Homewood Village Board Votes No To Rezoning Calumet Country Club

HOMEWOOD, IL — Homewood officials voted no to rezoning the former Calumet Country Club property on Tuesday. The 5-0 vote halts plans for Arizona-based developers to transform the space into an industrial park, removing the majority of its green space and operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The developers, W & E Ventures, LLC (Diversified Partners), sought to redevelop the property at the corner of Dixie Highway and 175th Street into an industrial park, but many residents of Homewood and nearby towns are not in favor of it, protesting outside the Village Hall among other spaces in town. After five planning and zoning meetings, officials voted to recommend the village board votes against it as well. On Tuesday, those present on the board did just that.

Village Attorney Chris Cummings explained that if the country club were to be disconnected, Homewood would have no control over the property. After trustees spoke their minds on the petition, the board unanimously voted against it.

"All four ordinances are defeated," Mayor Rich Hofeld said after the vote. Members of the public were heard cheering following.

The South Suburbs for Greenspace over Concrete, protesters who have been against the development from the start, said they will continue to work with residents and the villages of Homewood and Hazel Crest make sure the property is used is another way.

"South Suburbs for Greenspace over Concrete is pleased with the Homewood Board of Trustees’ vote against this rezoning. The trustees have listened to the many residents who endured disdain, threats, and apathy from village officials to fight for the public good," the group said in a news release. "This is our home, and SSGOC will continue to fight to protect it."

The developers paid more than $3 million for the property and were hoping the parcel would receive a tax increment financing allotment from the village.

A “Stand With Our Community” rally was held after the meeting, giving those who did not get to speak at prior meetings pertaining to the development a chance to talk.

Related:

Suburban Group Organizes Demonstration To Stop Industrial Park | Homewood, IL Patch

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

Homewood Votes Against Recommending Rezoning Former Country Club | Homewood, IL Patch