LAKE COUNTY MASTER PLAN for LIBERTYVILLE CAMPUS
Over the last 160 years, Lake County has provided various services from its campus at Route 21/Milwaukee Avenue and Winchester Road in Libertyville, beginning in 1847 when the county operated the "Lake County Poor Farm." Certainly, things have changed since then, and the services provided at this location have changed too, based on the community's needs. For example, at one time, a treatment/residential facility for women was located here. Currently, the campus includes Winchester House - Lake County's nursing home- the Lake County Division of Transportation, public works, a sheriff's sub-station, and most recently, the Lake County Central Permit Facility.
Upon annexation into the Village of Libertyville in 1969, the zoning for this property was established and allowed for ANY governmental use. While the County does not have any immediate plans to build new facilities (other than a new Winchester House), Lake County volunteered to develop a 20 year master plan with the Village of Libertyville in what's called a Planned Unit Development.
Lake County officials listened to public input and developed a plan that addressed residents' concerns, including a reduction to the overall number of buildable square feet allowed on the campus and restrictions on certain building uses that were previously unrestricted. The county also implemented setbacks from adjacent properties, agreed to send notices to adjacent property owners of any proposals to add a facility that would require overnight accommodations, and placed restrictions on building height, and exterior building lighting. Under this plan, the county will continue to submit construction plans to the village for review and approval.
The process of developing the details of a 20 year plan is challenging, primarily because it's hard to predict service demands that can change over several decades. However, Lake County was able to overcome those challenges in the spirit of cooperation and being a good neighbor.
