Homewood Votes Against Recommending Rezoning Former Country Club

HOMEWOOD, IL — The Planning and Zoning Commission for the Village of Homewood voted unanimously against rezoning the former Calumet Country Club on Thursday.

The developers, W & E Ventures, LLC (Diversified Partners), are seeking 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. After five planning and zoning meetings, officials voted to recommend the village board votes against it as well.

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.

Chairman Fred Sierzega said he was unhappy with the developers, adding that other planners have come to the village with more appealing ideas.

"I'm very disappointed in the fact that you guys didn't do any homework coming into Homewood, into this area, to find out exactly what this community and communities are all about," Sierzega said. "You bought a piece of property. You want to change it to something totally different than what's there. You don't have a lot of answers for a lot of questions as well."

The chairman went on to say that he was also disappointed in the background the developers brought forth, adding that they didn't "do the basics."

"I want to thank all of the residents who came out to these meetings or watched them on Zoom, and all of their questions and comments, because they're concerned about our community," Sierzega said. "You guys just want to come in here, put up some buildings and 'slam,bam, thank you ma'am,' and then you're going. I think it's kind of an insult to us."

Residents clapped and cheered as the board unanimously voted against the recommendation on Thursday. The next step is now in the hands of the village board.

Related:

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

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