A lengthy public-comment period at the Dec. 1 Village of Addison meeting centered on competing views over a proposed Transwestern land-acquisition and possible annexation affecting 53 Trails Estates.

Christine Bending, a resident who said she previously experienced phased redevelopment in another town, urged the village to require a 100% buyout for any annexation tied to industrial development, saying phased acquisition “destroys communities one section at a time” and recounting health and safety harms her neighborhood faced when a phased project proceeded without unanimous resident agreement.

Other residents challenged the 100% rule. Carlos Rosado, who identified himself as living in 53 Trails Estates, argued the village should permit consideration of partial land acquisition that would allow willing homeowners to sell while others remain. Mark Dowells, another resident, called Transwestern a major company and said rejecting partial acquisition risks losing large-scale economic benefits and increased tax revenue. Kyle Collins and Kelly Suarez — also residents — reiterated different perspectives about the fairness and practicality of a unanimous-sale requirement and noted concerns about school-enrollment and tax consequences.

Why it matters: The exchange highlights a sharp local divide between residents who prioritize protecting established homeownership and those who favor flexible acquisition tactics that could bring commercial investment and tax base growth. Speakers cited prior local examples and national case studies to support their positions.

Board response and next steps: The public-comment period closed after multiple speakers; the board did not take immediate action during the meeting and no formal policy change was made on the record. The debate indicated a likely need for further discussion between residents, the village and the developer if proposals proceed.