Latest news with #DuPageWaterCommission
Chicago Tribune
01-07-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Pulte could build new subdivision in Naperville with purchase of 75th Street land
A 32-acre tract of land being sold to developer Pulte Homes by the DuPage Water Commission could be annexed into Naperville or Woodridge or built out in unincorporated DuPage County, officials say. The $14 million sale of the property, located on 75th Street between the single-family Cobblebrook Crossing subdivision in Naperville and the Thornberry Woods apartment complex in Woodridge, was approved in June. Pulte officials told the commission the company expects to build at least 60 homes on the vacant, wooded site, with the purchase contract including a proviso that the developer receive an additional $233,000 from the commission for every lot beyond 60 that it is allowed to build. The company has not said whether it would be constructing single-family homes, townhomes or apartments, nor has it indicated if it will seek annexation into Naperville or Woodridge or remain unincorporated. Rob Getz, a vice president of land acquisition for Pulte, said in an email that 'it is way too soon to have any comments yet or answers to' questions about development plans for the site. Allison Laff, Naperville's deputy director of transportation, engineering and development, said she is unaware of any development plans for the site, which is contiguous to the city. Woodridge Village Administrator Al Stonitsch said his community has not heard from Pulte either. 'The developer will do their homework,' he said. 'It could be Woodridge, if that's the pathway. They could develop in Woodridge, in Naperville or in unincorporated.' Asked if Woodridge has a contemplated use or expected density for the property included in the village's comprehensive plan, Stonitsch demurred. 'This is a new twist,' he said. 'In our long-term plans, we always had assumed it to be the water commission's property.' Stonitsch noted that Pulte has built several developments in Woodridge, including the Rivers Edge multifamily housing project on Route 53, which currently is under construction. 'They've done a good job for us,' Stonitsch said. Pulte is also responsible for several subdivisions in Naperville, including Naper Commons, with 161 single-family homes and 66 townhomes at Naperville and Warrenville roads, and the Polo Club, which will have 225 single-family homes and 149 townhomes on 119th Street, between Route 59 and Book Road, when built out. Paul Hoss, DuPage County's planning and zoning administration coordinator, said the county does not know what Pulte plans to do with the site. The DuPage Water Commission, which delivers Lake Michigan water to 25 county communities, some county-operated water systems and several private utilities, has owned the 37.5-acre parcel on 75th Street since buying it for $1.8 million in 1986. Two 155-foot-tall standpipes, or cylindrical water tanks, were built at the northeast corner and the 5-acre parcel on which they're located will remain under commission ownership. A reevaluation of the agency's real estate holdings was triggered last year after the commission paid $80 million to buy a 127-acre former golf course in Northbrook for part of a potential new lake water distribution network. The 75th Street land was appraised at $10.8 million. When the commission sought sales bids, Pulte, a national homebuilder, was the highest at $14 million. Water commission Chairman Jim Zay said the agency has been discussing the land's sale as early as 2021, when a tornado damaged a large number of trees on the property. Deciding to sell it now was the right call, he said. 'It's in a good school district, and we thought the time was right (to) see if anybody was interested in it,' he said. 'It's costing us maintenance costs, and we just have no long-term outlook of using this property. It makes sense to get rid of it at this time.'
Chicago Tribune
06-03-2025
- Business
- Chicago Tribune
Update on move to Lake Michigan water among topics at Oswego State of the Village address
Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman gave updates on a number of issues, including the move to Lake Michigan water for the village, during his recent State of the Village address. 'We are truly a village on the rise,' Kauffman said. Kauffman, who was elected as village president in 2023, reflected on the past year's economic growth and infrastructure projects during his presentation at Oswego Village Hall. 'We have seen new businesses open their doors, our infrastructure improvements take shape, our village budget has a surplus and property tax rates are at their lowest level on record,' Kauffman said. 'The past year has shown once again that our greatest strength lies in our sense of community.' In the past year the village has made investments in infrastructure, public safety and economic development, he said. 'These are investments not just about today but about building a stronger tomorrow. New businesses are opening their doors, our roads, water and public spaces are improving and our local economy is surging,' Kauffman said. 'We have taken steps to ensure responsible growth while maintaining our small-town charm that makes Oswego unique.' The village is expanding its infrastructure to support a growing community, he said. One of the notable projects has been the ongoing efforts to bring Lake Michigan water to Oswego. After years of work, the Village Board in October 2024 officially joined the DuPage Water Commission. 'After years of discussion and negotiation in establishing the legal framework, Phase II engineering is nearly complete,' he said, concerning three main connection points, also known as receiving stations, to connect with Lake Michigan water provided by the DuPage Water Commission. Some of the construction will begin this summer on the project. 'Overall construction will take roughly two years,' he said. 'Water from Lake Michigan will be flowing to our taps in the summer of 2028. This project will enhance our water supply and support the village's long-term sustainability.' Another key project is the proposed expansion of the village's Public Works facility built in 2002, he said. The current building was designed for a population of about 17,000, officials have said. With the village's population at about 38,000, the village has outgrown the building's capacity, according to officials. The facility's structural limitations and a growing workforce have made expansion a necessity, Kauffman said. The Village Board will review plans for the expansion project and the related costs. 'Depending on the option selected, construction could begin as early as fall 2025 with anticipated completion by spring of 2027. This investment in our infrastructure is essential for enhanced efficiency of our public services and supporting future growth and prosperity of our community,' Kauffman said. Another notable project is the Wolfs Crossing corridor improvements, he said. The Wolfs Crossing widening project is another 'example of our commitment as a village on the rise,' according to Kauffman. As for economic development, Oswego trustees in February approved an ordinance to allow for two new commercial buildings including a grocery store as well as a restaurant and bank at the southeast corner of Route 34 and Kendall Point Drive in the village. 'The Village Board approved a new grocery destination on Route 34. It will bring fresh produce, quality products in an enhanced shopping experience to our community,' Kauffman said. Kauffman also highlighted the Oswego Police Department's launch of a Community Engagement Unit. 'A key part of building a stronger community is ensuring that every resident feels safe, heard and supported. Public safety is more than enforcement – it's about engagement, trust and collaboration,' he said. The initiative is designed to strengthen the partnership between officers and the community in part to identify matters before they become larger issues, he said. Regular public programs will be held as part of the unit's efforts, including educational programs and community gatherings, he said.
