Trustees Wrangle over Proposed Rodeo Development

Representatives for The Spencer Road Horse Show Monday requested the Village's nod of approval to stage seasonal rodeos on a 15-acres parcel in unincorporated New Lenox in the area of Spencer and Gougar Roads.

Cindy Valles, a representative for the rodeo, asked trustees at the regular meeting for a special events license to host family rodeo events on a nearly15-acre parcel at Spencer Road near Gougar Road. The property is located in unincorporated New Lenox and is under Will County jurisdiction.  The same parcel has intermittently held rodeo events for 25 years, said Valles, a representative for property owner Heriberto Aguirre, of Summit.

However, it's been about five years since the last rodeo event was staged on the site, she added. Aguirre has been part-owner of the property for two-plus decades.  

Current plans call for seasonal weekend events from 2-7 p.m., featuring cowboys on bucking broncos circling the ring to perform stunts such as throwing a lasso around a calf. Valles said the property owners are looking to invest about $1 million in improvements to the site, including demolition of aged buildings, the installation of sanitation service stalls, a paved parking area and "any further recommendations by the (Village) Building Dept."

Aguirre is looking to develop the property, which is currently zoned agricultural, so that he can meet his tax obligation to the county, said Valles. His annual tax bill is about $5,000, she told Patch.

At the same time, he sees the rodeo as an opportunity for economic development. Valles said they're looking for a five-year commitment for a special license to operate the rodeo. The property owner needs at least that much time to recoup his costs.

Still she's not blind to the fact that the property is within a planned industrial zone. However, at the moment, there are no plans for development. "We're trying to stimulate the economy," she said. Development, even in the short-term, would bring jobs and business to the area.  

Village Community Development Director Robin Ellis told trustees the plan was incompatible with future development. The property lies in the heart of an area the village has designated in the future as an industrial zone. It's in the comprehensive plan. However, much of that area is still undeveloped with no immediate plans, said Ellis.  

The Village Planning Commission has already voted against the special events license for The Spencer Road Horse Show. Considering the proposed rodeo's proximity to Lincoln-Way West High School, 21701 Gougar Road, Ellis foresees traffic congestion as a problem.

Moreover, she said rodeo representatives failed to submit requested information, including a plan for traffic management, parking and a sound study. Instead of bringing the matter to a vote Monday, Valles took Mayor Tim Baldermann's advice. The matter was postponed till the next village board meeting on June 24. That gives the petitioners two weeks to submit additional information to the village.

Baldermann told Valles that village interests could be compromised once the county grants approval. Acknowledging Valles' statements that the property owner would be willing to give up the rodeo as industrial development presses forward, the mayor said it would be difficult to enforce. Once the county authorizes the rodeo with a permit combined with consideration of the property owner's significant investment, the village is less likely to have influence.  

Having been shot down so far in the village's process, Valles said she's not optimistic about the outcome. "It doesn't look like it's going to happen." The project needs the village's approval before it can move on to gain Will County authorization. 

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