Fox Valley mayors look ahead to 2018
We asked Fox Valley area mayors and village presidents to take a look ahead, sharing their hopes for 2018. Here's what some of your town leaders had to say:
Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke
Fermi Accelerator Laboratory's next generation accelerator experiment will mean a whole new chapter of Fermi's scientific work that hopefully will span another half century. It is projected that costs of this work will be in the billions range and that this will be funded in a truly international backdrop with millions coming from other nations whose scientists will come to Fermi to play a role in this fascinating research. Several thousand new jobs will also be created both during construction and in its operation when completed. Batavia is also deeply involved in a number of projects to further our downtown redevelopment area. Working in cooperation with the Batavia Park District we hope to produce major enhancements targeting the Fox River's banks, which will feature a variety of new constructions projects and recreational facilities.
Cary Village President Mark R. Kownick
In coordination with Metra, the village will begin construction on a new Metra train station in the village's downtown. Construction is planned to commence on the new Cary Senior Living development. This is a 62-unit affordable senior housing project. The village plans to finalize our Unified Development Ordinance that will update and modernize the village's zoning, subdivision and sign regulations. The village is anticipating the completion of the Meyer/Lafarge gravel mine operation, which began in 2008. Upon completion of site restoration, the future park property is planned to be deeded to the village on June 1. Cary Ale House, located in downtown, expects to finish expansion which will add a brewery operation to its already thriving business.
Elburn Village President Jeff Walter
I am looking forward to welcoming Elburn's newest residents into Elburn Station and opening our park commission's first new park. I also look forward to the newly incorporated Economic Development Commission continuing to mature and assist the village in attracting new businesses. Growth will continue throughout 2018 and we will probably break the 2017 new house permit count. A bright future for Elburn for sure.
Geneva Mayor Kevin Burns
As Geneva begins its 183rd year, we are poised to welcome new economic development, pursue enhanced environmental stewardship and reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe and accepting community for all who visit, all who make Geneva home, and all who desire to put down roots here.
Lake in the Hills Village President Russ Ruzanski
Looking forward to 2018, filling business vacancies is top priority. On the horizon is the auction of the Centre of Lake in the Hills, formerly Dominick's, which will generate renewed interest in the Centre. A new Speedway fuel and retail store is set to open soon. Also, a solar farm proposed on 10 acres at the Lake in the Hills Airport has been giving the OK to proceed gathering approvals. It may, when completed, provide up to 25 percent of residents' electrical energy needs. It must have many approvals along the way. 2018 should be a very interesting year.
North Aurora Village President Dale Berman
The village continues to work with a developer to finalize plans for a proposed development of a 55-and-older community - Fox Valley Golf Course. We feel this is a good fit for the area and will fulfill a need for housing for this age group. Further development along the Fox River and the village's Riverfront Park is planned. The village is hoping to expand on family friendly activities and events that will be held at our Riverfront Park. Further development of townhouses at the Randall Highlands Development will continue helping grow the village population, which in turn will benefit in the village's economic development growth.
Pingree Grove Village President Steve Wiedmeyer
We are planning on breaking ground on a new municipal building. This building will be home to our public works department, as well as village hall. This has been years in the planning. Hoping for an early spring start date with completion by end of the year. We have another commercial development slated to begin in 2018. This will be a gas station with one or two other users attached. There is also hope for more commercial development as more land is being sold to end users. We should see close to 300 new home starts again, keeping us as one of the fastest growing communities in the area.