The Village Board in Poplar Grove, Illinois just north of Rockford denied a request to develop 72 acres into two manufactured home communities (MHCs), as a packed boardroom meeting erupted into applause. Flora Meadows applied for two permits for Hawthorn Meadows South and Hawthorn Meadows North, but Board Chairman John Nietzel says proper reports about a wetlands area and drainage, and the plan to build the community building in the wetlands, led to the unanimous denial. He adds they can make changes to their plans and resubmit, as rrstar.com reports. While the proposal drew the ire of many citizens, Dietzel says, “We have to make our judgments based upon the law.” MHProNews.com has learned Belvidere-Boone County Planning Department staff says a community needs all types of housing, including manufactured homes. Applicant Jim Hursh and project manager Tim McCarty assured those present that the homes would be high-end with little significant difference from the other dwellings in the area. ##

(Photo credit: Laura Olsen/olsenimagery.com–manufactured home)