Palos Heights Moves Toward Settlement With Westgate Valley Homeowners Associations

After more than three years a lawsuit filed against the City of Palos Heights by the various homeowners associations that make up the Westgate Valley development is moving toward a possible settlement. 

The met in closed session Tuesday evening where they discussed and approved of a settlement between the city and several of the associations. The homeowners associations will be meeting in the coming days to discuss and vote on the deal.

The lawsuit stems from a disagreement over whether the city is responsible for maintaining the streets in the development that lines both sides of Ridgeland Avenue north of 135th Street. The homeowners say the city should have dedicated their streets after the development was completed and pay the maintenance and utility costs associated with them. In court documents the city argues that like in other subdivisions, the streets were always meant to remain private.

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"It's a positive thing that people are willing to sit down and negotiate," said Mayor Robert Straz.

The exact terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. Straz said the proposed agreement was a joint effort between city staff and the public works department.

"We wanted to do right for the city and find something that is both equitable and cost effective," Straz said. 

The case had been set for trial this week, but as the possibility of a settlement became apparent the court dates were stricken. While the details of the possible settlement have not been made public, the instillation of a sidewalk along Ridgeland and some utility payments were tentatively agreed upon even before trial. 

Michael Marovich, one of the city's attorneys said he is encouraged that an agreement between the two sides will soon be made.

Diane Silverberg, the attorney for the homeowners associations, declined to comment on the current status of the lawsuit late last week. 

Alderman Jeffrey Key, who is one of the First Ward's two aldermen, was not involved in the executive session because of his standing as a member of one of the homeowners associations boards.

"We are just trying to get back to being one city and that's really what it comes down to," Straz said. "Hopefully we can come to an agreement and put it to rest."

A final agreement could happen as early as this week.  

Read all of Patch's coverage of the lawsuit.