Gougar a Possible Spot for New Police Station

New Lenox is negotiating a deal with a property developer that would save the village money in land purchases for a new police station and public works facility.

The last month, which includes the construction of these new facilities as well as the extension of Nelson Road south so it connects between Haven Avenue and Illinois Highway.

A location hasn't been announced for the new facilities, but Mayor Tim Baldermann said the large, undeveloped area southeast of Gougar and Haven is very possible.

Voss Homes owns the 500-acre property, and the village is hoping to get a 20-acre land donation in exchange for extending Nelson Road, which runs through the planned residential area. Voss Homes would save money on future road construction and the village wouldn't have to pay for land.

Baldermann said there isn't a deal in place yet, and the exact location for the facilities hasn't been decided. But he said the west end, off Gougar Road, would likely be the best option because there aren't any homes over there. 

The village has been planning these projects for a while, but decided to take advantage of low interest rates and construction costs now. There are some problems with the , among other issues.

To fund this, the village would increase its sales tax by a 1/2 a cent, bringing the total rate to 8.5 percent, and also increase its utility tax 5 percent on gas and electric. The tax increases upset some residents, but the village argued that because of other programs offered, taxpayers are still seeing annual savings.

Baldermann said that if a deal is finalized in the next couple months, the Nelson Road extension could be constructed next year. The 90- to 120-day project would include water detention, traffic signals and pedestrian options, either a bike path or sidewalk.

The current location of the is at Haven and Veterans Parkway, and the public works facility is off Nelson Road south of Illinois Highway. The new spot being negotiated would keep both places near the west end of town and close to .