St. Gall approaches Elburn about building, annexation
The Elburn village board has given staff the go ahead to enter talks with St. Gall Catholic Church regarding building plans for 30 acres the church owns at the southeast corner of Route 47 and Hughes Road.
The Rev. Karl Ganss, pastor of St. Gall church at Route 47 and Shannon Street, other church representatives and engineer Craig Knoche were present at Monday's village board meeting for what Village Administrator Dave Morrison termed a "pre-annexation conference."
"It's very early in the process," Morrison said. "We use this as a kickoff for staff discussions."
Ganss told the board the church would like to break ground this fall for a $6 million phase I project that would include building a 650-seat church, three offices and a multipurpose room. Phase II would include expanding the church to seat 1,100, adding classrooms for religious education and more offices. The parish would use both campuses until phase II is complete.
"Our church is on many levels and our older parishioners have trouble climbing the stairs," Ganss said. "Also, we have no space for religious education classrooms."
Ganss said the church has raised $3.25 million and has about $1.7 million in outstanding pledges. The Rockford Diocese also will loan money to the church for the project.
Engineer Craig Knoche said the parish will ask the village to annex the property so the church will have water and sewer connections.
"We don't know if there will be enough water pressure to maintain a sprinkler system, or if the sanitary sewer is deep enough," Knoche said. "If not, we would install a well, a holding tank and a septic field. We'd like to meet with your consulting engineers."
Village trustees indicated approval of the project.
"It's always good to see a church in the community growing and expanding," Trustee Jeff Humm said.
"I have to support the building of any house of worship despite the loss (of tax revenue)," said Trustee William Grabarek.
"The church has been part of our past, now it looks like you will be part of our future," Morrison said.