North Barrington ponders land purchase

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Updated: March 3, 2012 8:09AM

North Barrington officials are considering a land purchase in unincorporated Lake County.

The land is a 34-acre lot north of Route 22, and has been identified as a section of the Flint Creek Watershed. The Barrington Area Conservation Trust is looking to form a partnership with North Barrington to purchase this property, asking that the board approve a resolution to pay half the cost of an appraisal of the property. The property in the area is generally thought to be worth about $10,000 to $20,000 per acre, according to official estimates.

Patsy Mortimer, coordinator of the Flint Creek Watershed Partnership, was there to give a presentation on the property and the important role it plays in the community.

“Flint Creek Watershed Partnership was formed in 2005 to improve water quality, prevent flooding, and protect natural resources in the Flint Creek Watershed,” she said. “Looking in terms of natural resources, in terms of what are the nature preserves in this area, (this property) is ranked high priority.”

The partnership has identified this property for its water quality and open space protection. The land also includes Advance Identification Study wetlands, which means that they provide storm water retention, filtering qualities, and contain threatened and endangered species.

Although the land is in Ela Township, it borders Cuba Township. Dave Nelson, Cuba Township supervisor, presented his case as to why North Barrington should contribute to the purchase.

“For all Cuba Township residents, particularly those in Oakbury and Biltmore, this property provides an important buffer from denser community development,” said Nelson. “If this property continues to be bought and sold by developers, future land prices may force developers to challenge existing zoning to develop it to the highest profitability.”

Nelson also said that the purchase of this land now will do great things for future residents.

“By purchasing this property now, the board would be showing great foresight in protecting the future quality of life and property value for Oakbury residents, Biltmore residents, and all residents of North Barrington and Cuba Township,” he added.

Karen Yancey, executive director of the Barrington Area Conservation Trust, hopes the board considers the purchase, despite the cost.

“Everyone buys into it, it’s just a matter of both parties coming up with the funding,” says Yancey. “Certainly land prices are much lower now than they are going to be in the future. Now is the time to buy it, rather than waiting.”

As well as support from the Watershed Partnership, this purchase is also being supported by Citizens for Conservation and the Lake County Forest Preserve District. Yancey and her supporters plan to spend some time improving the land if the purchase goes through.

“We would keep it as open space,” Yancey said. “We would work to restore the wetlands and plant communities surrounding the wetlands to make it a healthier wetland environment.”

Environmentalist Nancy Schumm suggested applying for matching grants to help aid in purchasing the land.

“OSLAD funds have been given to communities that are just as affluent as ours for open spaces,” said Schumm. “I want to make sure that after the time we spent, we do have the funding available.”

The board will meet again on Feb. 11 to vote on the purchase