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By ordinance, developers who build in McFarland were required to pay the village fees in lieu of parkland dedication when a development agreement was signed. Also by ordinance, these fees are earmarked for parkland acquisition and development.
In June, 2006, Gov. Doyle approved a change in that law. However, two large developments on Holscher Rd. were approved prior to the change. Their fees in lieu of parkland will be collected when agreements are signed.
Here is what will happen: both Gannon and Veridian, the two Holscher Rd. developers, will pay McFarland $4,000 per unit. The build-out will be phased over several years, but the end result will be that McFarland will have $1,500,000 with which to buy and develop parkland. The Schuetz Parkland acquisition represents only a small fraction of that final total.
In addition, developers must also pay a park impact fee that is earmarked for park maintenance. They pay roughly $700 per home and $400 per apartment unit. Over the next few years, Gannon and Veridian will pay more than $230,000 in park impact fees. This money will be used for maintenance of our existing parks.
The fees in lieu have not been collected yet. The developments were delayed by storm water detention issues that have now been settled. It is only a matter of time until development agreements are signed.
Property owner Les Schuetz has said that he is willing to wait until the fees in lieu are collected. None of the grants will be endangered by a delayed closing. The Village and the Schuetzes can agree to a closing in July, 2008. This gives Les and Reva more time to arrange their move. It gives the Holscher Rd. developments time to begin. In all likelihood, it means that at least some of the shortfall will be collected.
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