TLC - Development in McHenry County

In a rapidly developing County like McHenry where there are also abundant high quality natural resources, there are going to be situations where development occurs adjacent to natural resources like rivers, wetlands and woods.

Increasingly, communities are requiring that developers set these areas aside to preserve the resources and to provide passive open space areas for community residents. But, the question keeps coming up:

Who will care for these places long-term? A Homeowners’ Association? Local Government? Hired contractors? Or, maybe The Land Conservancy of McHenry County.

With encouragement from local governments and regulatory agencies, The Land Conservancy (TLC) has stepped up to fill this critical niche and help ensure that these resources will be an asset to our communities forever.

Developments that incorporate natural areas, trails, etc. tend to sell more quickly and put their communities at a competitive advantage over other developments. A survey by Professional Builder magazine found that nearly 90 percent of buyers said they would pay extra for green features in a development.
Developers create positive public relations and avoid and/or lessen negative reactions to their projects.
There is a growing, emerging market interested in conservation-based development. Several national surveys, including some by American LIVES and the National Association of Realtors, show that homebuyers think natural open space, trails, and native plants are extremely important in their housing choice.
Health and wellness lifestyles are becoming an increasingly important market niche.
Homes in master-planned communities with protected open space appreciate in value more than homes in large-lot conventional subdivisions, which positively impacts resale value.

Long-term management of natural areas, including wetland mitigation sites.
On-going outreach to subdivision residents to inform them about the natural resources in their community.
Management of neighbor encroachment and boundary violations
Security of knowing that the open space areas will be monitored and managed in perpetuity by a qualified, responsible organization.

Conservation easement placed on the open space areas
Up-front endowment for future legal defense of the easement
Annual management fee paid either through a SSA or income from a Stewardship Endowment
Easement boundary signs
Management plan for the open space areas, including up-front restoration that will take place prior to our assuming management responsibility

Our communities are stronger economically and healthier for all residents if we have open land among us.