Vote April 1, 2025

I have proven economic development is more than a campaign slogan on my watch, it is my passion. 

In 2022, residential growth and commercial growth was 87% higher than when I took office in May 2021 at $287,558,857, of which $224,584,485 (78%) was new commercial and light industrial construction. 

It is crucial that we continue to see balanced growth across all sectors, which has been consistent in my first term that there has been growth in business, industrial, and residential growth.

When I was elected Village President/Mayor, there were 261 spaces available for public parking. In less than four years, the Village of Huntley(VOH) has expanded to 643 parking spots within 900 feet of the center of the square. From the farthest lot, 70% of those spaces are within 400 ft of the square. 

We are always looking at properties to expand our public parking. With that being said, staff has monitored parking utilization. On average weekend hours, there is 40% of current parking available. When there are special events, downtown parking does become a temporary issue. 

We continue to evaluate parking and look for the fiscally responsible solution. I’ve walked downtown and we continue to adjust as we can. For example, we added the 10 spots near D.C. Cobbs that we did not initially identify in planning. To provide perspective, the average cost to create a parking stall is $10,000.00 per spot, including land acquisition and parking lot construction, but not including maintenance.

The Village of Huntley has done an exceptional job planning for our future growth, which started 30+ years ago. We have made it a priority that growth pays for growth, which I stress to potential developers during negotiations. The Village has been fortunate enough to have our infrastructure in place years prior to it making an impact. 

For example, District 158(D158) has also planned for growth and the VOH and D158 are in constant communication as community partners as we evaluate new developments. Huntley High School’s (HHS) largest total enrollment was 3,101 students at one point, meaning classes sizes averaged around 776+/- students per class. The 2025 graduating class has 718 students with a total enrollment 2,733 students. Our kindergarten class this year is 485 students, so we have room for this new growth. Many of the developments that are in front of the Board over the last 4 years have been planned for over the last 20 years and often are less dense than they were originally entitled to be. 

First, it is an important perspective that there is someone who wants to make an additional investment in Huntley. They are believing Huntley is the right fit for further investment.

Secondly, if a retailer or business finds a piece of property that is properly zoned for their business and their plans follow our design guidelines, the Board cannot legally reject the Proposal. The role of the Board is not to determine who will or will not be successful, but the Board’s role is to ensure the retailer or business is compliant with zoning and design guidelines. 

The Village continues to reach out to various retailers and business for years, as well as utilizing consultants, to attract new businesses, sit down restaurants, and new retailers. The Village is in the process of updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan and have made zoning adjustments where we can to encourage new economic growth.