Sugar Grove and Kaneland District 302 Battle Over Development Project

A legal fight is heating up between the Village of Sugar Grove and Kaneland District 302 over a big development project called the Grove. The school district is trying to stop the 760-acre Crown Development tax increment finance (TIF) district. They say it doesn't meet the rules for a TIF. A TIF is a tool used to help develop areas that are struggling and need a boost. The Grove project is near Interstate 88 and Illinois Route 47. It plans to mix housing and commercial buildings. The village's lawyer, Richard Williams, says the school district had a chance to vote against the TIF but chose not to. He argues that the school district's vote of "present" doesn't mean they give up their right to challenge the TIF. The school district's lawyer, Khriha Boucek, says their vote meant they weren't taking a side. They believe the area isn't blighted by flooding, as the village claims. Flooding is one of the reasons the village says the area qualifies for a TIF. The school district also says the land isn't connected enough to meet the legal standards for a TIF. Williams counters that the school district has to prove the village's findings are wrong. He cites case law to support his argument. Boucek responds that the school district has raised enough questions about the village's claims. The legal battle continues, with a hearing scheduled for November 19. The school district is also worried about the project's cost. They say it could take away more than $109 million in property taxes over 23 years. This money usually goes to the school district. The village argues that the project meets the legal requirements and will bring positive changes to the area.