Kane Co. neighbors share gravel mine concerns

A group of neighbors gathered Sunday to share concerns about a potential gravel mine being discussed on the Brunner Farm property, which is open space that runs between Route 31 and the Fox River.

Pat Tauchert hosted a group of more than 30 people, including several state and local candidates, in her home on Walnut Lane in Dundee Township. Tauchert didn't want candidates to debate, she just wanted to provide a forum for discussion because she thinks the idea of gravel mining is a bad one.

“Reclaiming gravel mines is fine but creating one out of nice open space is just dumb, Tauchert said.

George Johnson, a Dundee Township resident, has been following this issue since January. The Kane County Forest Preserve Planning and Utilization Committee met Jan. 28 and talked about mining to create lakes and ponds for fishing. This is what Cathy Hurlbut, District 19 forest preserve and county board representative, defended on Sunday.

“The only gravel coming out would be what comes from creating lakes, Hurlbut said.

Hurlbut said she does not support commercial mining on the property.

Johnson understands the distinction Hurlbut made, but doesn't trust its accuracy. He doesn't believe they would stop the mining at lake creation and doesn't see the point in lakes on that property anyway.

“The idea of putting fishing lakes on the Brunner preserve is preposterous. It has 3.5 miles of the most pristine fishing venues in Illinois, Johnson said, referring to the bordering Fox River.

Jim Shales and Joe Haimann, Democrats running for Kane County Board in the 19th and 21st districts, respectively, as well as Jennifer Barconi, a Democrat in the 49th District state representative race, were all at the Sunday gathering, pledging not to allow mining on the Brunner property.

The issue of gravel mining has been tabled at the county board level until after the elections, but Sunday's event was organized to say that's not good enough.

“Our board members and candidates need to be talking to us now, before the election, said Sue Harney, Dundee Township Supervisor.

Lee Haiges, another Dundee Township resident, said this issue will factor into his voting, potentially prompting a vote across party lines.

Hurlbut said it is still extremely early in the process of deciding what to do with the Brunner property. She said a master plan will be discussed in 2011 with time allocated for extensive public input. No one has decided a gravel mine will become a reality.

Yet, at Sunday's gathering several neighbors said they didn't think it should even be open for discussion.