Hampshire trustee hopefuls mixed on comprehensive plan
In 2008 the village of Hampshire was poised for massive growth.
The housing boom, in conjunction with the village's location off Interstate 90 and vast tracts of open land, made it a prime spot for people seeking new single-family homes in a good school district but without the sticker shock of areas closer to Chicago.
But the recession hit, swallowing up builders in bankruptcy and leaving partially built subdivisions across the landscape.
As development picks up, four people running for three trustee seats have mixed views on whether the village should update or draw up a new comprehensive plan, which is road map for future growth.
Challenger Toby Koth and incumbents Janet Kraus, Rob Whaley and Orris Ruth are seeking 4-year terms April 7.
Koth, who is making his first run at office, says trustees must revisit the plan as soon as possible.
"Our comprehensive plan was done 10 years ago," he said. "Now, we have to do a new one."
Ruth, who has served as trustee since 1983 except for a two-year window, disagreed. He says trustees have been overeager for development and have deviated from the plan before.
One example is allowing developers to build on smaller lots than the acre-plus estate lots specified in some parts of the plan, Ruth said.
"Even though our comprehensive plan has been done in the past it doesn't necessarily mean it will happen," Ruth said. "If they want to spend money on a comprehensive plan that will be obsolete by the time it's passed, so be it. The developers will come in and tell you what they want and you can either agree to it or not."
Kraus, a trustee since 2007, said trustees are talking about when to review the plan.
She did not specify when, or if, that will happen, but added the village needs to land more nonresidential development to boost its sales tax stream.
"We need businesses. We need the tax dollars," she said. "It's easier said than done."
Whaley, a former Hampshire Township Park Board president who is seeking his second term as trustee, said he is an advocate of "sensible economic development" and agreed reviewing the plan should happen sooner rather than later.
"We did review it previously, but it's probably a time to do a more in-depth review," Whaley said. "We've talked about doing it and it's something we need to put on our calendar and get it done."