New Lenox mulls forced annexation of some properties
By Erin Gallagher For The Herald-News July 25, 2012 8:28AM
Updated: August 31, 2012 6:04AM
NEW LENOX — The New Lenox Village Board discussed the issue of “forced annexation” of existing property owners Monday.
The properties being considered are east of School House Road along Harvey, Horseshoe and Moni drives.
The village had entered into a pre-annexation agreement with the original developer in 2003 before the lots were sold. The agreement requires annexation no less than three years, and no more than eight years. It must happen this year.
“There is no surprise,” said Robin Ellis, director of community development.
Ellis said she spent the past several months gathering signatures of property owners. There are six holdouts, she told the board. The village can forcibly annex all but one, she said.
Trustee Ray Tuminello said he had a hard time forcing anyone to annex.
The developer did a good job of communicating to the buyers that they would eventually be annexed into the village, Ellis said.
The state statue allows it, said Martin Shanahan Jr, the village’s attorney from Spesia & Ayers.
Ordinances to annex and rezone are scheduled for a second read at the Aug. 13 meeting.
