This vote will be on quality of life

On Nov. 27, the Round Lake Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will cast votes declaring their values relative to being a good neighbor as well as preserving the very essence of the environment that has attracted people to this area of Lake County for decades.

At issue is the proposed development by NBG Land Partners of 249 townhouses in the wetlands between Chardon Road and Route 60, east of Fairfield. Presently, the area is surrounded by homes on 5 to 7 acres of property. It's not unusual to see cars parked off to the side taking pictures of the buffalo at the Cuneo Estate or to have to slow down as a courtesy to horse and rider. The proposed development site is on open space wetlands with tall grass inhabited by deer, coyote, and a variety of birds and other wildlife.

Anyone whose AM commute involves the "Chardon 500," the short cut from Fairfield to Route 60, knows that area development already exceeds its road capacity. Not only are the roads overcrowded, but they are dangerous as well. It's a question of when, not if, there will be another major, perhaps fatal accident at Chardon and Fairfield roads.

A multi-unit project simply is out of place, having to literally be crammed into a few acres. Nearby property owners are rightly fearful of the potential affects upon value. Local residents are unanimously against the project and have attended village meetings to express concerns.

So, on Nov. 27, village officials can vote no to this project, sending a clear message to Round Lake residents and their neighbors that the village supports responsible development. Or, they could vote yes, declaring to all that profit and growth for growth's sake, trumps quality of life.

Robert Mount

Grayslake