Algonquin-Cary Subarea Plan

Click here for a transcription of the video. 

Plan Overview 

• Presents an opportunity to restore and develop land along Route 31 after decades of sand and gravel mining. 
• Will empower the Villages, residents, business owners, and potential investors to make informed decisions in order to implement the vision for the area.  
  

Area Assets 

• Hoffman Park, Fox Bluff Conservation Area, the Fox River, and Cary Lake at Rotary Park 
• Abundant mineral resources 
• Residential neighborhoods 
• Downtown Algonquin

Community Engagement 

• Received input from over 800 people – including residents, business owners, open space managers, and community leaders.  
• Heard interest in creating a unique recreation and entertainment destination, protecting natural resources, and allowing development that makes the best use of the lakes while limiting neighborhood impacts. 

Click here for a transcription of the video. 

Vision statement

By 2035, the Algonquin-Cary Subarea will be a unique destination that brings the communities together and enhances surrounding neighborhoods. The planning area will connect to downtown Algonquin and Cary, the Prairie Trail, Fox Bluff Conservation Area, the Fox River, and nearby communities through a comprehensive transportation network. Restoration of the mining areas will create vibrant and serene places that balance natural areas, recreation amenities, and new development. As the Subarea transforms over time, new improvements will continue to enhance the area’s connectivity to the surrounding community and maintain its delicate balance of land uses. 

In order to achieve this vision, the plan provides eight design principles to help guide future restoration, development, and infrastructure decisions: 

1. Expanding parks, open space, and recreation
2. Pursuing compact and walkable development 
3. Protecting natural resources  
4. Orienting new development toward the water  
5. Buffering existing neighborhoods from new development and parking 
6. Connecting to the surrounding communities  
7. Displaying the history of mining operations in future development 
8. Incorporating market and fiscal realities into development and infrastructure decisions  

Click here for a transcription of the video. 

Cary Lake at Rotary Park  

• New trails will be constructed that connect to Hoffman Park. 
• Preliminary plans include adding a swimming beach, amphitheater, and mountain bike course over the long term.
• Future amenities should be designed to reduce their environmental impact and protect the lake. 
  

New development

• Potential for higher density housing along Route 31 and lower densities near existing neighborhoods based on market study. 
• Commercial development could occur in the future -- clustering recreational businesses near park entrances is recommended. 
• Use native trees and plantings to buffer homes from new development.
  

Hoffman Park 

• Create a market-feasible site plan for the property along Route 31. 
• Continue protection and restoration of wetlands and other valuable natural resources.
  

Damisch Farm

• Potential for new commercial businesses near the Crystal Lake Walmart. 
• Use tree and plant buffers between development and Hoffman Park and the Cambria subdivision. 
• Extend New Haven Drive through the site to provide local access. 

Click here for a transcription of the video. 

Redevelopment of mining area 

• Gravel mining will likely cease over the next few years. 
• Land near the lake may support a mix of housing types, which could drive demand for commercial development near Route 31.   
• Ideas shared by the public include a nature preserve, a recreation area or adventure park, lakefront condos, a wedding venue, and businesses with outdoor seating.    
• Plan recommends developing a fiscally-responsible redevelopment site plan that incorporates trails and open space, recreation, and protection of the lakes. 
  

Fox Bluff Conservation Area

• Long-term plan to restore habitat, construct new amenities, and create opportunities for education, events, and camping at former Camp Algonquin. 
• Fox Bluff could help attract new residential development to the area. 
• Conservation and restoration of prairie and oak woodlands on the mining site can enhance wildlife habitat in Fox Bluff and across the region. 

Click here for a transcription of the video. 

Redevelopment of mining areas

• Mining activities could last 10 or more years. 
• Future development will depend on the real estate market potential at the time. 
• Plan recommends a market study to assess the potential for office, light industrial, or other uses and the development of a site plan that protects sensitive natural resources.  
  

Prairie Trail connections

• Many would like to see this area connected to the Prairie Trail, which will require coordination with various jurisdictions and property owners.  
• Feasibility, timeline, and trail alignment will depend current mining activities, protection of sensitive natural resources, and future redevelopment potential.
  

Area-wide transportation system improvements

The plan recommends:

• Designing new roads and intersections to minimize conflicts between people walking, biking, and driving. 
• Expanding trails and sidepaths to create a continuous system connecting parks and other destinations.  
• New bus service via proposed Crystal Lake – Barrington Road bus route.   
• If a new bridge over the Fox River is needed in the future, providing access for people walking, biking, and driving while sustaining the ecological integrity of Fox Bluff Conservation Area.