Woods & Wetlands Alert

Waukegan Savanna vs. Airport

1997

 

Waukegan Savanna Still Threatened by Airport Expansion

Waukegan Savanna is a Forest Preserve won by local residents, to protect a splendid tract of native North American wetland habitat. The Forest Preserve status, which halted encroaching development, now makes the land vulnerable to acquisition for expansion of the Waukegan Airport. The expansion will not only destroy the Savanna, it will invite larger and more frequent private business jet traffic, disturbing the other Forest Preserves along the Des Plaines. Here are facts about the proposed expansion, gathered by activist residents Kevin and Jill Lenihan:
  1.  90% of the $27M cost will come Federal taxes, 5% from State, and 5% ($1.3M) from Waukegan Port District. The huge federal subsidy ignores the desires of local residents.
  2. The runway will expand from 6,000 to 7,000 ft.
  3. Runway lights will be installed to extend the approach to the southwest, toward Midlane Estates.
  4. Acquisition of forest Preserve property will effectively obliterate Waukegan Savanna West of Greenbay Road, grabbing 55 acres South of Yorkhouse Road, and 37.5 acres North of Greenbay Road.
  5. Dozens of families will be forced from their homes through involuntary acquisitions.
  6. Greenbay Road will be relocated and expanded to an area currently West of Bayonne Avenue.
Local residents can help by signing a petition, and voicing their opposition. Call Kevin or Jill at 847-249-0430.
 
 
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