Sugar Grove voters say ‘No’ to The Grove in advisory measure

Sugar Grove voters last week backed an advisory referendum calling for village officials to rescind previous approval of the massive The Grove development near Interstate 88 and Illinois Route 47 interchange.

According to unofficial results, 1,366 voters - about 58% of the total - supported the referendum to reverse the plan, which calls for a mix of housing and commercial development on the 760-acre site.

The yes-or-no question was put on the ballot by community members, and was neither endorsed nor opposed by the village.

While the referendum doesn’t have the authority to change what has already been approved by the village board, Mayor-elect Susan Stillwell - herself an opponent of the project - said it gives elected officials clear information on what residents want.

The vote will be useful in refuting claims from developers and project backers that the development is something residents want, she added.

“Sugar Grove residents really came out and spoke, and they don’t want this, so I will be looking to advocate for them,” Stillwell said. “We’re ready to open the lines of communication, listen to residents and neighbors, and bring everyone back together again.”