🚧 Movement on key Geneva development projects

New information was released last week ahead of this Thursday’s public hearing about the 302 River PUD project in Geneva.

It’s a proposal for a new residential development at the site of the former Geneva Bottling Works plant on 302 North River Lane along the Fox River.

The five-story building would include 126 luxury apartments, parking for 122 vehicles, a 6,000-square-foot riverfront terrace and several other modern amenities.

Other key details:

• The development features 12 townhomes offering more space than the other 114 units.

• The proposal includes the relocation and repurposing of a historic home located at 305 N. First Street (constructed in 1855).

• If approved, demolition of existing structures and tree removal would begin in June. Here’s the rest of the project schedule.

More details on the proposed development and the potential relocation of the historic home can be found in the project narrative.

MWI Property Group development update

A Geneva committee recommended approval of the MIF Geneva Park project that would allow for industrial development of 200+ acres on the city’s east side.

The proposed project includes:

• 2.5M square feet of buildings

• Parking for more than 2K vehicles

• A 40-acre conservancy area on an existing wetland

• The creation of more than 1K jobs and $308M in economic development (according to MWI Property Group, formerly Midwest Industrial Funds)

Here’s a detailed article about the proposed development and background on the ancient oak trees that were demolished last year to pave the way for the project.

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📰 News to use

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☑️ Nonprofit in crisis: The investigation into Geneva’s Marklund Center took a twist when it was revealed that a disabled resident gave birth as a result of sexual abuse at the facility.

🔒 Students against gun violence: Hundreds of Batavia High School students participated in a walk-out protest on Friday to demand stricter gun laws from legislators.

🔒 Anti-logjam law: Following a disruption near O’Hare last week, State Rep. Dan Ugaste from Geneva has proposed a felony penalty for any protesters who block a major roadway.

☑️ Roadwork awareness: Kane County’s key 2024 road projects include a significant reconstruction effort at the ​Fabyan Parkway and Western Avenue intersection.

🔒 Republican convention: The Kane County GOP reelected Andro Lerario — who ran unopposed — to another term as chair.

☑️ Plan for detours: Sewer and water main work will require closing parts of Logan Avenue and South Street in Geneva today and next Tuesday respectively.

🏘️ In the community

☑️ Path of least resistance: Batavia has released some useful maps to help clear up confusion around the bike trail closure and detours due to construction on the wastewater treatment facility.

☑️ Room for growth: As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, TriCity Family Services is hosting a special event on May 17 with a renowned psychotherapist and author.

☑️ Art announcement: You can now see the list of painters, sculptors, photographers and other creators who will participate in the 2024 St. Charles Fine Art Show — including top artists returning from last year.

☑️ Chance to contribute: Kane County is looking for volunteers to help implement its new Climate Action Plan.

☑️ Citizen safety: According to security platform SafeWise, Campton Hills is the safest city in Illinois based on crime data.

🎸 Live music 

Live music has returned to 93 Octane Brewing on Wednesdays and Thursdays. I’m not sure who’s playing this week yet, but I’ll update this page as soon as they announce performers.

Other than that, you’ll find performances at all the usual weekday spots.

🏬 Local biz

☑️ Women-owned shop: Two Batavia businesses — The Hallow Traveler & Fancy Nancy Boards — are joining forces to open a unique shared shop in downtown Batavia with a grand opening party on Friday.

☑️ Hospitality + spirituality: Don’t miss the latest episode of Area Code: Batavia featuring a candid, enlightening conversation with Frank, Diane and Oliver of Sturdy Shelter Brewing.

☑️ New care facility: Westside Children's Therapy announced the opening of its newest location in Geneva. A ribbon cutting will be held today at 11AM.

☑️ Graham’s 318: If you have job openings for bakers, line cooks, baristas, cashiers and/or managers, send leads to [email protected]. The coffee shop is closing on Sunday.

🗓️ Events + things to do

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☑️ Scam Prevention Seminar | Tuesday, 4:30PM | Geneva Library | Learn how seniors and their families can protect against financial scamming. Sadly necessary these days.

☑️ Cicadas — A Periodic Phenomenon | Tuesday, 7-8PM | Batavia Library | Cicadas are evidently going to take over our lives soon, so why not learn about the fascinating creatures?

🎟️ Puzzle Mania | Thursday, 6-8PM | Peck Farm Park, Geneva | Be the first team to finish a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle to win an exciting prize.

🎟️ Hickory Knolls Inside & Out | Thurs & Sat | STC | Learn about our natural area’s fascinating history and modern ecological restoration efforts during separate indoor and outdoor sessions.

☑️ Constellations | Thursday @ 7:30PM; Runs through May 5 | Hunt House Creative Arts Center | Can physics be sexy, accessible and emotionally devastating all at once? This show from Kane Repertory Theatre has the answer!

🎟️ Fox Trot Run/Walk | Saturday, 8AM | Downtown Batavia | Batavia Mothers' Club Foundation presents the Fox Trot 5K/10K race (with youth options as well).

🗞️ From the archives

On yesterday’s date in 1989, a man who shot at four St. Charles police officers was found not guilty after psychiatrists diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia.

🌖 Weather snapshot

⛅ Today: High 66F | Low 35F | Cloudy + warm

🌨️ Tuesday: High 67F | Low 35F | Rain likely

🌤️ Wednesday: High 51F | Low 31F | Bright n’ brisk

🌤️ Thursday: High 60F | Low 44F | Super nice

📖 Thanks for reading

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