Suburban Chicago Developer Sued Over Apartments Near Forest

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is suing for control of 43 acres in the city of West Chicago.

The District’s lawsuit aims to condemn the property on the north side of North Avenue, just west of Route 59, where the West Chicago City Council recently approved plans for a townhouse-style community, the Daily Herald reported.

The property is adjacent to Pratt’s Wayne Woods Forest Preserve, a protected area that is home to a century-old oak ecosystem.

The forest preserve district argues that the development, proposed by an unidentified developer using the name Redwood USA LLC, would diminish the ecological value of the adjacent preserve.

“Some of these trees are more than 100 years old and are part of a unique, undisturbed ecosystem critical for supporting diverse wildlife, including insects, birds and mammals,” said Karie Friling, executive director of the forest preserve district.

The district offered $4 million for the property last year, based on an appraiser’s opinion. However, the offer was rejected by the property owner, and the legal battle ensued.

Stephen Helm, the attorney for the landowner, expressed dissatisfaction with the offer in a letter sent in December, stating, “Despite our differences with your offer, which we believe to be quite inadequate, we are confident that with the aid of the court and jury, just compensation will be fairly determined.”

The West Chicago City Council approved a preliminary plan in November for the development of a 139-unit senior-targeted townhouse complex called the Redwood Apartments.

The development has been hailed as a step forward by city officials, but it has been met with resistance from environmental groups.

“Both parties have agreed to resolve the matter in court, allowing an expedited process to determine the purchase price,” Friling said. A court date is set for April.

— Andrew Terrell