N. Aurora looks to help developer

A development of an unincorporated piece of land at one of North Aurora's busiest corners could be a few years away, but the owners of the land have started making the land more marketable, and they are also working with neighbors this time.

Last year, North Aurora village trustees rejected a Wal-Mart Supercenter at Oak Street and Orchard Road.

Now, the owner is facing a slumping economy which is hurting its ability to put something on the land.

However, the plan commission recommend 6 to 1 to change the zoning on 27.83-acre site Tuesday.

The change was requested by the property's owners, Location Finders International. The company is seeking to make the property more marketable.

The plan commission recommended the zoning be changed from agricultural to retail. Location Finders said retail developers would be more interested in the land if it was zoned retail.

LFI is scheduled to meet with the village board about an annexation agreement at a March 17 committee of the whole meeting.

The village board must approve the zoning before it takes effect.

LFI Director of Acquisitions Michael Mills said the changes reflect the village's long-term plans and tell retailers the village wants commercial business at the location.

When Wal-Mart was attempting to put their outlet on the corner, neighbors complained that the nearly 200,000-square-foot store was a poor fit. They formed a group, North Aurora Together, to oppose the store.

Representatives of North Aurora Together were present Tuesday and said they felt much better about this process. Together representatives said they acknowledge a commercial development is coming; however, they do not want a store they feel will hurt their neighborhood or property values.

"Open communication is key," Valerie Shoger, who lives next to the parcel said.

Mills said he was encouraged by the communication with North Aurora Together and said his company would work with the group.

"I regret we didn't do more. Their concerns are no different than what I would have. I admire their vigor," Mills said.

He also said a poor economy would probably prevent any large development for the next few years.

"2008 is not going to be a good year regardless of whether the government gives everyone checks or not," Mills said,

"Retailers right now are on their heels. I would love for this to be a here-and-now property, but I think (development) will be further out."