Letter: North Aurora resident concerned about housing development

I attended the North Aurora Plan Commission meeting on March 6.

I could not believe the unrealistic expectations and justifications offered by the developer of the subdivision at the old Fox Valley Golf Course. Please note … although it will not be identified as a retirement community, it will be marketed as such.

As far as I can tell, North Aurora is not recognized as a town that offers retirement incentives/amenities. North Aurora does not have a downtown. Batavia has quaint, small downtown area … emphasis on small.

The developer says that they can attract a mature market willing to pay $350,000 to downsize to North Aurora. Really! Geneva, St. Charles and other nearby towns offer a lot more retirement incentives than North Aurora for $350,000.

The plan is to build approximately 360 units … includes single family homes, duplexes and town homes. Assume 95 percent of the units will have two occupants and the remainder single occupancy. That will translate into 684 new residents. Assume 95 percent of these homeowners will own two cars. Add in the single occupancy units with one car and you are looking at over 700 additional cars roaming through the streets of North Aurora and Batavia. Feel free to check my math.

The good news is the developer had a one-day traffic study done, as discussed at the time. They monitored a Thursday morning and afternoon rush hour. In one day, they concluded there will not be any traffic issues caused by the development. Really! Did they ever experience River Road and Wilson Avenue at either rush hour? Also Banbury and Route 25 are single-lane roads. How does the developer plan on controlling their construction equipment?

Also, I believe that Batavia has plans to add apartment buildings/condominiums that will add to problems listed above.

The best part is that the developer assured the meeting attendees that the development will not hurt exiting housing values. Really!! Backing up to and looking at town houses rather a golf course will help home values.

Ok, there is the potential increase in tax revenue if the project succeeds. In my opinion, based upon what I know, thus far, it has good chance of failing and North Aurora will be left with a partially built mess.

Richard Cisek
North Aurora