Hi All!!

The Ponds of Hobson West Open Space Committee

PROGRESS!

On October 30, 2006 the city sent a letter to me (and I believe to everyone else who testified) concerning the progress on this subject. The above committee includes City, Park District and Conservation Foundation staff. They had their first meeting on October 27.

The purpose of the committee is to:

- Assess the existing conditions of the property

- Investigate funding options, federal, state, and local

- Discuss long term maintenance if purchased

During the first meeting a number of items were discussed:

- The various state programs - one could provide $750,000 and requires local matching funds - Will contact the DuPage Forest Preserve District - will contact state and federal elected officials

- Park District - possibility of providing $250,000

- Started researching what other programs and agencies there are that may have funds

- Will develop a statement about the uniqueness of the property.

- The Conservation Foundation's Buy and Hold program (a description is in the PDF I can send you)

- Will explore the site used for stormwater needs.

- The possibility of setting up a Special Service Area (increase in property taxes) and/or request homeowner contributions to a special fund

If you want a copy of the transmittal please email me and I will forward the 250K PDF to you.

Doug Dallmer