Pingree Grove follows neighbors' example

When it comes to establishing a retail-rich corridor of its very own, Pingree Grove views Algonquin and South Elgin as pioneers in that area.

Algonquin and South Elgin have, through the years, set the tone for the way this sort of development is done, Pingree Grove Village President Clint Carey said.

Both of them built up their vast sections of Randall Road from scratch, transforming them into long stretches of upscale, big box and specialty stores.

That, in turn, translates annually into millions of dollars in sales tax revenue for the villages' coffers.

"They've definitely staked their presence along a major road, and it's definitely benefited their villages," Carey said.

Now, Pingree Grove, a town of roughly 2,500 souls, has a chance to do the exact same thing, but along Route 47.

On Monday night, Pingree Grove trustees annexed Goebbert's Pumpkin Farm, 193 acres along its northwestern border.

Of that, a minimum of 75 acres have been reserved for commercial use along Route 47.

"It gives us more visibility along Route 47, which we all assume will eventually be developed like Randall Road," Carey said. "I'm kind of modeling the village's position after South Elgin's or Algonquin's."

As part of the annexation agreement, Pingree Grove will provide water and sewer services to the property.

Goebbert's also will continue to run its farm stand and pumpkin patch "for years to come," Carey said.

In exchange, Pingree Grove will receive $12 million in impact fees if and when developers begin building on the land.

In addition to seeing retail development, village officials hope to see 800 homes spring up on the land.

This land deal marks the second time in four months that Pingree Grove has annexed property.

In November, the village extended its western boundary by annexing 119 acres just off Route 47.

More deals may be in the pipeline, said Carey, who was elected president less than a year ago.

"We're in continual discussions," he said.