Geneva City Council has just approved an annexation agreement for a new industrial park on the city’s east side.

The MIF Geneva Park project involves a little over 200 acres of vacant land on the southwest quadrant of Roosevelt Road and Kautz Road. It’s worth checking out this project narrative from the developer if you’re interested in details.

For clarity’s sake, Midwest Industrial Funds (MIF) recently rebranded as MWI Property Group. Same company, just a different name.

MWI has proposed eight to 12 manufacturing warehouses that will take up about 2.5M square feet. The project will require $20M worth of road and other infrastructure work and include the creation of a wetland conservation area.

MIF submitted its original plans for this in 2022, eventually prompting Geneva residents to launch a campaign to save 300-year-old trees on the property from destruction for the new development. That campaign proved unsuccessful.

In favor: The mayor and City Council members who voted for approval said that the project will create jobs, foster economic development and expand the city’s tax base.

Pushing back: Officials against the project argued that the area doesn’t need more warehouses and cited the passionate resident campaign to save the trees. Others wanted the wetland conservation area to be made available to the public (it will not be under the current proposal).

📺 Watch the City Council meeting.

Let me tell you a short story.

The roof whisperers at 212° Construction Group have orchestrated this story — in some form or fashion — countless times over the years. Trust them the next time you tackle your roof.

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☑️ Fraud awareness: Phone scammers in Kane County are pretending to be deputies, telling residents they missed jury duty and demanding money.

☑️ Flag update: Following a resident's request to fly a religious flag at City Hall, Batavia has adopted a new official flag policy.

☑️ New state bean: It’s looking like the “giant puffball mushroom” is about to become Illinois’ newest (and perhaps oddest looking) state symbol.

🔒 TIF debate: Several hundred people attended a Sugar Grove hearing to protest plans to build a mixed-use development on 800+ acres of farmland near I-88 and Route 47.

☑️ Talkin’ economics: Kane County is launching a partnership to coordinate economic development efforts, track market trends and promote/support local businesses. Learn more in this video.

☑️ Laugh & give back: The Comedy Vault has teamed up with Chip In Batavia to launch a summer school supply drive that rewards contributors with a free night of laughter and fun.

☑️ Fine free: Starting July 1, the Batavia Public Library will eliminate late fees — but cards will be blocked if materials are 21 days overdue.

🔒 Free parking: Per a new agreement with the city, the general public can now use the St. Charles Library’s parking lot from 8PM-2AM on Fridays and 5PM-4AM on Saturdays.

☑️️ Skills on display: Three local stars-in-the-making braved the rain at Swedish Days on Thursday to take home first, second and third in the annual “Geneva’s Got Talent” show.

☑️ Road work ahead: The Kautz Road reconstruction and widening project in Geneva is underway, so make sure to use caution and follow detours when navigating that area.

This week won’t be quite as busy as last week (Swedish Days is over, after all), but there are still plenty of mid-week performances to peruse.

Note: We don’t include Elburn establishments in the weekly live music roundup, but I have to call out Obscurity Brewing’s beer garden venue. We checked it out for the first time on Saturday night and it’s a vibe. They have shows every Friday/Saturday.

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✳️ Affordable meal delivery: At about $5 per serving, Entrée Kitchen is a no-brainer for time-strapped folks looking to eat well this summer. Use code FreeDeliveryTCC for free delivery of 4 entrees or more through 7/31.

☑️️ Homegrown artisans: Brick-and-mortar businesses that make their products locally can now be nominated for the “Made in St. Charles” program’s third year.

☑️️ Podcast ep: The owner of Jeans & A Cute Top Shop joined the “What’s Up St. Charles” podcast to talk fashion, passion and the STC business scene.

🔒 World-class beer: The founder of Brother Chimp Brewing says he was “flabbergasted” when the beloved local microbrewery won a gold medal in the 2024 World Beer Cup.

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☑️ 2024 Summer Party | Wed 6/26, 5-9PM | Revelry 675, Batavia | Celebrate the season with a food trucks, a DJ and a cash bar plus a waterslide and bounce house for the kiddos.

☑️ Late Night Swim | Wed 6/26, 7-9PM | Mill Creek Pool, Geneva | These long, warm June nights ain’t gonna last forever.

☑️ Connect with Council | Thurs 6/27, 6-8PM | St. Charles | Catch up in person with STC City Council Ward 2 Alderpeople (is that a word?) Jayme Muenz and Ryan Bongard.

🎟️ Garfield Farm & Tavern Museum Tour | Thurs 7/4, 7-8:30M | Garfield Farm, Campton Hills | Learn about historic local barns and their role in the area’s heritage.

🎟️ Great Western Freedom 4 | July 4, 8AM | LeRoy Oaks Forest Preserve, STC | A 4-mile run and 2-mile walk supporting Lazarus House.

🌤️ Today: High 88F | Low 70F | Hot + sun

🌩️ Tuesday: High 90F | Low 67F | Storms likely

🌤️ Wednesday: High 81F | Low 57F | Less humidity

🌤️ Thursday: High 78F | Low 60F | Super comfortable

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