A proposal for a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Vernon Hills has stalled amid opposition from nearby residents, who are keeping close tabs on commercial development planned for the last vacant parcels formerly owned by printing magnate John Cuneo Sr.

Residents in the upscale Gregg's Landing community north of Illinois Highway 60 and west of Milwaukee Avenue are working with the village and developer on landscaping to screen their view of a 170,000-square-foot Lowe's home-improvement store scheduled to open soon.

The Lowe's, a Staples office supply store and a retail center called The Shoppes of Gregg's Landing, which will house a Starbucks and Panda Express, could open in the next 30 days, said John Kalmar, assistant village manager for Vernon Hills. A branch of Amcore Bank is also under construction nearby.

But residents are most concerned about 50 acres along Milwaukee Avenue, to the north and south of Gregg's Parkway, that remain open for commercial ventures.

Plans for a Wal-Mart Supercenter at that corner are on hold, though residents fear the plan is not dead.

"It's not the best use, in our opinion, of that property," said Donald Kathan, president of Gregg's Landing North Homeowners Association. "There are significant traffic issues and noise issues."

Some homeowners launched the Web site www.stopgreggswalmart.com, which details their concerns. They would prefer to see Wal-Mart expand the store it owns on Illinois 60. A Bradford Realty agent, who has handled negotiations with the village, has not responded to the feedback in months, Kalmar said.

"We haven't gotten an official thumbs-down from them," Kalmar said. "From what we understand, he's not pursuing it. They're looking at other options in the community."

Wal-Mart officials could not be reached for comment.

The development of the Cuneo estate changed the Vernon Hills landscape when it was approved in 1995. The Gregg's Landing community sprawls across more than 1,000 acres, sprouting expensive homes and bringing in thousands of new residents. About 80 lots remain for homes whose prices will likely start at $1 million, Kalmar said.

Another 100 acres earmarked for commercial business complete the transformation of the land that was once home to Hawthorn Mellody Farm and the scenic Cuneo estate.

Today, many Gregg's Landing residents say they would have preferred a more upscale, pedestrian-friendly outdoor mall such as those at The Glen in Glenview or in Deer Park. They are disturbed about preliminary discussions about a potential car dealership instead.

"We're looking at something with lower traffic counts—and things residents could walk to, such as restaurants, grocery stores, ice cream stores," said Brian Fluno, president of the Oakmont subdivision in Gregg's Landing.

Fluno, a landscape architect, has been working with the Lowe's officials on a plan to build a naturally landscaped berm between the store and neighborhood.

Meanwhile, village officials said interest in the remaining commercial property has been slow, most likely reflecting the economy.

"There's interest, but everybody is very cautious right now about what they're thinking and proposing," Kalmar said.

lblack@tribune.com