Last Thursday, we asked you — the esteemed readers of Tri-Cities Central — to share your thoughts on the local cost of living.

More than 300 of you responded, and the results offered a clear point of view. Roughly three in four respondents said the Tri-Cities are getting out of reach for people who aren't already established here.

The remaining responses were split, with only about 10% saying the area is "still affordable compared to the broader Chicago suburbs." Taken in full, the comments tell a more nuanced story, touching on rental costs, property taxes, and a recurring worry about whether the next generation can afford to stay here.

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☑️ West Main vision: Batavia officials voted to recommend letting the school district purchase 812 Main Street for storage purposes — despite some objections that the move will harm the city's redevelopment vision in the West Town area.

☑️ Development debate: The Campton Hills Joint Review Board backed a $90M TIF district for the 900-home LaFox of Campton Hills development — but park, library, and county officials warned the tax freeze could cost their districts significantly.

☑️ Voting resources: With Election Day (Tuesday 3/17) nearly upon us, here’s one last reminder to check out the Kane County Clerk’s elections hub for candidate info, voting locations, sample ballots, and even results once they start rolling in.

☑️ Passing the test: Elburn retested its drinking water after a PFAS compound showed up in a December sample — and both follow-up tests came back clean. Get the details.

☑️ Intersection incident: A driver was hospitalized and cited after failing to yield on a left turn caused a two-car crash late last week at Randall Road and Wilson Street in Batavia.

☑️ Prepare for delays: Work is about to ramp up on East State Street in Geneva as IDOT kicks off a multi-year reconstruction project next week that will bring substantial lane closures and congestion through late 2027.