Homewood Board Approves Former Calumet Country Club Disconnection

HOMEWOOD, IL — The Homewood Board of Trustees unanimously approved of an ordinance to disconnect the Calumet Country Club property from the village Tuesday evening. The vote settles pending litigation between W & E Ventures, LLC (Diversified Partners) and the Village that was agreed upon back in January. The developers are looking to build an industrial park at the location.

The former country club parcel is located at the northwest corner of Dixie Highway and 175th Street. About 116 acres were formerly located in Homewood, the rest remain in Hazel Crest. In 2019, Homewood officials vowed to save the Calumet Country Club from being converted into the 1-million-square-foot industrial park, and its land annexed into Hazel Crest.

Those opposed to the redevelopment urged the board to push back, but Village Attorney Christopher Cummings said after reviewing materials, the developer has a strong case.

“Based upon our research, it became clear the village would have little to argue if this case went to trial,” Cummings said at the board meeting. "If the village does not disconnect the property, the property owner, most assuredly, will sue to force the village to do that."

In February, Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry, along with the Board of Trustees, gave a statement condemning the former Calumet Country Club redevelopment. The statement, shared on Facebook live, was released one day before the continuation of the Homewood Planning and Zoning Commission meeting.

"We do not welcome what Diversified is proposing, and do not believe it is in the best interest of our region," Alsberry said in the February statement.

If the developers go through with the plan, the industrial park would be located just less than a mile from Prairie-Hills Junior High School, Nob Hill Elementary School, Highlands Elementary School and Pottawatomie School. It would also be less than two miles from Mae Jemison School, Robert Frost Middle School, Chateaux School, Saint Anne School, Jesse White Learning Academy Elementary School, Warren Palm School and a half-dozen day cares.

Related:
Hazel Crest Opposes Calumet Country Club Industrial Park Plan | Homewood, IL Patch

Homewood Group To Stop Calumet Country Club Redevelopment | Homewood, IL Patch