Builder wanted massive resi development plus commercial space on 970-acre site in Blackberry Township

St. Charles said "no, thanks" to PulteGroup's proposed Charles Farm development.

The city decided to halt review for the proposed development, following significant pushback from residents and nearby towns, particularly those in La Fox, who feared the project would harm the community's rural way of life, the Daily Herald reported.

Mayor Lora Vitek informed the Atlanta-based developer that there was no desire to proceed with the proposal, after reviewing the initial concept plan and taking into account feedback, along with input from the plan commission and city council members.

The concept plan, which required no formal vote since the project was only in the planning phase, will not be discussed in any future public meetings.

Pulte presented the development to the city's plan commission earlier this month. It sought to annex a large area of unincorporated land west of St. Charles for a 2,000-unit residential project featuring 967 senior living units, 846 single-family homes, 198 townhomes, and 15 acres of commercial development in La Fox.

The location was proposed for a 970-acre site in Blackberry Township, between Elburn and Geneva, south of Route 38 and west of Harley Road in Kane County.

However, community members, business owners and school officials raised concerns about the impact on infrastructure, traffic and school districts. Many also feared that the development would overpopulate the area and alter the small-town charm that residents value.

"We are fortunate to have so many developers and businesses choose St. Charles as a place they want to be. I believe encouraging public discussion around ideas is healthy for our community and integral to maintaining an open process," Vitek said.

Several developments are underway in St. Charles, and dedicating the resources needed to make the Pulte proposal successful "would have been challenging," she said.

Meanwhile, the village board in nearby Sugar Grove recently approved a similar project from Crown Community Development, which will annex 761 acres in Kane County for a master-planned community with residential, retail and office space.