Proposed Kane County development opens bike trails to public

A first-of-its-kind development in Kane County got a little better for county residents Tuesday after officials persuaded developers to open about eight miles of bike trails inside the subdivision to the public.

Developers of the 405-acre Serosun Farm gave in to the request after a Kane County Board subcommittee hesitated for the second time to waive some benefits the county would normally receive from a new subdivision.

The proposed development, to be located near the borders of Hampshire and Burlington, is a mix of homes, farmland and parks.

Its developers wanted the county to count agricultural space and private parks within the development as part of the public land or cash the county normally would receive for approving the subdivision.

The payment is intended to offset to the increased burden the residential would create on existing parks, open space and government services.

County officials initially resisted the proposal, saying they didn't see how farmland and closed trails could count as land for "public use." They relented Tuesday when developers agreed to open the bike trails to everyone.

The planned trails currently do not connect to any other existing bike paths, but county board members said they believe opportunities for connection will arise as further development occurs in the area.

The subcommittee's approval keeps the project on track for a vote by the full county board next month.