Township plans major housing development amid community concerns

In a recent government meeting, local officials discussed a proposed housing development that has sparked significant community interest and concern. The project, which involves the construction of 131 homes on a 68.2-acre site, has been in the planning stages since January and is seen as a response to the area's anticipated growth.

The township's trustees emphasized that the decision to move forward with the development was not made lightly. They acknowledged initial hesitations but noted that further information and discussions with various stakeholders, including the school district and fire department, alleviated some concerns. The school superintendent confirmed that the school system could accommodate the projected increase in students, while the fire department expressed confidence in their ability to manage the development's demands.

Water infrastructure was another key topic. Officials reported that the village currently has 21.2 miles of waterline, with plans to replace 48% of it by the end of 2025. Additionally, the village has recently increased its operational wells from one to three, indicating a commitment to improving water supply as the new homes are built.

Concerns about lot sizes and traffic were also addressed. Officials pointed out that the proposed lot sizes are comparable to existing lots in the village, and they assured residents that the development would be phased over two to five years, allowing for adjustments to traffic management if necessary.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to transparency and collaboration with the developer, D.R. Horton, as officials aim to balance the needs of the community with the pressures of growth. The trustees reiterated their dedication to ensuring that the development benefits the village while addressing residents' concerns.