Southland Leaders Oppose Calumet Country Club Redevelopment

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 — Diversified Partners — are looking to flip the former golf course into an industrial park, and residents who attended numerous meetings protesting the development, are now optimistic.

The property, located at the corner of Dixie Highway and 175th Street, is being considered for an industrial park development, which many residents of Homewood and nearby towns are not in favor of. After five planning and zoning meetings, officials voted to recommend the village board votes against it as well. Now, candidates for office in nearby towns and other organizations are speaking out on the matter.

The National Association Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) released a statement Monday saying the vote is exciting news, adding that the community's activism has gotten results. The organization praising the board for the decision to "show the opinion of local people on the matter is of utmost value."

"The NAACP is a catalyst in promoting improvements to increase the opportunity for all people," said Gary Dingle, President of the NAACP, Chicago Far South Suburban Branch. "We continue to work with every community segment to remove barriers for a better quality of life. This is a good example of that hard work producing real results. The NAACP commends the courageous zoning board for voting against the rezoning of Calumet Country Club, and we encourage the Board of Trustees in Homewood to follow their recommendation."

The NAACP said it opposes the development for multiple reasons, including the "heightened danger it would cause for local families through an increase in the number of trucks passing through." The organization also said that the redevelopment may deprive the residents of green space, adding to pollution and otherwise harming the health of area residents.

The South Suburbs for Greenspace over Concrete (SSGOC) hosted a candidate forum on Saturday, at the La Voute Bistro and Bar patio, located at, 2034 Ridge Road in Homewood. The group said candidates from all over the Southland voiced their support of the Homewood Planning and Zoning Commission’s unanimous vote.

According to a news release, Hazel Crest Mayoral Challenger, Marcia Hollis-Bratcher, said, “Hazel Crest and Homewood must work together to make this space something that will work for all both of our communities. This is a beautiful space and should be used for the good of our communities not to their detriment.”

Bloom Township Supervisor candidate Dr. Octavia Altheimer, worked with IL-SAFE to stop the Glenwood power plant project is also in opposition of the development, saying "We’ve done this before!" according to the release. Incumbent Highway Commissioner Joe Stanfa, also from Bloom Township, spoke against the proposed development, suggesting to make the property into a youth golf learning center.

Michelle Nelson, Flossmoor mayoral candidate, thanked the commission for its “Service to Homewood, and neighboring towns." She added that the unanimous decision to deny rezoning of is a "testament to (its) concern and care for Southland communities."

Flossmoor trustee candidate Gary Daggett also spoke at the event, declaring that the proposed development isn’t in the "best interest of Homewood, Flossmoor or any other surrounding community." He added, "One of the things that makes Homewood and Flossmoor so amazing is our green spaces and open lands."

Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry and Trustee Marlon Rias didn't make it to the event, but said the Hazel Crest Board of Trustees will “continue to oppose the trucking distribution center.”

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.

At the meeting, residents clapped and cheered as the board unanimously voted against the recommendation. Now, the next step is now in the hands of the village board. The board will consider approvals for the rezoning at the next meeting, taking place on Tuesday. The meeting agenda can be seen here.

Related:

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

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

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