Lake County board approves termination of 20-year Route 173 intergovernmental agreement to clear way for confidential manufacturing proposal
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Summary
The board voted Jan. 13 to terminate a two-decade Route 173 intergovernmental agreement with Old Mill Creek and Wadsworth effective Jan. 31, 2026, after staff said a confidential 'Project B' manufacturing proposal would conflict with the agreement.
The Lake County Board voted Jan. 13 to terminate a 20-year Route 173 Gateway intergovernmental agreement with the villages of Old Mill Creek and Wadsworth so it will not block a proposed manufacturing project.
"This agreement was created between the parties 20 years ago to manage land use, set development standards and to ensure that new development in the area ... includes necessary sewer and water infrastructure," Deputy County Administrator Matt Myers told the board. Myers said the agreement has not been used to produce significant development and was nearing its natural expiration. He said a confidential proposal identified by Lake County Partners — described during the meeting as "Project B" — would be in conflict with the agreement unless it is terminated.
Myers said details of the proposed project are limited because of confidentiality: "As you all are aware, due to the nature of this arrangement, I'm not able to share any details related to the project." A county official identified only as Kevin told the board the prospective manufacturer is in "the pharmaceutical industry" and described it as a familiar Fortune 500 name.
Member Peterson moved to terminate the agreement; Member Frank seconded. Chair Hart called the voice vote and said the motion passed.
Why it matters: termination removes a regulatory barrier the county and the two villages said could hinder an important development opportunity in the Route 173 and I‑94 gateway area. County officials said the action is intended to preserve flexibility for significant economic development in that corridor while respecting the other parties' wishes.
What happens next: County administration said the termination takes effect Jan. 31, 2026. County staff told board members they will report further details as confidentiality agreements allow and as the county learns more about potential next steps.
Provenance: topicintro: SEG 401; topfinish: SEG 508
