City grows with Gateway annexation

Elgin’s borders expanded last week with the approval and voluntary annexation of about 56 acres of land west of the city.

The newly annexed land will become part of the Elgin Gateway Municipal Utility District, a project previously greenlighted at the Nov. 12 council meeting.

The ordinance aligns with the development agreement made between the city and Ohana Land Corp., bringing a mix of commercial and multi-family properties, along with flex space, within the city’s jurisdiction, according to the council. The single-family housing portions of the site will remain in Elgin’s extra-territorial jurisdiction.

Now officially part of Elgin, the city will gain full property and sales tax revenues from the annexed commercial and multi-family areas. The developer will continue developing the property within city limits while adhering to the agreement set in place, granting the city greater control with the oversight of the project, Mayor Theresa McShan said.

The motion to annex the land passed unanimously. Following this approval, the council also passed an ordinance assigning the newly annexed property to Ward 2, motioned by its council representatives Chuck Swain and YaLecia Love.