New law lets East Dundee stretch its borders

East Dundee officials and local political leaders say a bill signed into law last week will boost economic development along Route 25 at just the right time.

Gov. Pat Quinn on Friday ratified the law allowing a municipality to leapfrog certain areas of open space for annexation. Prior law allowed municipalities to annex noncontiguous properties if the territory to be annexed is separated by a ComEd right-of-way, an interstate or a public open space - such as a forest preserve - but not privately held open spaces.

For years, East Dundee had tried to annex the GAT Guns Property, 14N915 Illinois Route 25, so the business could expand and tap into the village's water and sewer supply. But the Max McGraw Wildlife Foundation, a 1,224-acre not-for profit conservation area on the east side of Route 25, sits between the village limits and the property.

State Rep. Keith Farnham, a Democrat from Elgin, sponsored the legislation that he says will improve the quality of life for East Dundee residents.

"This is an important step in boosting economic development in East Dundee and I am happy that our hard work in the community became a reality," Farnham said in a statement. "The change will allow the village to broaden its economic development base that will benefit residents in the long-term by increasing business in the community."

East Dundee officials estimate the new law could net the village an additional $500,000 a year.

"We don't know how much it will net for sure, but internally, we estimated a half-million or more," Trustee Rob Gorman said. "When you look at the home-rule sales tax from GAT Guns and things that are going on at the Torco property and Milk Pail, we estimate a significant amount of revenue."

Village Administrator Frank Koehler said East Dundee had been trying to work with businesses along the corridor for more than 15 years, but annexation agreements fell through for various reasons. Now, Koehler said, the village will be able to offer business owners and developers incentives to move to East Dundee.

"We can start meeting with those businesses and look to complete those annexation agreements," Koehler said. "We can provide sales tax sharing and work with property owners as they expand and not only retain jobs but create employment opportunities, too."