Despite intense opposition from nearby residents, Wauconda officials have eased the way for a developer to build more than 200 houses on the site of what was once a popular apple orchard.
Even after residents weighed in with a petition opposing the project, the village amended its comprehensive plan earlier this month to allow even denser housing at the former Wauconda Orchards.
Fearing increased traffic and an end to their rural way of life, homeowners have hired an attorney to try to block the proposal by Meridian Development Corp. of Lake Forest as well as a second proposal for an 800-home subdivision next door.
“We are doing everything to stop this,” said Beth Hampel, who owns an 8-acre horse farm near the orchard with her husband, Lee.
If the development is not stopped, she said, homes could be erected 100 feet from their barn.
The Hampels were among 1,400 neighbors who signed petitions last year opposing more housing construction in the village.
Meridian has proposed a 130-acre project known as Orchard Hills. Their plan calls for 217 homes, including 57 townhouses, village officials said.
Residents told the Village Board they don’t think the village can adequately supply more residents with sewer and water services. The village would need to expand its sewage-treatment plant for the subdivisions, officials say.
Residents also said they are concerned about traffic.
The Village Board formally accepted the petitions last year, and officials said they are considering the concerns.
Wauconda Orchards closed last year after 50 years as a popular attraction for families and schoolchildren. The orchard recently auctioned off its remaining odds and ends, including lanterns, picking pails and old photographs. Large wicker baskets and wooden apple barrels and crates stood stacked tall against the wall, ready to be bought.
Rick Breeden, owner of Wauconda Orchards, said he sees the development plans as a sign of progress. He moved the business to 581 Bonner Rd., where his family will operate Wauconda Orchards and the newly acquired Brans Nuts Co. A retail store will be open by summer to sell fruit, cider, pies and nuts.
“Times change, and we are moving along with those times,” Breeden said.
Town and Country Homes of Lombard has proposed a subdivision of 800 homes next to Orchard Hills. Both developers have yet to submit formal plans to the Village Board for approval, and neither has indicated when it might do so.
On March 5, the board voted to amend its comprehensive plan, which restricted houses in the Wauconda Orchards area to 1-acre lots. The new restriction allows two homes per acre, said Fred Dierker, village administrator.
The next step is for the developers to submit formal plans. Nothing can be built until the village approves those plans.
