August 27, 2024

Dear Residents and Business Owners of Prairie Grove,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to inform you about a significant development project that will soon be brought before the Planning and Zoning Commission at our upcoming meeting on August 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM. This project, proposed by Lennar, represents a substantial change for our village and, understandably, may be a cause for concern among our residents.

The parcel in question, located at the northeast corner of Ames Road and Route 31, encompasses 80 acres of land. This land, which has been privately owned for many years, was annexed into the Village as part of an agreement two decades ago. With the annexation agreement set to expire, the future of this land has become a pressing issue. The purpose of the August 29th meeting is for the Planning and Zoning Committee to recommend or deny a text amendment to our Zoning Code, creating two new zoning districts to facilitate the development. The Village Board would then consider renewing the annexation agreement, which would keep the development within the Village for the forseeable future.

If the agreement were to lapse, the land could revert to unincorporated McHenry County, leaving Prairie Grove without any say in its development. Additionally, we would lose the opportunity to collect village and school impact fees, as well as the ongoing property tax revenue that such a development would generate—resources that are vital for supporting our community’s infrastructure and services.

Lennar is in the process of acquiring this land with plans to develop 112 single-family homes and 113 townhome units (23 townhomes). These homes will be among Lennar’s top-of-the-line dwelings, with single-family units priced at $500,000 or more. The project will include over nine acres of greenspace, complete with walking trails, at least one park, and will preserve many of the mature hardwood trees that are a hallmark of this area. Children living in the development will attend schools in Districts 155 and 47.

Prairie Grove has always been a village that values its rural charm, large acre lots, and commitment to preserving our natural environment. This proposed development, with its higher-density housing, represents a new chapter in our village’s history. While we would prefer that the land be developed with lower density, we must also recognize the rights of the landowner to sell their property and the reality that the development will happen, one way or another. As difficult as it may be to accept, by being part of the process, we can help shape the outcome to reflect our community’s values and ensure that Prairie Grove benefits from the development, rather than simply watching it unfold beyond our control.

Over the past year, the Village has worked diligently with Lennar to ensure that this development aligns as closely as possible with the principles that Prairie Grove holds dear. Our negotiations have resulted in significant concessions from Lennar, including dedicated greenspace, trails, and the preservation of many existing hardwood trees. By remaining involved in the process, we have the opportunity to influence the landscaping and aesthetic features of the development, ensuring that it complements the character of our village.

It is important to understand that if the annexation agreement expires, Lennar could proceed with the development under McHenry County’s zoning regulations, which are less restrictive than those of Prairie Grove. This would limit our ability to shape the project in a way that reflects our community’s values. Therefore, while this development may represent a departure from our traditional rural landscape, it is in our best interest to remain engaged in the process.

I encourage you to attend the Planning and Zoning meeting on August 29th to learn more about the project, ask questions, and share your thoughts. Your input is invaluable as we navigate this important moment for our village. Here is a link to the Planning and Zoning Packet with details of the development. For your convenience, the meeting will be streamed live on Zoom and can be accessed using this link beginning at 7:00 PM on Thursday.

As always, I invite you to contact me directly at the email address below.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued commitment to making Prairie Grove a wonderful place to live.

Very truly yours,

David F. Underwood
President, Village of Prairie Grove
[email protected]