Workshop 3 Recap

On June 17, the Vision Kendall team visited the Village of Newark to host our third public workshop at the Charles B. Phillips Public Library. Special thanks to the Library District for helping to promote the event! This workshop focused on southwest Kendall County, including Big Grove, Fox, Kendall, and Lisbon Townships.

The evening began with a project overview presentation, highlighting the purpose and scope of the Comprehensive Plan, introducing team members, and showcasing the project website along with its interactive engagement tools. Attendees participated in a live poll using their phones to share their experiences living in Kendall County and respond to preliminary vision ideas. The presentation also covered key facts about the County, including trends in demographics, employment, housing, education, and natural resources.

Attendees actively engaged in a lively discussion and shared valuable insights that will help shape future land use and development strategies for the area. Key takeaways included:

• Kendall County is in transition—from a historically rural community to one with increasing suburban development. Residents noted the unique blend of peaceful farmland and vibrant suburban life.
• Participants appreciate the County’s natural assets, such as forest preserves and the Fox River, and enjoy frequenting local restaurants and bars.
• As growth continues, attendees expressed concern about balancing new development with rural character, preserving natural resources, and addressing high property taxes.
• Looking ahead 10–15 years, many hope to see continued farmland and natural areas preservation, a stronger local economy, and a broader property tax base.
• There is interest in expanding agritourism and leveraging agricultural resources to attract visitors and generate tax revenue.
• New residents in rural areas are encouraged to better understand how these communities function and respect local traditions.
• Improving safety, connectivity, and accessibility for students traveling between home and school—particularly along streets and railroad crossings—was also a major concern.
• Some expressed concern that large-scale developments—such as data centers and industrial facilities—may place significant demands on local water and electricity supplies, emphasizing the need for managed or controlled growth.
• Proposed solar farms have raised concerns due to their impact on fertile farmland and the lack of limits on their size.
• Participants recommended analyzing existing conditions by township, noting that demographic trends and community needs can vary significantly across the County.

Next Steps

The planning team will continue hosting public workshops—One in Oswego Township and one in Plano. Additionally, we’ll have a pop-up booth at the National Night Out event hosted by the Kendall County Sheriff’s Office. Please join us at whichever event works best for you!

Share Your Input Online

Can’t attend in person? You can still get involved through our interactive tools:

Comment map: https://helloinput.org/vision-kendall-comprehensive-plan

Quick survey:

Help shape the future of Kendall County—we want to hear from you!

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