St. Charles officials will get a first look on Monday at a new feasibility study exploring redevelopment options for a prominent downtown riverfront property: the former police station site at the corner of Riverside Avenue and State Avenue.

The site — which has been vacant since 2019 — occupies a key stretch of the east bank of the Fox River. Planners describe it as a focal point linking the recreational open space of Pottawatomie Park to the north with Main Street, City Hall, and the historic downtown district to the south. 

Consultants outlined several possible redevelopment directions for the site, ranging from public open space, entertainment, and restaurant uses to residential, hotel, and mixed-use concepts. As part of the study, they evaluated each option for market feasibility, public access, and long-term community benefit.

In the agenda memo, officials emphasized that Monday’s Planning and Development Meeting presentation is informational only (no votes will be taken) but that the study provides a framework for how one of downtown’s most visible parcels could evolve in the years ahead.

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For nearly four decades, the Rotary Club of Batavia Raffle has been more than a chance to win — it’s a way to fuel positive projects in the community. Since 1988, the raffle has returned over $1 million to support charities and nonprofits across the Tri-Cities.

For example, here’s how they’ve partnered with the Batavia United Way. When you buy a ticket, you’re not just entering to win — you’re directly helping organizations that strengthen our community every day.

☑️ Historic building: Batavia officials will consider a proposal to demolish the long-vacant former Ethan Allen building on Route 31 — with preservation, redevelopment, and downtown character as potential discussion points.

☑️ Project update: The developers behind the Fox Haven Square development in St. Charles shared an update on construction progress with some behind-the-scenes footage of how the restaurant and entertainment venues are coming along.

☑️ Stay vigilant: Kane County officials are warning residents about renewed phone scams in which callers impersonate law enforcement or court officials and demand money or personal information for fake jury duty or arrest warrants. Learn what to watch for.

☑️ Intersection incident: A 21-year-old Burbank woman was cited for failure to yield after a crash last week at Randall Road and McKee Street in Batavia that hospitalized three people, including one who was seriously injured.

☑️ Digital convenience: St. Charles residents can now manage their utility bills, track usage, and make payments from their phones through the city’s new mobile app.

☑️ State Street update: East State Street in Geneva will be limited to one lane in each direction this week in the general vicinity of East Side Drive. Plan accordingly.

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☑️ Hometown hero: The Batavia Chamber is now accepting nominations for its 2026 Citizen of the Year — an annual honor recognizing a local resident whose lifelong service and volunteerism have made a lasting impact in the community.

☑️ Hydration station: A $10K donation from the late Sylvia Snyder’s estate funded a new dog water fountain outside Kane County Animal Control on Keslinger in Geneva, giving pets and their owners a convenient spot to cool off along the nearby trail.

🔒 Game changer: St. Charles North senior Reese Thomas’ “Connect More Club,” which brings students and senior residents together through board games, has gone viral and inspired more than 300 similar clubs in 35 states.

☑️ Moms support: Chapelstreet Church has seen growing interest in its programs that support mothers in different stages of parenting, which feature guest speakers, small-group discussions, and guidance on topics such as parenting and marriage.

☑️ October classes: Water Street Studios in Batavia is offering a month of creative fall workshops — from watercolor and collage to pumpkin carving — inviting the community to come in and create art together throughout October.

☑️ North Star shines: A St. Charles North senior was honored as an Under Armour Volleyball All-American, recognizing her among the top 28 high school players in the nation before she heads to play at Penn State next year.

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Finally made it out to Squire Ale House over the weekend — one of the few local spots that features live music most days every week.

Kicking myself for missing out on patio season though…that outdoor space looks fantastic.

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Diet and exercise are super important, but there’s an underrated ingredient to a healthy lifestyle that folks often fail to consider.

It’s feeling connected to other people.

That’s what Strongoo in Geneva is all about. And over the next few weeks, they’ve lined up a series of free events to fit that theme — from game night and deep discussions to a book club and even a “Howl-o-ween” dog costume party.

In a world that feels increasingly chaotic, here’s a place you can slow down and belong.

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☑️ Something’s brewing: Brother Chimp Brewing will be celebrating the grand opening of its new St. Charles location — in the former D and G Brewing space — this Friday (10/17) with live music, limited releases, and more. Stay tuned for more details on Thursday.

☑️ New chapter: A Rooted Home is expanding from its Batavia Boardwalk shop into a larger space at 237 W. Wilson Street, creating room for more curated collections, gatherings, and community connection. See the owner’s announcement.

🔒 Success story: After turning her passion for antiques into a business, a resourceful Geneva resident has grown Little Red Barn Door from an online side hustle into a popular downtown boutique known for home decor, gifts, and seasonal collections.

✳️ Halloween hub: We’re midway through October, which means spooky season is in full swing. From Halloween decorations to autumn candles and even a cauldron serving set, Urban Artisan has a nice selection of seasonal favorites. Shop local!

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Kane County — including this $1M riverfront property on Route 31 in St. Charles with a picturesque garden, patio, and gazebo overlooking the Fox River.

☑️ Local obits: Recent obituaries posted by Tri-Cities funeral homes.

☑️ City meetings:

☑️ Police reports: View police reports and arrest logs for Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles and Campton Hills.

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☑️ School concerts: Several concert performances from high school and middle school students are coming up at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre this week. Get the details.

🎟️ Syrup Making Class | Tues 10/14, 4-5:30PM | Maple Leaf Coffee House, STC | Learn how to make tasty syrup from scratch with natural ingredients.

☑️ BBQ Fundraiser | Wed 10/15, 4-6PM | Unity of Fox Valley, Batavia | Grab a drive-thru BBQ meal while supporting a good cause.

☑️ Escape to Paradise | Thurs 10/16, 5-8PM | The Alchemist, Geneva | Kick back with tropical cocktails and Pan-Asian cuisine.

🎟️ Spirits & Smoke Experience | Thurs 10/16, 6-8PM | Chi-cuterie, Geneva | Enjoy fine cigars paired perfectly with local beers and delicious spirits.

🎟️ Great Pumpkin Pizza Night | Fri 10/17, 5:30-8:30PM | Rustic Road Farm, Elburn | Dig into a farm-fresh pizza dinner with live music, a bonfire, and a pumpkin carving.

☑️ Moto-Octo Festival | Fri 10/17-Sun 10/19 | STC Motorcycle Museum & Art Gallery | Engines, food/beer vendors, and live music all weekend long.

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