Will split stunt Campton growth?

Campton Hills Village President Patsy Smith testified Monday that granting a subdivision's request to separate from the village would stunt the new municipality's potential for growth.

Smith took the stand for the first time in an ongoing civil court trial over whether the Cheval DeSalle subdivision should be able to cut ties with the village and revert to unincorporated territory.

She testified that such a move could block the village from expanding its western border to include a farming area known as the "Johnson property" because the land would no longer be contiguous to the village.

Trustees currently are not considering any annexation proposals for the property, Smith testified, but the village has been contacted by a land broker about the possibility.

The discussion is in preliminary stages, Smith said.

"Many of our board members probably don't know they've come to us," she said.

In response to the testimony, attorney Timothy Elliott, who represents the disconnect petitioners, accused Smith of using "bait-and-switch" tactics to expand Campton Hills.

Elliott cited documents from Kane County development officials last year, stating the county opposed the inclusion of the Johnson property in Campton Hills because it didn't jibe with a regional development plan.

Incorporation proponents ended up getting permission to advance the project only after removing the area, along with several others, from the proposed boundaries. Residents narrowly voted to incorporate last spring.

Elliott further argued that Kane County Judge Michael J. Colwell, who will decide the disconnection case, should not consider the possible annexation because "it hasn't happened yet."

Both sides rested after Smith's testimony and cross examination.

Colwell told the attorneys to submit a summary of their arguments and proposed rulings in the next 21 days.

The judge plans to make a decision within two weeks of receiving the proposals.