Residential developers who want to build in Deerfield soon could be required to make land or cash contributions to offset the financial drain the new housing will have on local governments.
The proposed impact-fee ordinance comes at a time when the Deerfield area is faced with the possibility of several new residential developments, including a 650-unit development proposed for the 50-acre tract that was the site of a Sara Lee manufacturing plant.
“Although the village in the past has negotiated developer contributions, a formal policy should be established at this time,” Mayor Bernard Forrest said.
The ordinance is scheduled to be voted on at the Sept. 7 Village Board meeting. In the meantime, the village staff will work with the various local governments, including schools, fire and park districts, to try set a fee schedule that is fair, Forrest said.
