Three Oaks Recreation Area in Crystal Lake recently received the highest award — the Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award, in the Public-Private Partnership category — from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

McHenry County

MCC approves contract for solar field on campus

McHenry County College (MCC) announced that the MCC Board of Trustees recently approved a contract with ENGIE of Chicago to build a 875-kilowatt solar field to provide 27 percent of MCC’s energy use. The solar field will be located on 3.4 acres just south of MCC’s baseball field, and construction is expected to begin next summer. Landscaping around the solar array will include ground cover, consisting of native grasses and native clover, which will attract native species to help pollinate local flora. As part of the accompanying 25-year agreement, MCC would save more than $34,000 per year for the first year of operation and similar savings over the next five years. The exact savings depends on the amount of sunlight emitted each year, which means there will be more electricity produced in some years and less in other years. For more information, call 815-455-3700 or visit www.mchenry.edu.

McHenry County

Dept. of Health offers rabies/microchip clinics

The McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) will host a rabies vaccination and microchip clinic from 2-4 p.m. Nov. 8 at the McHenry County Animal Control and Adoption Center, 100 N. Virginia St., Crystal Lake. Microchips will be available for $5. The rabies vaccine is $15 for one year and $30 for three years. Registration fees are additional and vary depending on factors such as whether a pet is spayed or neutered. Registration is required by law for dogs in McHenry County and tags must be purchased at the time of vaccination. To reserve a spot at the clinic, call 815-459-6222. In addition, MCDH will host a microchip-only, walk-in clinic from 10-11 a.m. Nov. 6 at the same location. The fee is $5. MCDH microchips will be provided at both clinics via the MCDH Emergency Response Program. All pets must be leashed or in carriers and cannot be in heat. Information about bite history or dogs that are easily stressed will be requested when making an appointment. For safety purposes, it is strongly suggested that children not attend either event. For more information, call 815-459-6222 or visit www.mcdh.info.

McHenry

Realty firm completes sale of large office building

Entre Commercial Realty LLC has successfully brokered the sale of a 65,000-square-foot office/fex building, located at 1391 Corporate Drive, to Papazyan Capital Group. The modern building was previously acquired by an Entre investment client in late 2017. Entre then helped to re-position the asset by highlighting various smaller unit sizes and space configurations coupled with an aggressive pricing structure. Papazyan Capital Group plans to utilize a portion of the building for its own use while also subdividing and leasing out units ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 square feet. The property could be leased to full-floor or larger users as well. Entre’s Mike DeSerto and Dan Jones represented ownership in the sale, and Entre has been selected to continue handling the leasing and management of the asset. For more information, visit www.entrecommercial.com.

Crystal Lake

Three Oaks earns top economic development award

The city announced that the Three Oaks Recreation Area recently received the highest award — the Silver Excellence in Economic Development Award, in the Public-Private Partnership category — from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). The award application highlighted the city’s ongoing partnership with The Quarry Cable Park, Duke’s on the Water (restaurant), Alpine Accessories (stand-up paddle boarding) and Cottage on the Beach (concessions). IEDC judges cited the city’s vision to create the facility and redevelop a previous rock quarry into a public park, as well as the city’s desire to reach out to public businesses to improve the park’s public amenities. IEDC is the world’s largest membership organization for economic development professionals, and is dedicated to promoting economic well-being and quality of life in its communities by creating, retaining and expanding jobs that facilitate growth and provide a stable tax base. For more information, call 815-356-3737 or visit www.crystallake.org. 

Algonquin

Winter parking regulations set to take effect

The village announced that winter parking regulations will take effect Oct. 31 and remain in place until April 15. Parking is prohibited on any public street in the village between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. In addition, it is unlawful to park on the street after any snowfall of 2 inches or greater unless the street has been cleared of snow. Short-term parking may be allowed under special circumstances. Residents with special parking issues may complete an overnight parking request online at www.algonquin.org — or contact the Algonquin Police Department at 847-658-4531 for more information.    

Lakemoor

New single-family subdivision project underway

The village announced that William Ryan Homes (WRH) has begun implementing its plans for the Savannah of Lakemoor, a new 75-lot, single-family subdivision located behind the Krueger Farm Stand at 28596 Route 120. The first phase (mass grading) is completed, and WRH is now moving forward with the next phase, which includes underground utilities, repair of the drain tile and roadway/entrance improvements. In addition, WRH has submitted its home plans to the village for final approval. The first model is expected to be constructed in late fall. For more information, call 815-385-1117 or visit www.lakemoor.net.

–McHenry County News Briefs–