Lisle Village Board members are hoping to reinitiate annexation discussions with Benedictine University.
This time officials hope for a positive resolution.
Board members this week voted 4-1 to authorize village staff to determine whether the university is interested in annexing to the village.
“I, for one, would like to see the application of Benedictine to annex,” said Trustee Tom Frey. “If they have interest, it should be encouraged.”
Trustee Ann Duker cast the only no vote, saying the university should approach the village first if it is interested in annexing.
Benedictine University, at 5700 College Rd. near Lisle, moved to its current location in 1901.
At the last board discussion, in July 2000, the board voted 4-2 not to negotiate with the university. The vote then, according to Village Manager Jerry Sprecher, was not in response to a specific petition.
Recent informal discussions between village and university officials revealed sufficient interest on both sides to pursue annexation, according to Sprecher. University officials, however, indicated that the first step should be made by the village.
Benedictine University Executive Vice President Charles Gregory said the school would welcome the opportunity to annex.
“It only seems natural. We’ve been here a very long time. We are very receptive to [annexing],” Gregory said.
