Open Space referendums coming

On Election Day in April, McHenry County voters will be asked to vote on two open space referenda:

- Nunda Township residents will be asked to support a Township referendum asking for $20 million to preserve open space in the township. This is the Township's second attempt at establishing a township open space district - their 2004 effort did not pass, but by a very slim margin.

This letter I received from Lori McConville at "Nunda Neighbors for Open Space" explains the effort quite well:

"Nunda Township Residents again have the opportunity to preserve some of the remaining open space in their township with the Nunda Township Open Space Plan and the Bond Referendum which will be on the April 17th ballot. Nunda Neighbors has organized to inform citizens of the benefits of the plan and to persuade a passing vote. We are asking for your endorsement to help support our efforts.

"As you may know, the measure did not pass in 2004, but came very close. It is our position that acquiring open space is an effective strategy for local governments to manage growth. The Plan aims to purchase open space parcels, 50 acres or larger, funded by a $20,000,000 bond referendum. Parcels have been identified throughout the township to achieve the Plan Goals and Objectives of groundwater protection, storm water management, farmland preservation, protection of high-quality natural areas, and to preserve our overall quality of life. The Plan will help protect home values, help control taxes, maintain the rural atmosphere that we enjoy, and provide protection for our groundwater.

"Some significant economic benefits from preserving open space include stabilizing taxes and reducing the need for community services. Local governments that protect the most open space enjoy the lowest tax rates. With the proper balance of open space in a community, fewer schools, roads, and infrastructure are needed, and therefore costs for maintaining existing services and facilities are more manageable. Open space also attracts businesses, as they look for high quality of life when choosing places to build, relocate and grow. Also, open space provides vital community services such as flood control and the collection and cleaning of water naturally without expensive filtration systems.

"Open Space is financially AND environmentally responsible, and we completely support and commend Nunda Township for “Growing Smart.” Please visit our website at www.nundaopenspace.com for more information.

"Open space doesn’t fill our schools or use our roads. It is quiet, controls taxes, and provides us a breath of fresh air. It is the perfect neighbor!"

The other open space referendum question will be put to all county voters by the McHenry County Conservation District, asking for $73.5 million to protect approximately 4,500 acres of land throughout the county. You may recall that MCCD last ran a referendum in 2001, where they were successful in securing $68.5 million in funds. Those funds have been spent purchasing approximately 7,000 acres of land in the county at sites ranging from Camp Algonquin along the Fox River to Glacial Park near Richmond and Ringwood, Brookdale between Harvard and Woodstock and Pleasant Valley between Woodstock, Huntley & Union.

MCCD currrently owns approximately 20,000 acres, or 5% of the land in McHenry County. While 20,000 acres may sound like a lot, consider this: in DuPage County, the Forest Preserve District owns 14% of the land in the county. Having driven through DuPage County many times over the years, I would conclude that they did not preserve enough land!

We're talking about the future character of the county, our water supply, and our health! Open Space is a great neighbor!