Big Kane County farmland redevelopment asks for delay

A project pegged as the long-term vision for future development of farmland in Kane County will likely become a longer-term vision thanks to a request submitted to the county board's Development Committee Tuesday.

Serosun Farms is a would-be development that would build about 114 homes selling for up to $2 million apiece on a ring of large lots with a large wooded area in the center. The project straddles the borders of Huntley, Hampshire and Burlington. Kane County officials loved the project so much it changed its 2030 plan to encourage similar projects for farmland. But developers asked for a two-year extension on making progress toward actual construction Tuesday. The more than 400 acres the development would sit on currently operates as an organic farm and equestrian center. That will remain the function until the construction project can proceed. Committee members voted to grant the extension. The full county board will eventually have to agree for the extension to be approved.

In other action, the committee gave early approval to the first major changes a farm in Geneva Township will see in 100 years. The farm, at 1N790 Kautz Road, will see more than 3 acres of its more than 70 acres converted to rural residential property. The rest of the property will remain farmland owned by the same family for four generations.