The Sycamore City Council voted 6-3 in favor of the annexation of the Mapes Farmstead Monday night.

Jack and Darla Mapes petitioned the council for an approval to annex and rezone a 6.25 acre parcel of land located north of Lindgren and Plank roads. The land is intended for townhouse development. Their goal is to relocate their home and develop their property.

Jack Mapes, a five-generation Sycamore resident, spoke at the meeting in favor of his proposal.

“I believe in a little bit of growth,” Mapes said. “I’ve traveled everywhere; you can’t name a town I haven’t been in. What we have in Sycamore is better than anything I’ve ever seen. Sycamore put in a good plan, a slow growth plan.”

The ordinance regarding this annexation of land was first heard at a public hearing at the city council meeting held Jan. 21, when many Sycamore residents spoke out against the annexation.

This time was no different as a majority of residents again spoke out in opposition.

Sycamore resident Peter Barick urged the council to keep the open land and to vote for the people’s choice.

“Where’s the plan for development?” Barick said. “There’s no rush to annex now, if ever. Keep the land not developed.”

No development plan has been brought forth at this time, but one will require the council’s approval when brought forth.

“We need to look out and take care of what we have that doesn’t have houses already on it. This is something we need to keep in mind,” said Grace Adee, 3rd Ward alderman. “My children and I have a farm together, and we won’t let anything happen to it so long as we live.”

Rich Neubauer, 1st Ward alderman, answered many of the most-asked questions during discussion.

A common concern among residents was that the annexation of the land will rapidly speed up growth in the city.

“In reality, nobody in Sycamore wants zero growth indefinitely; they just want moderation and fiscal responsibility,” Neubauer said. “I realize that this will pass; I just want to get out there to enough people that this will make a difference.”

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