Settler's Hill feasibility study results delayed

It's been nine months since Kane County authorized a financial feasibility study for the redevelopment projects envisioned for the former Settlers Hill landfill - and it's still not ready, officials said Tuesday.

The long wait for the results of the study, which evaluated 11 possible future uses for Settler's Hill, stalled progress on plans that were once on a fast track.

Officials said Tuesday initial drafts of the study included evaluation of site uses never actually contemplated, such as cross country skiing tournaments. So it's back to the drawing board on the study with strict orders to keep the focus on uses such as a cross country running track capable of luring high school and collegiate meets. At one point, fans of the track estimated such a facility could reap $225,000 a year in just the parking revenue from 45 cross country events. The feasibility study will provide an objective look at both the ability to attract cross country events to the 700-acre campus on Fabyan Parkway and various income scenarios from those events.

Kane County Environmental Resources Director Ken Anderson said a redraft of the study should be ready by the end of the week.

Kurt Kojzarek, chairman of the county board's development committee, said the wait is worth getting the study right. Kojzarek has been one of the skeptics about how much money a cross country track could pull in.

"Each month we said the report is coming soon," Kojzarek said. "It IS coming soon. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. We want to make sure all the factors were considered before we presented anything to the board as a whole. We want to make sure it's done right."

While awaiting the report, county board members are moving forward with improvements to the existing golf course at Settler's Hill. Development Committee members authorized the use of $300,000 from the account dedicated to landfill improvements for additional golf course work Tuesday.