A Tale of Two Cities

It seems like every time I meet with officials from Sugar Grove I get a throbbing headache. I just can't understand how two communities so close to each other physically can be so diametrically opposed philosophically.

I'm talking about the subject of growth. In Elburn, the topic of growth is painful. We believe that growth is not paying it's own way. Why would we need all these referendums if it was? And, because of that, we're trying every tactic we can think of to "keep a lid" on the growth coming to Elburn.

In Sugar Grove, the attitude is exactly the opposite. Sugar Grove officials tell me they want the growth, and they want it now. They say things like, let's get it "kick-started." Let's get it "jump-started." Let's find "creative ways" to make our town grow faster.

They believe that the faster they build rooftops, the quicker they will achieve commercial success. And when the business prosperity arrives, then they will be able to afford all the services they need for the people that have moved there. It's a big bet on an uncertain future, and in spite of the faulty logic, I truly hope it works out for them.

That being said, these differences in growth attitudes are well and good. That is, if Elburn and Sugar Grove weren't in the same school district. When it comes to schools, if Sugar Grove sneezes, Elburn gets a cold. Sugar Grove officials say the schools aren't their problem. They say Kaneland gets impact fees from Sugar Grove, and that should be enough. Obviously, it is not.

Our Kaneland School Board has just announced that if the next referendum doesn't pass, that will be the end of extracurriculars for the entire district. How big of an impact fee would you pay for a new home in a school district with no band, no choir, no arts, no sports and a grade school in mothballs? Oh, and did I mention that the rest of the schools will be over-crowded. Maybe that will finally affect the "go-go-growth" attitudes in Sugar Grove?

Community growth expert Eben Fodor made this observation years ago. Communities that grow too fast will see a reduction in services. Period.

In Elburn, we say "Better, not just Bigger." In Sugar Grove, what I hear the officials saying is "Bigger is Better and Faster is Best!" Who's right? Who's wrong? Who knows? But, one thing is certain.

The officials in Sugar Grove will not change their attitudes based on the advice of officials in Elburn. They will only change based on the political will of their own residents. I hope someone in Sugar Grove figures it out in time.