Fee change could aid Elgin parks

A change in how Elgin spends impact fees from developers will hasten the development of one and possibly two parks on the city's southeast side.

City leaders Wednesday favored a change that will allow the Parks and Recreation Department to spend money required from developers if they can't set aside land for new parks.

"It gives us more flexibility in developing parks throughout the entire community," said Randy Reopelle, park department director. "Sometimes we need new parks in areas that have been around for a long time."

Elgin, like most towns, requires developers to pay park impact fees.

Builders must set aside 10 acres per 1,000 new residents in a residential development. If a new subdivision brings 500 people to town, that's 5 acres.

If the development is smaller or the city's Parks and Recreation Department prefers cash instead of land - especially if there's already enough nearby open space - the developer must fork over $85,111 per acre.

Currently, money accepted instead of land must be spent in one of 11 areas in the city.

But if the council members sign off on the change Dec. 3, the money will be pooled into one large pot.

Reopelle said that means nearly $4.4 million may be used anywhere there is a need in the city.

One immediate area is the 8-acre Prairie Park on Willard Avenue, south of Chicago Street.

City leaders hope to complete the $1.1 million community park project to build the city's second skate park, two soccer fields and basketball courts next year.

The other park, a site of just more than an acre at the northwest corner of Illinois and Hammond avenues, also could happen next year. The city is a finalist for a state grant that could help pay for playground equipment and other amenities.

Reopelle said that in general, officials will look at obtaining park land instead of straight cash if it fits within the city's long-range plan. The fair market value per acre is increased by 6 percent each year, he said.

City manager Femi Folarin said there are no discussions to change the fees because of the sluggish real estate market. But if property values decrease, Folarin predicted "we'll hear from developers right away. They'll ask for it to be reduced."