Lundy trustees approve two Special Service Areas to fund curb-and-gutter, utilities work despite resident concerns

The Lundy Board of Trustees approved ordinances on Jan. 20 to establish two Special Service Areas (SSAs) to finance curb-and-gutter and related utility work in two neighborhoods, voting to adopt establishment ordinances for SSA 111 (Swainwood) and SSA 112 (Pick/Short/Covert) in an omnibus motion.

Staff presented details of SSA 111, which covers Swainwood neighborhoods including Spruce Drive, Elm Court, Elm Street, Alvin Court and Buttonwood Lane, and said reconstruction will occur in phases with associated sanitary and water-main repairs but not necessarily full utility replacement. Staff discussed neighborhood balloting and said notices and an open-house were held; staff further stated the ordinance would take effect after a 60-day waiting period with construction anticipated to start in April 2026.

On SSA 112, staff said the scope includes installing an 8-inch water main, residential services, sanitary sewer pairs and storm-sewer upgrades. Staff reported 38 of 54 homes voted in favor (approximately 70%) and said costs would be repaid over 20 years via Cook County property-tax billing.

Resident Scott Leon (2549 Pick Drive) testified during the SSA 112 hearing that assessed costs vary widely across properties and described the financial impact on his household, saying, “This is $6,000 per property… We’re paying an additional $10,000 a year, a real hit to our family.” Attorney Jones and staff told Leon that there is no SSA-specific appeals process; property-tax appeals must be handled through Cook County.

Despite Leon’s concerns, the board approved an omnibus motion to adopt the establishment ordinances. The roll-call recorded 'Yes' votes from Trustees Cooper, Doran, Sodoti and Bland and the motion carried.

Staff noted a 60-day waiting period before the ordinances take effect. The board did not amend the proposed financing structure at the meeting.

Note on transcript inconsistency: staff recited ballot counts and a percentage for SSA 111 that are inconsistent in the transcript (the transcript quoted “7 votes in favor and 25 against, which represents approximately 75% of the area indicating support”); this article reports the transcript language and flags the inconsistency for verification with village staff.