Thursday, July 5th, 2007
'Huge' growth possible
By William Kincaid
ROCKFORD - An undisclosed individual from Dublin Township is in the process of purchasing and developing 70 acres of land on Rockford West Road, just outside the village, according to Village Administrator Jeff Long.
During a meeting Tuesday night, village council members discussed the possibility of annexing the land within the village if everything goes as planned.
"They (undisclosed investor) would like to have development," Long told the newspaper after the meeting. "It's very huge."
The investor in question, according to both council members and Long, is interested in commercial and residential development on the western edge of the village.
Although Long could not provide specifics because of the pending real estate transaction, he said the 70 acres of land is across the street from the property of Village Clerk-Treasurer Amy Lyons and her husband, Tom. The Lyons requested a petition to have their land annexed in 2006, which was narrowly approved by council members.
Long said the main sewer and water lines already are established in that area, but infrastructure extensions, in addition to planning and engineering work, would have to be completed.
"I think we're going to have a little planning (to do)," Long told council members, pointing out that a design of the annexation should be established before any action is taken.
Many of the council members said all questions and issues need to be addressed before progressing with any possible annexation. Long said "storm water is the big issue," as water in that area drains in four different directions.
Long said the village already has money allocated in the budget for economic development. There also are village subdivision regulations established.
"We have a great opportunity here," Long said.
Councilman Eugene Steiner, who started the Rockford Area Development Corporation, said the possibility of development is happening much faster than he expected. He also asked Long where the village could continue to develop, to which Long said "you can go anywhere."
Council members also talked about creating a general plan and requirements for any future development in the village.
