Park district's plan will help river

RSVP is a citizens group that was formed to advocate for progressive public policy regarding the Fox River in Montgomery, North Aurora, and Aurora. Our chief goal is to encourage governmental bodies along the Fox River to recognize that the river is no longer the industrial resource it once was. It no longer produces electric power to drive the factories that once lined its shore, nor do we want, or permit dumping of untreated industrial waste into it, to be carried downstream and out of sight.

Today the Fox River is seen primarily as a recreational resource by boaters, fishermen and pedestrians who bike, walk, run, and skate along the Fox River trail that lines its banks. It is also the primary driver for redevelopment in these three river cities, offering a desirable backdrop for new condo developments, parks, and other public facilities.

The referendum proposed by the Fox Valley Park District specifically mentions "acquiring and protecting land, including along the Fox River" as one of the uses for the money raised by this effort. This is consistent with the goals of RSVP and also these cities as well as Kane County.

Passage of this referendum will allow the park district to work in coordination with the cities and the county to ensure the river is preserved and enhanced as a recreational resource and a driver for non-industrial development along the largest and most important natural resource in Kane County.

RSVP heartily supports the efforts of the Fox Valley Park District and urges residents to support this referendum Feb. 5 for the benefit of the Fox River and our communities.

Charles Zine

Chairman

RSVP Citizens Group

Aurora