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Benefits of Saying 'Yes' to More Open Space

Concern for Growth: Kane County is growing and developing too fast and people are very concerned that Kane County will become as over-developed as adjoining and will have similar traffic congestion and urban sprawl problems. Growth related issues such as traffic, controlling development and preserving open space and natural lands are considered to be the most important problems facing Kane County at the present time, according to recent surveys.

A Sense of Urgency: Land is being developed at an all-time high rate of speed with plans underway for even more. We must act now to preserve the last remaining open spaces and natural lands for our children and grandchildren before the land is too expensive or lost forever.

Hold Down Property Taxes: A YES vote now can keep property taxes from skyrocketing later. Development causes an influx of people requiring schools, roads and other services that raise taxes. Less than $2 a month for the typical $230,000 home is a small price to pay and a good investment that protects the one we've already made in our homes and community. Open space is the "ultimate tax cap."

Protect Our Quality of Life: Open space and natural lands play a very important role in preserving the quality of life in Kane County. People expect their homes here to be good investments for their future. They value clean water, clean air and a healthy environment, and love to hike, bike, camp, fish and enjoy natural areas minutes from home. Homes located in an esthetically pleasing setting have a higher value.

Protect Water Quality: Open space can help protect our drinking water sources. It's much cheaper to protect watershed lands now than to pay to clean up polluted water later. Also, protecting lands along streams and rivers preserves water quality.

Prevent Flooding: Open space provides natural flood control. The more building and cement there is the more flooding and expense. Open space allows rain water to soak into the ground and provides natural flood retention.