Hazel Crest Mayor Vernard Alsberry Speaks Out Against Calumet Country Club Development
The South Suburban News was asked to publish this open letter from the Village of Hazel Crest.
The Village of Hazel Crest strongly believes that Southland communities should work together in the best interest of our region and our people. We also strongly believe that our communities should not be exploited by outside interests.
Our Board has reviewed the summary of the settlement agreement between Homewood and Diversified. We have also read what Diversified is proposing for the Calumet Country Club property. We do not welcome what Diversified is proposing and do not believe it is in the best interest for our region.
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With regards to Hazel Crest’s position on this matter, Homewood’s settlement agreement with Diversified and their published justifications for the agreement is presumptuous at best. So, let me make it clear – The Village of Hazel Crest does not support the proposed redevelopment of the Calumet Country Club into a trucking distribution center. We must work together to maintain access to open spaces, to ensure clean air and quality water for ALL our residents.
Hazel Crest has an established history of strong working relationships with our neighbors. Last month, through a partnership with Jewels-Osco, Hazel Crest was able to provide 500 first shot vaccinations to seniors age 65 years and older. We opened this opportunity to all seniors in the area including from our neighboring municipalities.
In addition, Hazel Crest continues to make significant investments in sustainability. For the past 36 years, Hazel Crest has received the Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation for our management of public trees. Furthermore, we are a member of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus Greenest Region Compact. And most recently, through a Metropolitan Planning Council technical assistance grant, the Village has developed a plan to identify and eventually remove residential Lead Service Lines.
We are also shocked to find out that Diversified has forced the Village of Homewood to put up $100,000 to sue Hazel Crest if we exercise our rights regarding those areas of the property in Hazel Crest. That is beyond bad business by Diversified – it is downright immoral and an insult to our community.
Enough is enough. So there is no mistake, this is the position and path of the Village of Hazel Crest.
1. Hazel Crest does not support this developer or this developer’s plan for the Calumet Country Club.
2. Hazel Crest will not consider annexing this property based on this developer and this proposed development plan. We do not want to do business with this developer.
3. We strongly encourage the Village of Homewood to turn down the deal with this developer, and invite them to join forces with us to petition the Cook County Forest Preserve District and the State of Illinois for open space acquisition of this property to make it available to all Southland residents.
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