Community group fights to protect historic sites from dam removal

During a recent government meeting, the community engagement director for Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley provided an update on the ongoing discussions regarding the potential removal of dams in St. Charles, Geneva, and Batavia. The organization, which operates four local historic sites and focuses on historic preservation, has been designated as a consulting party in the Section 106 review process, mandated by the National Historic Preservation Act.

The director emphasized the importance of assessing the potential impacts on historic resources due to the dam removals. They are actively engaging with local historic preservation commissions to compile a comprehensive list of historic sites that could be affected. This includes not only the dams themselves but also surrounding areas such as Pottawatomie Park and the Piano Bridge.

The Section 106 review process is crucial as it requires federal projects to evaluate their effects on historic properties. If any adverse impacts are identified, mitigation measures must be proposed. The director noted that while their organization is gathering information independently, they are open to collaborating with the city and any consultants involved in the broader hydrology studies.

Concerns were raised about the adequacy of previous impact assessments conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers, which the director argued were incomplete. They expressed a commitment to ensuring that all relevant historic resources are considered in the review process, highlighting the importance of their relationship with the state historic preservation office.

The timeline for the Section 106 review will commence only after a decision is made regarding the dam removals. The director reassured attendees that their findings would be communicated to the state office, although it remains uncertain whether the city will receive direct reports from the Army Corps of Engineers.

As discussions continue, the director reiterated the need for thorough documentation and consideration of historic resources, emphasizing that the preservation of these sites is a priority for the community.