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Elgin’s representatives provided updates on several construction projects coming to the city during last week’s council meeting, including a new complex that will be paying a master development fee of $2.9 million to the township.
The Lund Farm tract north of the city was approved to receive a 570-acre overhaul, creating over 2,000 single and multifamily residential units, nine designated acres of retail construction and 100 acres of parking.
The upcoming development on State Highway 95 is outside city limits. As a result, it will not be required to pay property taxes, but won’t be receiving any city services and will pay its multimillion development fee over a few years.
The Lund Farm Municipal Utility District will be responsible for all permitting, design, engineering, construction and funding, explained city manager Tom Mattis.
“We’re looking to this development to start spurring other development along the 95 corridor there,” said Mattis.
This is the largest residential development ever approved by the city, according to the council.
A new water line will need to be created to reach the area.
Lund Farm MUD will be building their own water waste treatment plant as well as be making improvements to Lund Road.
Part of the agreement specifies future discussion of a new elementary school in the area.
Closer to the heart of the city, on North Avenue B and West 12th Street, an ordinance amending the official zoning map for a new Sacred Heart church building was approved.
After three years of discussion, the church has finally decided on property and is ready to start construction, said speakers.
The project will include parking in the back to alleviate some street congestion, as well as a pocket park and landscape buffer available for public use.
“The church has a long history with Elgin, they chose to stay here,” added Mattis.
Seating for Sacred Heart’s sanctuary will increase to 600, tripling its current capacity.
One concerned citizen did express worry about property value fluctuation in the area, during the council’s public hearing portion.
Additionally, the council discussed the annexes coming to downtown’s Veteran’s Park.
Budget and total funding for the project announced two years ago has gone up to $1.6 million, thanks to generous donations and grants, said Mattis.
Construction bids came in higher than expected, according to council members, but next spring still remains the expected operational date.
“It’s an exciting project for us, a highly visible downtown park,” added Mattis. “The community has shown a lot of support for it.”
The council also assured a frustrated public comment speaker that construction will begin shortly on the new Dunkin’ Donuts coming to State Highway 290.
The community member made note of an increased homelessness presence at the currently abandoned location.
