Village holds public hearing on dormant SSA for Kensington Field subdivision

The Village of Hoffman Estates opened a public hearing July 21 on the creation of a dormant Special Service Area (SSA) for the Kensington Field subdivision, the former CDK property owned by Pulte Homes. Village corporation counsel said the hearing was held pursuant to statutory notice published in the Veil Herald on July 2 and that the owner submitted a waiver of objection.

The SSA, described in village materials as a standby mechanism, would allow the village to levy a tax against subdivided lots only if the homeowners association or property owners fail to maintain stormwater detention or other specified common facilities, corporation counsel said. The counsel added that the notice and the owner's waiver will be filed with the clerk after the hearing and that the SSA will appear on title reports when buyers obtain title insurance.

Trustees asked for additional protections for future buyers. Trustee Mills asked whether the SSA could be included explicitly in the association declaration so buyers would be aware at closing; corporation counsel said staff could request the developer include the standby SSA in the developer's documents. Trustees also confirmed with staff that recording the SSA will cause it to appear on buyers' title reports.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing. After the presentation and questions, trustees closed the hearing and adjourned the special meeting.

Why it matters: The dormant SSA would not create an immediate tax on homeowners but creates a financial backstop for the village if privately maintained stormwater or detention facilities are not kept up. The recording of the SSA on property title means prospective buyers will see the potential assessment at closing.

Officials said next steps include filing the publication affidavit and the waiver of objection with the clerk, and any recording steps required to place notice on the subdivided lots' titles.