by Susan O’Neill
ELBURN—The village of Elburn continues its attempts to complete infrastructure improvements left undone by B&B Enterprises within the Blackberry Creek Subdivision.
Village staff in February 2010 began working through the legal process to compel the bond company to complete the roadways within the subdivision. The village has bonds in place through B&B’s insurer to cover the cost of completing the roadways.
Village Attorney Bob Britz on Monday gave the Village Board an update on discussions he has had with the attorney for the bond company.
According to Public Works Superintendent John Nevenhoven, there are a number of streets within the Blackberry Creek subdivision that need a second layer of asphalt in order to keep the exposed layer from decaying. In addition, the stormwater and wastewater pipes have not been maintained during the last several years, which will eventually lead to silt or dirt getting into the pipes.
Nevenhoven said that the village realized in late 2009 or early 2010 that B&B had not completed the infrastructure work in Blackberry Creek. He said that, although discussions between Britz and the bond company’s attorney were taking place, BMO Harris, the bank that had foreclosed on the property, had not responded to the village’s attempts to reach them.
According to Nevenhoven, B&B had worked out a five-year wetlands restoration plan with the Army Core of Engineers. However, by year two, B&B had backed off, and by year three, had stopped doing anything, he said. Although the wetlands planting around the detention pond took place, the developer has done nothing further to maintain the open space or the detention ponds.
Britz’s recommendation to the board on Monday was to cite the bank with an ordinance violation.
