Village Board to Vote on LITH Airport Expansion Plan

Trustees are expected to vote tonight in favor of moving forward with proposed expansion plans at the Lake in the Hills Airport.

The expansion would increase the airport's footprint by nearly 90 percent. The proposal would then need to go to the Planning & Zoning Commission for approval. 

The existing is about 72 acres and the village is considering plans to rezone five adjacent parcels -- totaling 65 acres -- for airport use.

“The parcels are mostly vacant, formerly mined areas,” said Dan Olson, director of community development. “The rezoning would allow the village to continue planned safety improvements.”

Safety Improvements Required By FAA

Olson said those safety improvements include moving the taxiway, which is needed to meet Federal Aviation Administration safety standards, farther from the runway.

But the taxiway project as planned would eliminate many parking spaces.  The rezoning would create more space to park aircraft.

Although the land zoned for airport use could grow to 137 acres, Olson doesn't expect big changes.

"... Not all the land will be built upon with pavement, buildings, parking and hangars," Olson said. "There will be a lot of open space and stormwater detention areas."

Public Hearing Expected on Proposal

Trustees are expected Thursday night to give the proposal to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their consideration.  A public hearing on the matter is expected April 18.

The village has spent about $14.3 million at the airport in the past decade, but nearly 98 percent of that funding came from FAA grants, said Fred Mullard, director of Public Works, whose duties also include running the airport.

Also On Tonight's Agenda...

In other board actions, which trustees are expected to vote on tonight:

• Trustees are expected to OK the hiring of Norridge-based Gerardi Sewer & Water for about $486,700 for a water-main replacement project.
• Competitive bidding for rock salt is expected to be waived so the village can take advantage of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services’ joint requisition service that would cover the village’s salt needs for the winter of 2011-2012. According to documents, the village’s Public Works Department estimates that it will need 2,450 tons of rock salt for next winter.  Fred Mullard, public works director, said the village would save money if it purchases salt through the state program. The budgeted amount for the purchase of rock salt is $113,500.