Campton Hills adopts first land-use plan

Campton Hills trustees set the table this week for future development along Route 47 and in downtown Wasco with the approval of the new municipality's first comprehensive land use plan and map.

Officials were quick to caution, however, that the documents are merely "a starting point" for what they expect to be a more specific and locally tailored plan that will come together next year.

"It's just to get us started," Village President Patsy Smith said, adding that the land use plan, for now, is "basically the same as it was before the incorporation" in April.

As it stands, the village's first comprehensive plan is a cut-and-paste combination of existing land use ordinances from Kane County and Campton Township.

It identifies Route 47 and downtown Wasco as "resource management areas," which in developer terms typically means land targeted for dense growth -- oftentimes commercial.

The plan also outlines overall goals of "maintaining the rural trend and character of the village," protecting the potable water supply, and "preserving the quality of life above financial profit."

The village plan commission spent months putting the ordinance together, and it was rehashed up until shortly before Tuesday's village board meeting, where trustees voted 4-0 to adopt it. Trustees Roy Pollack and Mike Millette were absent.

Village board member Charles Cappell voted in favor of the plan, but said he did so with reservations.

Cappell, who isn't running to keep his seat in the Feb. 5 primary election, said he felt using the Kane County 2030 plan as a starting point might bring "more baggage than we need." He said he worried about the resource management designations and other areas identified regionally as "critical growth areas" ripe for development.

"I think we should think about that, now that we have some control," he said of reconsidering how the village traditionally has been eyed for development.

Trustees have been in somewhat of hurry to get the plan on the books because it will open the door for them to set local impact and transition fees for developers.

Smith said fees likely will be discussed and approved in December. The village also plans to put together a community committee that would help draft a more specific land-use plan to be adopted next year.

If you're interested in getting involved, call village hall at (630) 584-5700.

Oh, deer: If you spend much time out and about the village, you'd be smart to keep an eye open for Bambi.

Police Chief Greg Anderson surprised a few village officials and residents when he reported Tuesday that there have already been about 10 vehicle vs. deer accidents this year, "which is a lot."

Anderson said most of the accidents happened near forested areas on the south side, mostly during the 3 to 11 p.m. patrol shift.

The chief added that he expects to have more detailed statistics about accidents and police reports in December, when he begins making a monthly department presentation to the board.