Mundelein may annex landscaping business on Route 83

Mundelein officials are considering annexing a landscaping business just outside the village limits.

The owners of 83 Landscape Supply, 29473 N. Route 83, want their property to be added to the village so two apartments in the company's two-story building can be rented as residential units, village documents indicate.

The roughly 9-acre site is in unincorporated Lake County, and apartments aren't allowed there under the zoning variation granted by the county.

One of the apartments would be used by a night watchman, business co-owner Ryan Stenger said during a public hearing Monday at village hall.

After the hearing, the village board directed administrators to draft an annexation agreement and other documents that would pave the way for the property to be absorbed into Mundelein.

Located north of Creekwood Drive, 83 Landscape Supply was founded in 2012. It sells mulch, soil, compost material and backyard swing sets and rents parking and storage space to landscape contractors.

An apple orchard with more than 2,000 trees and a greenhouse are on the property, too.

The property previously was occupied by a different landscaping supply and service company.

Under the village's plan, the property will be zoned residential and be given a special permit for the operation of a business. That way, if the business closes or the property is redeveloped, it will default to a residential use, according to village documents.

The village initially estimated 83 Landscape Supply would owe Mundelein a $44,000 annexation fee. But Stenger requested the fee be reduced to $15,000 because much of the property is wetlands that can't be developed. Additionally, officials noted the business will bring Mundelein property and sales tax revenue.

Trustee Ray Semple was among the board members who voiced support for the proposed annexation.

"I'd love to have you come (into) Mundelein ... and hopefully generate some more sales tax for us," Semple said.