In response to last week’s poll about the denied Charles Farm development, you voiced strong support for the decision. About 83% of readers said they were thrilled:

There’s clearly a general feeling of relief and satisfaction — and a preference among residents to preserve the rural and historic character of the area.

Many in favor of the denial felt that the Charles Farm project posed a significant threat to the community’s identity, citing concerns about overdevelopment, loss of green space, overburdened school districts and the erosion of historical context.

The following quotes offer a representative sample of the sentiment from the “thrilled” group:

The feedback included a recurring call for long-term planning efforts that protect both the environment and the cultural heritage of the Fox Valley area.

At the same time, a smaller (but notable) portion of respondents in the “it’s complicated” group acknowledged the potential benefits of development, particularly in terms of housing and economic growth.

Some suggested that while the proposal may have been flawed in scale and scope, future projects could perhaps strike a better balance between growth and preservation. While many locals are eager to protect what makes this area unique, these comments indicate that they may also recognize the need for more thoughtful development in the future.

The few respondents who expressed disappointment seemed to view it as a missed opportunity. These folks lamented a chance for growth — particularly in creating new, lower-cost housing options for families and seniors.

To sum up that group’s sentiment, one reader pointed out: “I’m sure many long-time Tri-Cities residents would like to downsize to a ranch home and be relieved of shoveling and cutting grass while keeping a local address.”

_{LOCAL SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT}

The professional contractors at 212° Construction Group don't just get the job done — they deliver top-notch results that are as stylish as they are functional.

💥 These before & after photos showcase a kitchen transformation unfolding in one of their recent remodeling projects — resulting in a stunning finished product. From roofs and decks to siding and kitchens, they’re the Tri-Cities’ go-to contractors for a reason.

☑️ Dam delay: During its meeting on Tuesday (9/24), a Batavia committee will discuss a recommendation to postpone design engineering for dam removal due to pending environmental studies and other issues.

☑️ Mini crime spree: A 44-year-old man faces charges for infiltrating the St. Charles public works facility, stealing a utility truck and crashing it through a gate. He then stole a separate vehicle and set it on fire.

☑️ Not going quietly: Verizon Wireless has sued the City of Geneva following the city council's decision to deny a permit for a new wireless communications tower near Eagle Brook.

☑️ Revenue generators: Kane County voters will be asked to weigh in on a sales tax increase in April 2025 and a potential property tax rate hike for the Forest Preserve District in November 2024.

☑️ Civic service: Geneva is seeking candidates for the vacant 5th Ward alderperson seat following the resignation of Craig Maladra.

☑️ Road work updates: The Third Street railroad crossing in Geneva will now reopen on October 4. Kautz Road in Geneva and St. Charles will be limited to one southbound lane starting today (9/23).

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ National spotlight: Fabyan Forest Preserve in Geneva graces the cover of the newly released Enjoy Illinois Magazine, which highlights the Fox River Valley as a unique tourism destination.

☑️ Pickle palooza: The Batavia Park District is celebrating the opening of new pickleball courts at West Main Community Park with a ceremony and tournaments on October 5. Tournament registration is open.

☑️ Area Code Batavia: This podcast episode features Ruth and Edward Tousana — long-time members of Logan Street Missionary Baptist Church — who discuss their lives in town and the challenges they’ve faced as Black Batavians.

☑️ Paying respects: St. Charles announced the passing of retired police officer Chris Grove who had been struggling with ALS.

☑️ Pumped up: St. Charles recently celebrated the opening of the new Lift Station at Riverside Avenue. Get a visual tour of the facility and learn more about the project itself.

🔒 Fixing the flow: After a fire truck was unable to access a local cul-de-sac, Geneva officials amended the city code to prohibit parking on a portion of Evernia Court.

If you’ve made mid-week live music outings part of your summer routine, make sure to venture out on Wednesday or Thursday once the rain has passed. I expect the list of weekly performances to get shorter as we ease into October.

Here’s every performance in the Tri-Cities this week including a special Beat Cancer Benefit Concert at Moonlight Theatre on Thursday.

The 🔒 icon indicates a potential paywall.

☑️ Restaurant departure: After an 11-month stint, Nacho Burger will be leaving its space next to Bien Trucha in Geneva to seek out a permanent home.

☑️ Corrections catalyst: Kane County has launched an innovative new SBDC program that helps local jail detainees start small businesses — aiming to minimize repeat offenses and boost the local economy.

🔒 Sweet stories: This Shaw Local article showcases how Hey Sugar and All Chocolate Kitchen (both in Geneva) as well as Dear Donuts and Mochii Donut (both in St. Charles) bolster the local dessert scene.

The 🎟️ symbol indicates an admission fee.

☑️️ Astronomical Curiosities, Eclipses, Auroras & Meteor Showers | Tues 9/24, 7:30-9:30PM | Creek Bend Nature Center, STC | Learn from the experts about these phenomena and view the night sky through a telescope.

🎟️ A Tale of Beatrix Potter | Wed 9/25, 9-11AM | The Little Traveler, Geneva | See an entertaining portrayal of the beloved children’s author and illustrator.

☑️️ Death-Defying Acts: The History of the Circus | Wed 9/25, 1-2:30PM | Norris Cultural Arts Center, STC | William Pack leads a storytelling journey through the fascinating history of the circus.

🎟️ The Dinner Party: Fall Fête | Wed 9/25, 6-9PM | The Hallow Traveler, Batavia | A delicious curated dinner, cocktails and conversation.

🎟️ Improv Night w/ Nightmoose | Thurs 9/26, 8PM | Arcada Theatre, STC | Audience suggestions and long-form improv combine for an unforgettable night.

🎟️ Charity Bag Toss Tournament | Sat 9/28, 1-6PM | First Congregational Church of Geneva | Cornhole games, snacks, raffles and more.

🎟️ Fall Classic Canoe Race | Sun 9/29, 8AM | Ferson Creek Park, STC | A BYOB (bring your own boat) canoe/kayak race on the Fox River.

☑️ Local home sales: See recent property sales for Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles — including this $1.7M mansion on Fox Glen Drive in St. Charles.

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

🌧️ Today: High 71F | Low 55F | Clouds n’ drizzle

🌧️ Tuesday: High 66F | Low 50F | Need this rain

🌤️ Wednesday: High 73F | Low 50F | Fall beauty

🌤️ Thursday: High 75F | Low 51F | Mostly sunny

✅ Not signed up yet? Subscribe here.

🚀 Interested in advertising? Get more info here.

If you enjoy Tri-Cities Central, please spread the word and/or leave a review!