Fox Valley mayors look ahead to 2020

The Daily Herald asked Fox Valley mayors and village presidents to look ahead to 2020 and identify the most important thing they hope their community can accomplish in the coming year - and to share it with us in roughly 50 words. Here's what they said ...

Richard Irvin, Aurora

2020 is the year of vision, and we hope to continue to build - literally in the case of our residential and commercial developments - upon the vision for a community that is safe, sound, strong and striving for excellence in all areas.

Jeff Schielke, Batavia

There are a number of new construction projects pending in Batavia. The long-awaited 190-plus residential units proposed by Shodeen Inc. at Washington Avenue and Wilson Street is in line to commence construction.

On the far west side, development of new retail has commenced on the former site of Avenue Motors at Fabyan and Randall along with a major expansion of the nearby Menards and a large senior housing project directly west of the Walmart.

The biggest project in town is the groundbreaking of the new project at Fermilab, which has now started generating construction jobs to soon be followed by hundreds of new employment opportunities at the lab.

Bob Walsh, Burlington

As growth surrounds the village, we continue to improve the diversity needed for long-term smart growth. Burlington will take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves while maintaining its character and values. It's a process of change that demonstrates successful decisions. Come grow with us.

Mike Tyrrell, Campton Hills

The completion and adoption of a zoning code, which is tailored to representing and preserving the long-range vision and spirit we call Campton Hills.

John Skillman, Carpentersville

Our goal in 2020 is to begin redevelopment of the Huntley Square property. The property has been in disrepair for years and needs to be addressed. We are engaging in long-term strategic planning to ensure the positive momentum we have gained the past several years continues.

Lael Miller, East Dundee

This year, we did a comprehensive strategic plan for the village. In 2020, we should start to see parts of that plan put into action.

We've also got some new businesses that will be coming to town that I think people will be excited about.

David Kaptain, Elgin

Our greatest successes happen when we plan for the long-term needs of our community. A prepared and educated workforce is fundamental to that. The city will continue to be a leader in the Alignment Collaborative for Education, a partnership with Elgin Area School District U-46, with commitments from more than 130 organizations to work together on new ways to improve educational outcomes and better connect our students to local jobs. From our youngest students to those ready for a career, we are all working hard to set up our future generations for success.

I am so grateful for every person in the community who contributes to Elgin's success and progress. As we move into 2020, please continue to share ideas with me for how we can continue to make Elgin the best place to live, grow and prosper.

Kevin Burns, Geneva

2020 is not only a cool rubric, it's also Geneva's 185th anniversary.

2020 will feature significant opportunities to shape, refine and reassert our community's goals and objectives as they relate to stewardship of our built and natural environment, economic development and redevelopment, broader housing initiatives, regional planning and intergovernmental cooperation.

And, in the spirit of celebrating nine-score and five-years, 2020 will be yet another milestone in a community that has been and always will be young at heart.

Steve Wiedmeyer, Pingree Grove

The village board unanimously initiated the Pingree Grove SAFE Police Protection referendum for the March 17, 2020, primary. If the referendum question is successful, the village will be able to implement changes in our finances and operations that will help the village be sustainable for decades to come and ensure that our police department is properly staffed and equipped. It also will ensure our community remains A Place to Safely Grow.

Ray Rogina, St. Charles

Progressive development are the buzz words in 2020. Hopefully, conversations become agreements and a mixed-use plan for Charlestowne Mall is finalized and a successful restructuring plan surfaces at Pheasant Run.

Meanwhile, Tin Cup Pass gets a needed facelift. Downtown, an agreement between the city and Frontier Development becomes reality with the expansion and upgrade of the Arcada Theatre. On the same side of the river, proposals for development of the old police station site are submitted.

On the west side of the river, the development of First Street, between Main and Illinois, meanders toward conclusion. Out west, successful openings of Wahlburgers and complementary businesses unfold on the Meijer outlots at Randall Road and Lincoln Highway.

Steve Ward, South Elgin

Panton Mill Park, adjacent to village hall, will undergo a massive upgrade this summer. We expect to debut a permanent sound stage and pavilion for Riverfest 2020. Adding a splash pad, landscaping and walking paths connecting to SEBA Park and the Fox River Trail will beautifully transform our Village Center.

Sean Michels, Sugar Grove

Prairie Point Assisted Living is planning on opening in April. This project includes 53 assisted-living units and 17 memory-care units. Having a facility like this will allow residents to age in place and be close to family members.

The village has benefited from the extension of fiber optic network throughout the village. Most residents have been switching service to take advantage of the faster, more reliable service.

Rich Harvest will be hosting the Big Ten Golf Championship May 1 through 3. Golf fans will be able to see top talent from the 14 Big Ten teams. If you are an alumni of a Big Ten team or like golf, make plans to attend this exciting event.

Eileen Phipps, Wayne

In 2020, the village will continue to maintain our status as one of the safest cities in Illinois and the most frugal.

Christopher Nelson, West Dundee

We're looking toward continuation of growth and development along Route 31 within the Haeger property and along Randall Road, in an effort to expand the village's tax base. The village has seen a lot of recent interest in these areas and we are desirous to finalize some of these development opportunities for the community.