The last time I heard the word “bury” used in the same sentence as “stadium,” I think it had to do with Jimmy Hoffa’s body.

That was speculation, of course.

I am sure that the only shovels that the McHenry County Board members thought about when they approved the minor league baseball stadium a year ago were those for the groundbreaking ceremony.

Not ones to bury their minor league field of dreams.

McHenry County College Board report #08-83 is fact. It’s even posted ahead of time on the college web site.

Listed on the consent calendar, the recommendation from MCC President Walt Packard says,

Termination of Health, Wellness, and Athletic Complex (HWAC) and Stadium Project (emphasis added)

Information:

At the April, 2007 Regular Board Meeting, the Board approved the construction of a $26,000,000 Health, Wellness, and Athletic Complex (HWAC) and stadium, and a “License Agreement for Baseball Stadium,” pending successful completion of authorizations, Planned Unit Development (PUD) approval, zoning from the City of Crystal Lake, and approval from the Illinois Community College Board. The “License Agreement for Baseball Stadium” dated May 24, 2007, was contingent upon zoning approval by the City of Crystal Lake and construction of a stadium by MCC.

At the October 16, 2007, Crystal Lake City Council meeting, the college’s zoning petition for the HWAC and baseball stadium was denied.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that the Board of Trustees terminates the HWAC and stadium project, as approved in Board Report #07-48, and declares the “License Agreement for Baseball Stadium” null and void with the other party, McHenry/Lake Professional Baseball Group, LLC. This should in no way be interpreted as terminating the Health, Wellness, and Athletic Complex (HWAC) as identified in 2004Master Plan.

Walter J. Packard
President

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Illustration from Allan Showalter of “Heck of a Guy” blog.

The picture is of Pete Heitman, the only member of the LCC ever identified to the public.