HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - R-00-004 - 03/01/2000 - SUPPORT LAND ACQUISITION GRANT APPLICATION PETERSERESOLUTION
R-00- 004
WHEREAS, the City of McHenry is applying to the State of Illinois Department of
Natural Resources under its Open Land Trust Program for a grant for the purchase of the
remaining parcel of the Petersen Farm; and
WHEREAS, the City of McHenry feels this would be a great addition to the City's
Park System; and
WHEREAS, the City of McHenry would like to preserve the remaining portion of
this historic fourth generation working farm including the original house and barn; and
WHEREAS, the house is a pre -Civil War residence built by the original land owner,
Page Colby, great-grandfather to Kenneth Petersen; and
WHEREAS, the barn built by 1879 with board and batten vertical sides and stone
foundation being 30 feet in length was extended in 1906 an additional 50 feet with
vertical board construction on similar stone foundation with two wooden silos; and
WHEREAS, the Colbys and Petersens farmed over 200 acres including 13 acres
that extended out into McCullom Lake; and
WHEREAS, the property includes an oak savannah which was used as wood lot to
supply the farm's need of fence posts; and
WHEREAS, this 60 acre parcel is the last remaining portion of this homestead site;
and
WHEREAS, the intention of the Petersen Family was to preserve this farm site as
open space for future generations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FIRMLY RESOLVED that the Mayor and
McHenry City Council go on record as supporting this land acquisition grant application in
the amount of $800,000. This will greatly enhance recreational activities and
opportunities for the Citizens of the McHenry Area and preserve this unique and historic
site.
Passed and approved this 1 st day of March, 2000.
Mayor
STEVEN J. CUDA
EST:
City Cler