to cost $60 million and will also serve the Central Range Economic Development Initiative Area with utilities.

The agreement provides for the village to assist with offsite improvements through fee waivers that would be normally collected during development of the project.

"Since the infrastructure will cover a wide economic development area the agreement provides for the village to assist with the costs of these offsite improvements through fee waivers," he said.

As part of the agreement, fee waivers will not exceed $10.4 million of the estimated $60 million in improvement costs for the utility extensions and road improvements that will also serve the Central Range.

"Under the agreement the Cornerstone developer will front all the costs to build these improvements and will receive this reimbursement as the Cornerstone project develops," he said.

Stephen Park, Alter Group senior vice president, said he could not comment as to when the project will begin, saying, "the economy precludes us."

However, Park remains confident. "We hope to get this project rolling to catch the economy in an upswing," he said.

Jeff Werfel, Grayslake trustee, said the project with the Alter Group is an exciting one and represents a culmination of many years' work. 

Taylor said it is "an incredible accomplishment for the Village of Grayslake and Lake County."

According to the Alter Group's website, the development plans currently call for 3 million square feet to 3.5 million square feet of light industrial/office space, 500,000 square feet to 600,000 square feet of shops and restaurants and 800 homes, mostly townhouses, apartments and condominiums. 

Cornerstone is expected to generate $60 million in surplus revenues to Fremont Elementary School District 79, Mundelein High School District 120 and Grayslake High School District 127 over its 12-year development period.  

The Cornerstone site consists of 641 acres, 48 acres of which is currently in the Village of Grayslake. The site is located about 6.5 miles west of the Interstate 94 and Illinois Route 137 interchange.

Other Iems Covered by the Grayslake Village Board:

Village Approves Ordinance for 2010 Tax Levy

The village unanimously approved adopting the 2010 Tax Levy. The 2010 levy amount is $2,936,798, or 4.75 percent higher than in 2009. At a previous village board meeting, Ellis said that out of the proposed $2.9 million levy the village expects to get $84,000 more than last year based on their estimate of new property. Of that amount, only $11,000 will go toward general purposes, he said.

Taylor said most extra dollars will go toward police pension and social security costs.

According to the village, the 2010 levy will result in property tax receipts for the village for 2011. The village portion of a typical tax bill is between 4 and 5 percent.

The village's tax rate has declined over 55 percent since 1987.

More information about Grayslake property taxes can be found at villageofgrayslake.com.

Past Village Clerk, Executive Assistant Recognized by Board for Over 20 Years of Service

Although she was not present, the board took a special moment to honor the 22 years service given by Joan Annesser to the Village of Grayslake as deputy village clerk and executive assistant.

Taylor said that she had humbly asked not to be recognized while in office, so that the board could now recognize her as a retiree.

The board showed an award offered by 62^nd District State Representative Sandy Cole that recognizes Annesser's service to the Grayslake community. The award concludes wishing Annesser "long years of happiness in a well-earned retirement."

Jeff Werfel, Grayslake Village trustee and legislative aide to Representative Sandy Cole, said that Annesser "was a fantastic employee."

The village will mail Annesser the award along with a letter expressing its gratitude for her outstanding service.

Mayor Recognizes Accomplishments of Grayslake Lions Club and District 127 for Dec. 4 Food Drive

Beginning at 7:30 a.m. Grayslake Lions Club members, friends and students began loading cars with boxes of food for struggling families, said Cynthia Lee, Grayslake Lions Club treasurer.

Taylor said that in conjunction with Grayslake North, Central and District 46 over 60, 000 pounds of food were collected.

The Lions Club delivered Christmas baskets Dec. 4 to 145 families. The club paid for each address to receive a gallon of milk, bag of apples, turkey and a bag of potatoes; Grayslake Feed Sales donated the potatoes. Excess food was donated to the Avon Township Food Pantry.

Grayslake Heritage Center to Celebrate Holidays with Open House, Dec. 18

Charlotte Renehan, Grayslake Historical Society president, announced that the Grayslake Heritage Center will hold an Open House event Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Renehan said Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be present to read to children and families will be encouraged to decorate the museum's tree. A reception will be held for the center's new Executive Director Dave Oberg and light refreshments will be served.

The center's 1,200-square-foot permanent gallery, "Embracing Change: The Growth of Grayslake," will be open during this time. The exhibit features relics and enlarged photos collected over Grayslake's history.

Village Declares January Lake County Crime Stoppers Month

The Village of Grayslake joined with the Lake County Crime Stoppers in proclaiming January, 2011, as Lake County Crime Stoppers Month. Taylor said Crime Stoppers of Lake County asked the village to support this and it is something the village has routinely done. Taylor said taking this action was a good thing to do. 

Lake County Crime Stoppers' website states its mission is "to provide the highest quality confidential informant services based on fairness, honesty, integrity, and pride."

"Donations of airtime, newspaper space, and reward monies have established Crime Stoppers as the leading tool to fight crime in Lake County," it states. Those who report crimes remain anonymous and can receive awards up to $1,000.

To contact Lake County Crime Stoppers, call 847-662-2222 or visit lakecountycrimestoppers.com.