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This Is Where McHenry This is where it began, at the polling booth, Tuesday, March 16, and the pace was brisk in primary election voting. The reason, in part, was the vote on annexation of McHenry Shores village to the City of McHenry and the impact of that vote on McHenry hospital's future. It grew from a population of 10,908 to 11,949 with the annexation of . , -• , - , Kl) McHENRY PLAINDEALER The annexation of the Village of McHenry Shores to the City of McHenry turned out to be the deciding factor In the relocation of McHenry hospital in 1982. The question of annexation was originally raised by Shores residents with little or no thought being given to McHenry hospital. In late summer of 1981, the village of McHenry Shores was pursuing federal funds for the construction of a sewage treat­ ment facility and sewer system, to replace failing well and septic systems in the community. A questionnaire of support had been sent and its presentation in favor of an­ nexation evoked serious discussion by the board of trustees. In October, 1981, ex­ ploratory meetings were held between representatives of the village and the city concerning annexation. McHenry aldermen noted there was some criticism of the proposal from city residents, who were concerned about costs associated with the annexation. Residents also voiced concerns about the conditions of the roads and the sewers. Supporters of the annexation said the city would acquire the McHenry Shores planning area, the Tonyan Industrial park and many involved people. Shores residents expressed concern that the city might not take up the sewer grant ap­ plication if the merger were to succeed. As the election drew near, six of eight McHenry aldermen voiced opinions again­ st the annexation. They complained of a lack of information about the village debts and financial condition. The aldermen also wanted an opportunity to negotiate the annexation and said what information was available, especially concerning money, came at the "11th hour." The clincher for the annexation came in March of 1982, when the Illinois Environ­ mental Protection Agency (IEPA), permit section, handed down a ruling that con­ founded public officials. The* IEPA said it would not permit sewer and water lines to cross facilities plan­ ning area (FPA) boundary lines. The site for the relocation of McHenry hospital lay within the facility planning area of McHenry Shores. There were three alternatives: the boundaries, have the village build a sewage treatment facility or annexation. Time restrictions of the hospital's Certificate of Need and financing arrangements rendered the first two alternatives moot. To move the boundaries required IEPA, USEPA and NIPC (Northeastern III. Plan Commission) approval, public hearings, ap­ peals, etc. Further, it was not likely that the village would build a sewer plant in the time needed for the hospital to complete financing arrangements. Hospital representatives told the city a March 31 deadline for a utilities guaran­ tee from the city had been set. The bonds for the $34 million project could not be sold unless sewer and water services were guaranteed to the lite. In McHenry, a massive campaign was mounted In the days before the election by the hospital, Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development committee in or­ der to persuade voters to affirm the annexation. "Unfortunately, but apparently through no fault of the City of McHenry, the Village of McHenry Shores or the hospital, the case for a new hospital and the an­ nexation have become one issue," said Thomas Bolger, member of the Chamber of Commerce. In light of these developments, some of the McHenry councilmen changed their views and came out in favor of the annexation. When the votes were tallied March 16, only one McHenry precinct,the 23rd in Whispering Oaks^voted "no" to the annexation question. Voters in the city ap­ proved the referendum by a 1 ,498 to 850 margin. In McHenry Shores, voters cast ballots in favor of annexation by a nearly 7 to 1 margin. Three hundred and thirteen Shores voters were in favor, while 46 were opposed. ...And This Is Where It Ended The Welcome to McHenry Shores sign in the former village south of McHenry is being changed to Welcome to McHenry, as the result of the referendum vote. McHenry Mayor Joseph Stanek, left, and Shores President Richard Panerali beam happy smiles after the primary, in which the village became part of McHenry by a substantial vote of approval in both municipalities. George Harker, who was Ward 2 alderman at that time, indicates his cooperation with the mandate of the voters.