5-20-26 Planning & Zoning

The City of McHenry Planning & Zoning Commission held a meeting on May 20, 2026, primarily focused on a public hearing regarding a proposed residential development project by Lenar, known as the Preserves of Boone Creek. The petitioner presented plans for approximately 600 single-family homes with a mix of traditional, affordable, and active adult housing, along with amenities including a clubhouse, multiple parks, and trail systems. Staff provided a detailed report comparing the new proposal to a previous 2005 development plan, noting similar density but with no commercial component and emphasizing preservation of open space and wetlands. The commission and public raised concerns about traffic impacts, school capacity, environmental effects, and density. The petitioner and city staff addressed these concerns with traffic studies, school impact analyses, and plans for stormwater management and landscaping. The commission voted to recommend approval of the zoning map amendment and preliminary plan approval for the planned unit development, subject to conditions including park space revisions and public multi-use path dedication. The meeting concluded with updates on other development projects and scheduling of the next meeting.