Private Helipad Preservation Subdivision

Site Description
Private residential estate located in unincorporated Lake County, adjacent to Lake Forest and Middlefork Forest Preserve.  Gate controlled access from Waukegan Road via Sponsor-owned private road upgradeable to a dedicated City right-of-way.  Easements reserved for all utilities, access to a stoplight controlled intersection and to Forest Preserve.​

Helicopter Service
Club maintains relationships with best-in-class aviation experts.  Twin-engine two-pilot helicopters shall be stored on site and available to all members and their guests.   Zero-tolerance safety procedures shall be in place for all fight operations.

​Local Logistics
Club will provide local transportation to members including indoor climate-controlled secured parking and a member club-car.  Access to the subject site shall be controlled and limited to members and approved guests. ​

​Designated Flight Path  
Minimizing impact to surrounding properties, the primary take-off/approach is located due west, away from Lake Forest, over unincorporated Forest Preserve property, railroad tracks and an industrial park.  Aircraft then follow Interstate-94.

​​Entitlement
Since the subject is located outside Lake Forest (Lake Forest prohibits helicopter landing by law), jurisdiction falls under Lake County, IL.  Under the Unified Development Ordinance, a helipad requires a Conditional Use Permit issued by the Lake County Zoning Board of Appeals. FAA/IDOT has inspected the site and given preliminary approval (“Airspace Determination”).  Current temporary operation is permitted under IL Section 14.950 during final approval process.

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Lake Forest Country Club

Lake Forest County Club members shall pay a one-time entrance fee and subsequent annual membership dues.  Members will maintain exclusive rights to all amenities including helipad/piloted helicopters.  Additional amenities provided under a comprehensive development plan.​

• Clubhouse providing overnight guest lodging.
• Banquet, dining and corporate meeting facilities.
• Pool and pool house with fully amenity locker rooms.
• Clay shooting, Golf practice facilities, Paddle, Tennis
• Private Forest Preserve access 
• Bike, Snowshoe, Ski equipment 
• Stables including riding arena 
• Fishing and seasonal hunting
• Stables including riding arena 
• Organic Farm: Grass fed beef & lamb, Free range chickens & eggs, Honey

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Environmental Benefits

​Preservation | Development RIghts Donation
The Private Helipad Club allows for the permanent preservation of property that would otherwise be impacted by the development of a single-family subdivision.  As-of-right density is ten (10) single family lots.  If annexed into Lake Forest and rezoned, the maximum estimated potential density would be 23 lots.  All club improvements shall be located to minimize impacts to open space, environmental resources, and scenic views.

Wetlands Restoration
Preservation of open space allows for wetlands restoration.  Establishment of a wetlands bank will allow the Club to sell wetlands credits to other Middlefork watershed developments while adding a valuable resource to the local ecosystem.  Sponsor has engaged with area environmental experts including Lake Forest Open Lands and Applied Ecological Services in planning this preservation opportunity.  ​

​Tax Benefits
The Club shall realize significant tax benefits by donating remaining development rights and restoring/banking wetlands.

Impervious Service
Club shall upgrade current turf pad to a concrete pad constructed to the highest FAA/IDOT standards with the ability to accommodate the weight of the S76-D and other similar sized twin-engine helicopters.  Energy efficient directed LED lighting can be activated remotely by pilots to minimize duration of any lighting impacts.  Both light pollution and impervious service will be minimal compared to the development of a single family subdivision.

​Noise & Wind
Railroad tracks located one-half (½) mile west of the subject site carry over 100 daily trips including long-duration freight liners, Metra commuter rail and high-speed Amtrak through the entire length of the MiddleFork Forest Preserve.  Proposed track enhancement will likely increase the frequency of train traffic.  Helicopters operate with significantly less frequency and limited duration below 500 feet (above 500 feet is public airspace).  Additional landscape screening and limiting ground idling will minimize surface level effects.  Automobile traffic to the subject site will be minimal compared to the new area road system and traffic volume resulting from a single family development. ​