Village Moves To Strengthen Deerbrook Area

A plan to amend Deerfield’s zoning requirements to encourage retail use in the Lake Cook Road corridor took a step closer to reality Monday at the regularly scheduled Village Board of Trustees meeting.

The Board also finalized the Village’s portion 2012 real estate tax levy which will require the owner of a $500,000 home to pay approximately $77 more in taxes than was expended a year ago, according to Finance Director Eric Burk.

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“Almost all of this (the increase) reflects the Water Reclamation Plant debt service,” Burk said.

After the Board unanimously passed the 2012 property tax levy and a series of abatements reducing it by $1,387,226, the total aggregate levy for the Village and the Deerfield Public Library will be $9,222,542, according to Burk.

After an extensive effort in workshops and meetings, the Plan Commission unanimously sent to the Village Board changes in the zoning ordinance to encourage retail use at and other commercial buildings in the Lake Cook Road corridor.

“This will enhance opportunity for retail expansion as well as somewhat limiting expansion of non retail for larger store fronts,” Village Manager Kent Street said. Property owners will still have the opportunity to talk to the Village about other uses, according to Street.

The Board directed the Village staff to prepare an ordinance to memorialize the proposal. One of the effects of the change will be to keep buildings which have been retail continuing to generate sales tax.

“Borders could have not become a health center under the new ordinance,” Plan Commissioner Rob Nadler said.

Patch will have more detailed stories later this week on the proposed changes, the tax levy and other matters decided by the Board.

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