Since the initial planning by the Forest Preserve District (FPD), West-Win had concerns about the Fleet Services Building planned for construction near McKee Marsh. This article provides a brief overview of those concerns, along with current and future plans for the project.
Historical Overview and Initial Concerns
In spring of 2009, the members of West-Win learned of the FPD’s plans to build a 28,000 square foot Fleet Services Building on three acres of land next to McKee Marsh in Blackwell Forest Preserve.
West-Win’s concerns about the proposed project were reflective of its mission of “protecting the ambiance of our country-like area.” In keeping with this mission, a 28,000 square foot industrial building was not appropriate for an area that is zoned residential. West-Win’s concerns included: Increased traffic along Mack Road, excessive weight vehicles on the road, safety regarding fire and emergency services, failure to consider alternative sites, industrial activities in a residential area, excessive water and septic usage, and environmental impact to the flora and fauna in McKee Marsh.
Early Action
In 2009, West-Win organized a subcommittee to address concerns about the proposed building, spoke during the Public Comment period at FPD weekly meetings and embarked on a comprehensive community effort to object to this project.
West-Win cited lack of communication by the FPD as a primary concern. Although the West-Win subcommittee met individually with four of the six elected FPD commissioners, made numerous requests for meetings with then FPD President Dewey Pierotti, and continued to speak at weekly FPD board meetings, reciprocal communication did not occur, even after Freedom of Information Requests. In 2012, West-Win also objected to the FPD’s initial request to extend Warrenville city water to the planned facility.
2016 Update
Newly-elected FPD President Joe Cantore attended the fall 2015 West-Win meeting to present the status of the Fleet Services Building. According to President Cantore, the building is currently in the permitting process and construction will begin in early 2017. A grand opening of the facility is planned for late fall of 2017.
During this meeting, President Cantore apologized to residents for the FPD’s previous lack of two-way communication with West-Win. He presented three newly developed architectural drawings for the exterior of the Fleet Services Building and requested West-Win members present to select their preferred design. The selected design illustration is presented in this article and was provided by the FPD. It has been scaled to fit a newsletter page. The new building design is more in keeping with a country setting, especially when compared with the industrial style buildings presented in the original 2009 plans. President Cantore also promised improved natural plant screening and newly created berms along the west side of the Fleet Services Building.
In early 2016, the Warrenville City Council and the FPD reached an agreement regarding water service along Williams Road. This agreement included several benefits for Warrenville, including agreements for use of FPD land to build trails along Mack Road and between Maple Hill and Fox Hollow subdivisions.
In reply to a recent inquiry from West-Win, FPD staff indicated the building is expected to be about 91’ wide and 277’ long and the vehicle bay doors about 14’ by 14’, pending completion of the final construction documents. This appears to be similar in size to the initial plan. The completed construction documents will be posted on the District website when they are available. Some questions – such as traffic concerns on Mack Road after the Fleet Services Building is operational – have yet to be addressed.
West-Win and the Fleet Services Building present an inherent dilemma. On one hand the FPD is in desperate need of a new, centrally located building to maintain its vehicles and equipment. With more than 50% of all District land located west of County Farm Road and north of Rt 88, the McKee Marsh location presents a centrally located base of operations for most of the district’s fleet activity. On the other hand the West-Win community will never be in favor of any industrial development this close to McKee Marsh and in a residential area.
West-Win continues to monitor the Fleet Services Building project and expects to receive periodic updates from the FPD as the project moves forward.