Hobson West's unsure future

For Bob Rogers, the stillness, peacefulness and views of water, trees and wildlife at the Ponds of Hobson West are a small slice of heaven.

He'll often ride his bike to the pond to enjoy a coffee on the pier.

"It's almost like being in the country," he said. "It's bliss and peace."

He's worried it may not stay that way much longer.

For the past few years, Rogers and many of his Hobson West neighbors have been fighting to save a 6-acre parcel, wedged between two ponds along Plainfield-Naperville Road and West Street, from being developed.

They're asking Naperville Park District officials, who own the ponds, to buy the land, which has been estimated to cost $3.3 million.

The area could be a gorgeous 15-acre park, they say, with more than a hundred trees, two ponds and wetlands.

So far, their pleas have been unanswered. And time is running out.

Last year, city officials gave them a year, or until this December, to find a buyer before townhouses can be built on the property.

In recent months, residents have sent e-mails and personally pleaded with park officials, who they consider to be their last hope, to buy the land. Their petitions have contained hundreds of signatures.

"We have a vision," Rogers said. "It's what we see over there now. As long as we still see (open space), we have a chance."

Park board President Kristen Jungles says officials hope to have an answer for residents at their Aug. 9 meeting.

Saving open space

Hobson West neighbors are used to waiting.

While their fight has faced many obstacles, they say their determination is as strong as ever.

"We'll do whatever it takes," Rogers said.

The Hobson West ponds were donated to the park district by residents sometime around the late 1970s.

In August 2003, Crestview Builders purchased the 6-acre parcel in the middle of the ponds from a family.

Its plan is to build 22 upscale townhouses that could sell for around $700,000 each. The company says it's the best fit for the land, which is close to downtown and bordered by commercial development, other townhouses and a four-lane highway.

From the start, neighbors protested, saying the plan didn't mesh with the area's residential feel. Even so, city officials narrowly approved re-zoning the site for multi-family use. But they gave neighbors a year to find a buyer to preserve it as open space.

Crestview continues to defend its plan. Company officials say that despite the vocal protests, they have had dozens of calls from potential buyers, including some from the Hobson area. If their plan moves ahead, construction could start next year.

But Crestview officials also say they understand residents' frustration. If they can find a buyer, they'll sell, because it's not worth the hassle, they say.

Residents, meanwhile, say instead of townhouses, the park could house a nature center. Or the existing home on the site could be converted into a lodge to be rented out.

A small farm or petting zoo could be built there. Playgrounds. Pavilions with restrooms. Soccer fields. Putting greens. A fishing area. An archery area. A Nature Town, to complement Safety Town.

The site can be an asset to the entire city, they say.

A waiting game

Residents are disappointed in both the city council and the inaction, thus far, of park officials, resident Marion Baran said. "They keep postponing answers," he said.

Park officials have been mostly tight-lipped on the issue.

Last year, park leaders said they weren't interested in buying the land because it wasn't "high and dry," making it undesirable for amenities such as ball fields and shelters.

The site is also along two major roads, inhibiting accessibility, they said.

Other officials worried the purchase would set a precedent for other local groups.

But more recently, there have been encouraging signs. Park officials in February directed staff to look into buying options. And Jungles has publicly said the district's work at Hobson West isn't done.

"We have the resources to do that," she has said. "There is certainly money available."

New commissioners Suzanne Hart and Andrew Schaffner also have expressed a desire to buy more open space.

In evaluating the purchase, Jungles said recently, the board examined all areas of town for land shortages. They also considered if the land was usable and if it fit the district's needs.

A nature center, for example, is a possibility for the Hobson site. And the district's recreation master plan "suggests it might make sense," Jungles said.

Financially, they explored several possibilities, including partnerships with the city.

But neighbors say it's too early to feel confident. Until Aug. 9, they have no idea what to expect.

"But we're not going to give up hope," Baran said.