Brundige Green Business Park Project Approved
January 17, 2010
The Kane County Board on January 12th approved the Brundige Green Business Park project planned for the northeast corner of Brundige and Keslinger Roads. This office and light industrial project has been under discussion for this site for several months, with our Kane County Board representative Drew Frasz requesting several changes. Mr. Frasz voted to support this project for the following reasons: 1. the latest plan fits the 2030 land use plan and is similar to the light industrial trend along the tracks, 2. the land was originally proposed by the same developer as a 400 unit apartment complex then was reduced to 300 units , which was strongly opposed by Mr. Frasz, 3. any retail uses that would compete with Mill Creek’s Village Center as well as the future LaFox downtown were barred, 4. it will be served by the MCWRD and this did not have any effect on the LaFox treatment issue and 5. the developer agreed to contribute $35,000 to the cost of equipment to establish a train whistle quiet zone for the Brundige Road railroad crossing.
If you want to check out some of the prior news stories on this project, the links are provided below.
Here’s the link to the Chronicle story
Here’s the link to the Geneva Republican story.
Here’s the link to the CMAP Water Quality Review that recommends allowing the development to connect to the MCWRD.
Here’s the link to Campton Hills comments on the project. Apparently any town within 1.5 miles has the right to comment on projects that could impact them.
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3 Responses to “Brundige Green Business Park Project Approved”
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“3. any retail uses that would compete with Mill Creek’s Village Center as well as the future LaFox downtown were barred”. I can’t believe this: why is Drew Frasz intent on protecting Shodeen’s (aka Potter) Village Center flop? Have you noticed that virtually ALL of the retail space is vacant? So now our Republican Board rep is going to punish Mill Creek residents by making sure that no other retailers “compete” with Shodeen? DREW – WHAT HAPPENED? I THOUGHT YOU WERE ON OUR SIDE. Last time I checked, pure market competition ENHANCES people’s lives – drives cost down, etc.
I got the following email from Drew Frasz in response to genevaguy’s comment and question:
Retail uses in the industrial area along Keslinger Road are not consistent with the Kane County 2030 plan, they are more appropriate in the town centers where they would be convenient and walk able. Service businesses such as lawn mower repair, auto body etc. are more appropriate on the edge of the developments off county highways. This is just good planning. I have no relationship with Shodeen Inc. (unlike my predecessor) but a failed town center would not just hurt Shodeen, it would hurt everyone’s property values so I would not wish for that. There were also serious traffic concerns for this site, the office/light industrial blend of uses would result in less intense traffic than the added retail would have generated. Hope that answers your concerns. Any questions my cell # is 630-514-2153. Drew Frasz
Dave, I appreciate your follow up. Drew states: “a failed town center would not just hurt Shodeen, it would hurt everyone’s property values so I would not wish for that.” I believe we can all agree that the Shodeen’s Town Center has already failed: Drew, simply drive by it. Ask the Mill Creek Market owner if he is going to stay in business. I just find it odd that the viability of the Mill Creek Village Center is specifically mentioned as a reason to prohibit light retail in the new zoning. WHY ARE WE PROTECTING A FAILED DEVELOPMENT? Isn’t it ODD that the County moved the Mill Creek SSA office to the Town Center when we have a huge, beautiful, brand new County building? I am in agreement with urban planning that promotes business development while maximizing community life. But in the case of the Mill Creek Town Center – hasn’t it failed precisely BECAUSE it is in the middle of Mill Creek, and as such, there is not nearly enough foot or street traffic?? Since the retail locations are VACANT – what “success” are we protecting? How are VACANT stores enhancing the Mill Creek community and serving its inhabitants? I personally think that a video store, a convenient store, an ice cream store, a doughnut shop, etc, etc., if driven by private investment, stands a much better chance of succeeding, where the Town Center HAS FAILED. As for traffic – what’s the difference between Mill Creek residents driving within Mill Creek to reach the Town Center – and Mill Creek residents driving within Mill Creek to reach light retail OUTSIDE of Mill Creek? The answer might be: “you can’t walk to Keslinger.” But the fact remains that NO ONE IS WALKING TO THE CURRENT TOWN CENTER because…..oops…….the store fronts are empty! Please enlighten me here!