Batavia demonstrators say it with flowers: Protect Mill Creek

The Batavia City Council received a pretty reminder Monday night that there are a bunch of Batavians worried about the long-term health of Mill Creek, as Moose International proposes commercial and residential development near the waterway.About 117 people filed into the council chambers, each placing a wildflower in a vase, and notes in a basket. There were so many flowers, they didn#146;t fit in the vase.#147;We had to be sure they understand there are a whole bunch of us that care about this dear wetland,#148; Batavia resident Ann Drover said before the meeting. She also said the flowers were a gift to the council, to thank them for what they have done so far in their talks with Moose International.#147;The message will definitely go on to Mooseheart. I can#146;t believe you turned out that many people,#148; Mayor Pro Tem Eldon Frydendall said. Moose International fraternal organization runs Mooseheart Child City and School on the property, which lies between North Aurora and Batavia. It is seeking to annex nearly 500 acres on the west side of the property, and build stores, offices and residences.The activists want the city council to require Moose International to place a conservation easement on 46 acres in the middle designated for open space. The easement, a legal encumbrance, would conserve the land by prohibiting certain activities and uses.The developer representing Moose International has said the fraternal organization does not want to do that, fearing such an easement would hinder the organization if it ever tried to sell the land. The Moose have owned the property for 100 years, and they have preserved the area and intend to continue, he said. The Moose intend to retain ownership of the land they are developing.Mill Creek flows through the parcel, which also has wetlands and trees. In the proposed annexation agreement, the parcel would be designated for open space and recreation. The Moose are open to restricting it to passive recreation #8212; no playgrounds, ball fields or courts, for example.The flower-presenters are also worried that development will degrade the quality of Mill Creek. They prefer that the developer be prohibited from storing storm and groundwater from other areas on the site on that parcel. Mill Creek flows to the Fox River.The community development committee is expected to vote on the proposed annexation agreement next week. The city staff also would like to make a presentation to aldermen next week about how the Kane County Stormwater Ordinance affects this development, City Administrator Bill McGrath said. One of the residents questioning the matter also is a watershed engineer for Kane County.