I read Annie Gowen’s May 13 article headlined “Look beyond the house to ensure a home, sweet home” with much interest. In the article, the author stresses that potential homeowners should research the surrounding property, particularly the zoning, before committing to the purchase of a new home. Otherwise, homeowners may be surprised by the emergence of office buildings, shopping centers or even gravel pits on previously unfettered nearby property.
Unfortunately, there are a multitude of homeowners in unincorporated McHenry County who were surprised to find that Vulcan Materials Co. is interested in developing a gravel-mining operation on properties currently zoned for residential one-acre estate and light-industrial use. The parcels in question total approximately 369 acres, indicating that many residents would be virtually surrounded by a gravel pit. Residents throughout the area are faced with a potential decrease in property values as well as a general erosion of the quality of life resulting from increased noise, traffic and dust. Apparently, no amount of research can absolutely guarantee that land will be developed according to existing land-use plans.
