Wauconda tries to allay worries
over plan
Wauconda officials assured worried residents of the village and
nearby unincorporated areas there was nothing to fear from a plan to guide new
development.
“You have total control over your property as a property owner,”
Mayor Salvatore Saccomanno said Tuesday night to the dozen or so gathered to get
information on a draft of the comprehensive plan, which lays out the kinds of
developments the village wants in its so-called sphere of influence, which
extends a mile and a half outside its boundaries.
Saccomanno said the comprehensive plan helps the village create a
plan for undeveloped areas that are either in or could be annexed into the
village. “The village of Wauconda does not forcibly annex,” he
assured the group.
A team of trustees, building and zoning committee members and a
consultant hired by the village developed the comprehensive plan through more
than a year of meetings and discussion. The village’s first comprehensive plan
was adopted in 1996, with an update covering the north portion of the village
being passed in 2002.
Village Administrator Dan Quick said when property owners approach
the village looking to be annexed, the board can explain what kind of
development it would like for the land. “The comprehensive plan is
our thoughts as a staff,” Quick said. “It’s really a guideline that we kind of
look at as a developer comes to see us.” But Saccomanno did
acknowledge to the attendees that retail development was a priority, not just
for the board but also for village residents. He said a resident
survey showed 70 percent wanted more retail in the village.
“I want to get some sales tax revenue generated,” the mayor said.
“Revenue is what needed to keep a village going.”
The village board will vote on the comprehensive plan at its next
full board meeting July 10.
#