Village Board Bits: Developer Talks Plans for Land Between Walmart, Charleyhorse

The vacant land that sits northeast of the Walmart development could be the future home of self-storage or senior housing, or perhaps something entirely different.

First things first, though—the land, which is about 12.6 acres north of the former Mobil gas station on Route 30, must be rezoned from agricultural to commercial. A public hearing on Monday night allowed developer Andy Dystrup to explain his plans for the location.

Although the future use of the area isn't decided, village planning administrator Robin Ellis said that because of nearby homes in unincorporated New Lenox, there wouldn't be a gas station or auto repair shop. But because the land is a ways off Route 30, compared to the developing Walmart area, “It’s not ideal for prime retail,” Ellis said.

Dystrup mentioned a couple potential options: a self-storage facility, which would not be permitted to have outdoor storage, or even a senior housing development. Dystrup said he's received some interest from senior housing developers in the past, but he wanted to get a feel for whether the board would be open to such a development in that spot.

"Certainly there’s a demand for senior housing, but we are seeing more of those (developments) of late," trustee Nancy Dye said.

Recently, the was approved, and there are also plans for senior housing as part of the . Mayor Tim Baldermann added that New Lenox Township hasn’t completely ruled out building more senior housing in the future in addition to what it currently offers at 1090 S. Cedar Road.

More From the Meeting

Liquor Licenses Approved: was given a liquor license to sell wine in its gift shop. The owners said it would be a nice complement to the wine accessories it already sells. was also given a liquor license to sell alcohol once it opens its expanded restaurant with more sit-down options.

Hickory Creek Watershed Update: Public Works Supt. Ron Sly said a planning group has finished a final version of a plan to protect the Hickory Creek Watershed, which is a natural system that includes all the water and surrounding land in an area, includes more than 100 miles of streams that run from Orland Park through the south suburbs to Joliet. As the area develops, municipalities will need to work together to try and make various ordinances consistent and also allow for planning at a larger-scale level. For more information, read .

Upcoming Events: There are a number of events ahead in New Lenox. Here's a brief rundown:

• Route 30 open house: Village staff and IDOT officials will be on hand from 4:30-6:30 p.m. tonight at to answer any questions you have about the Route 30 widening project.
• Fourth of July: A concert with Valid Proof will open a night of entertainment on the at 7 p.m. Fireworks are set for 9:30 p.m. 
• New Lenox Experience: Mayor Baldermann said there's still some room for people interested in joining any of the three camps offered next Thursday and Friday, July 7-8. The basketball camp features Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat, the football camp features Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears and the music camp features Grammy winner Jim Peterik of Eye of the Tiger fame. For more information, go to the New Lenox Experience website.