McHenry County zoning board approves rezoning so Hooked Animal Humane Society can hold public fundraisers

The McHenry County Zoning Board of Appeals voted unanimously to recommend approval of application Z25099, rezoning the Hooked Animal Humane Society property on McConnell Road from E3 (Estate) to A1 (Agricultural).

Cynthia Glinsgard, executive director of the Hooked Animal Humane Society, told the board the organization has occupied the property for more than 30 years and that a recent unified development ordinance text amendment prevented the nonprofit from getting permits to host its annual public fundraising event. Glinsgard said the event — typically held once a year, sometimes twice, and sometimes featuring live entertainment — invites the public to interact with horses and raises donations to support the shelter’s operations.

Melody Jacobson, a planner with McHenry County, presented the staff report and said the parcel is currently zoned E3 and surrounded by a mix of estate and residential parcels, some of which are incorporated into the City of Woodstock. She noted that although the older future land‑use map designated the area for residential development, a newly approved 2050 future land use map supports agricultural uses nearby. Jacobson told the board the rezoning request does not include any proposed development and that staff did not object to the petition; she also said there were no written objections from adjoining property owners and no comment from the City of Woodstock.

Board members who had visited or reviewed the organization’s website spoke in support. Charlie Eldridge, a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals, said the petition met the map‑amendment standards, described the shelter as a long‑standing county asset that serves animal‑control agencies across county lines, and said he supported approval. Other members echoed that the site is well‑established, that the agricultural designation is environmentally preferable in a sensitive aquifer recharge area, and that permitting would allow the organization to continue its public fundraisers without violating the county’s zoning text.

The record shows the petitioner provided required materials including a certificate of publication dated March 14, 2026; an affidavit of posting dated March 16, 2026; an affidavit of mailing dated March 27, 2026; and a McHenry County Soil and Water report (NRI L2511647777). During testimony, Glinsgard said the shelter is a registered 501(c)(3) and that the facility is licensed by the Illinois Department of Agriculture to investigate animal abuse and neglect, has impound authority through that licensing, and accepts owner surrenders and rehabilitates animals.

A motion to approve the petition was made by Charlie Eldridge and seconded by Mary Donner. The board voted 7‑0 in favor; the recommendation to reclassify the property will proceed to the County Board with a 7‑0 vote from the Zoning Board of Appeals.

The board did not record any written objections, and staff instructed that no additional conditions or developments were proposed as part of the rezoning request. The proceeding concluded with the chair noting the unanimous recommendation.