Buffalo Grove Opposes Reservoir Plan for Didier Farms

Buffalo Grove trustees united Monday in opposition to a plan to convert Didier Farms into a reservoir.

Trustees voted 5-0 to adopt a resolution opposing a plan by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to use the family-run farm and adjacent Hoffmann property in a proposed flood mitigation project. The sixth trustee, Steve Trilling, was not in attendance. 

“The proposed conversion of the Didier Property and Hoffmann Property to a 550 acre-foot reservoir would have a deleterious effect on the subject property, adjoining properties, the essential character of the locality and the community as a whole,” their resolution reads.

The resolution also urges the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission and the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District “to consider alternative flood mitigation measures and locations.”

It will be sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which is accepting feedback on its proposal through Oct. 2.

The village is working with Lake County, the Buffalo Grove Park District and School District 102 to "solidify positions on the proposal," Village Manager Dane Bragg said. 

The Didier family is not interested in selling its land, owner John Didier told Patch. But should its farming days come to an end, Buffalo Grove has long planned to annex the unincorporated property, which it has designated for future residential, commercial and open space. 

The Hoffmann family, which leases much of its property to Didier Farms, revealed plans this summer to annex to Buffalo Grove and sell its land to a housing developer. “That property is in its due diligence period,” Bragg said.

Related:

• Family Begs: ‘Help Save Didier Farms’
• Farm Owners Hope to Sell Land to Developer, Annex to Buffalo Grove