As they say, knowledge it power. The more our small group of neighbors research the area the more firm we become in our beliefs.  Over the course of the next few days, we will be releasing sections of our Position Paper.  We hope that you find it informative. 

Position Paper-Introduction-Elected and appointed public officials bear many responsibilities including making decisions regarding zoning and annexation.  Each of you, as an elected or appointed public official took an oath to serve and protect your electorates.  As community members, we urge you to vote against the motion to approve the annexation and rezoning of the 38 acre parcel located on the northwest corner of Route 20 and Higgins Road outside of Hampshire, Illinois. We object to this motion on the following grounds. 

Wetlands-As shown in the Kane County Advanced Identification of Aquatic Resources Map for Hampshire Township there is a wetland area located on the property.  In addition there is one adjacent to the property and one very close to this property. ”Wetlands protect and improve water quality, provide habitat for fish and wildlife, reduce damage caused by storm surges and flooding, and recharge underground sources of drinking water” as stated by the Illinois Army Corp of Engineers.  There are specific regulations in place regarding the protection of wetlands. In our opinion it would be negligent to allow the annexation and rezoning of this property prior a full report being compiled by the Army Corp of Engineers. 

Kane County Remnant Oak Woods-As noted in The Kane County 2040 Green Infrastructure Plan there is a Remnant Oak Woods that is larger than 1 acre very close to this property. The report states ‘oaks are considered a keystone species in northeastern Illinois and are driving much of the biodiversity in the region’.   A Planning Priorities Report for the Village of Hampshire was created in August of 2017 by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning.  It  specifically states ‘The Village should recognize the value of remnant oak woodlands within the Village” and  continues to note that oaks provide  habitat for hundreds of species; water regulation; carbon storage; reduction in energy use and greenhouse gas emissions as well as natural beauty. We are concerned that the oaks could suffer significant irreparable damage should manufacturing zoning be allowed near them