St. Charles might annex land for new 16-home subdivision

Sixteen single-family homes could be built near the northeast side of St. Charles if a parcel of unincorporated land is annexed into the city.

The proposed Smith Road Estates subdivision would be constructed on 4.4 acres off Smith Road, bordered by West Chicago to the north and St. Charles to the south and east. The houses would be configured into a single cul-de-sac to accommodate the "challenging" triangular layout of the property, Community Development Division Manager Russell Colby said.

"It's a compatible land use with what's located around it," he said, pointing to the parcel's proximity to Charlestowne Mall and other commercial developments. "If there's opportunities for adding residents in that area, that potentially can provide more customers to those businesses."

A concept plan for the subdivision was introduced to city officials last fall, at which point aldermen indicated they would be interested in seeing the project come to fruition. Acting as a planning and development committee, they reiterated their support earlier this month with a preliminary approval of plans.

St. Charles now is looking to annex the property, owned by V&M Investment and Remodeling Group, LLC, so it could receive city services, such as water, sewer, police and fire. A public hearing on the proposed annexation must take place before any formal action is taken, Colby said.

St. Charles officials sought feedback on the project from West Chicago, per a boundary agreement between the two cities. West Chicago staff members said they were concerned about the north property line that borders their city, prompting developers to come up with a plan for maintaining a 30-foot landscape buffer, Colby said.

If the annexation and revised plans are approved, developers are expected to begin work this construction season, he said. The public hearing and final city council vote have not been scheduled.