Following on the coattails of Sycamore Crossings Shopping Center’s approval, Sycamore City Council members considered a recommendation to encourage the city’s commercial growth Monday. Specifically, how much of it they want.

Amendments were made to the original plan for the 675-acre vicinity of Illinois Route 64 and Airport Road. The revised plan explores stretching commercial uses south of the former State Street Motors to proposed residential areas near the Sycamore Park entrance. The concept of green space and its value as a city grows earned attention from most of the aldermen. With Sycamore’s recent boom in commercial growth in mind, reserving space for residential growth was at the bottom of the Plan Commission’s priority list.

“I fear [the area] could become just a mass of townhouses, losing the option for commercial development on State Street,” said Third Ward Council Member Barbara Leach, regarding the 205 acres allotted for mixed-use, or residential and commercial space.

Like Leach, First Ward Alderman Alan Bauer supports a plan that would have in its language more allowance for commercial expansion. According to the Commission’s revised plan, commercial space comprises 85 acres of the nearly 700 in question.

“There has been a lot of progress, but I envisioned more commercial space on the north side as well,” Bauer said. “I think mixed-use, when you read the wording, lends itself to residential development.”

While maintaining the city’s green space is a concern among constituents, the council oriented discussion more toward Sycamore’s future economic capabilities.

First Ward Council Member Cheryl Maness said the revised plan represents progress, yet is only a beginning for future discussions.

“We should be looking at our complete comprehensive plan every three years,” Maness said. “This is a starting point.”

In other business, an ordinance to increase sewer impact fees from $500 to $630 per person raised the question, “When is enough enough?” The consensus from council members illustrated their conviction that this is not an unnecessary hike in impact fees.

“It was well thought out [among] the different departments and with the city and city manager and discussion with the council,” said Fourth Ward Council Member Terry Kessler. “We try to keep it at a reasonable amount that covers our expenses.”

Making note these issues always seem to raise opposition, Kessler continued, “It will be readdressed with either this council or another council. We will keep readdressing this as costs go up and expenses go up. I think this total number, the total impact number and costs is very accurate and represents what our needs are and how to meet those needs.”