Council approves development deal
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By Jacob Hamm
VILLA GROVE- Two lots at the southern edge of Villa Grove will soon see new life after the City Council approved a development agreement to turn the lots into an animal therapy center and campground.
The Council agreed to purchase the two 13-acre parcels of land for $22,500 along Industrial Park Drive. The City was the lone bidder on the land. The Council unanimously approved the purchase with two council members absent.
The developers, Brad and Nichelle Drew, have begun developing 5K Therapy Farm on the site. The therapy farm will have a variety of animals for people to come and work with.
The second phase will see development that will allow for RVs and campers to park on the site and hook up their water and electricity, with more development likely in the future.
“We’re gonna have another section that’s gonna have a place for tents, more rugged camping, and eventually, we’ll be building some cabins,” Drew said.
The Council also approved several consent agenda items, such as electrical work at Richman Park, an agreement with Douglas County for animal control services, and the authorization of payments for the remainder of fiscal year 2026 and fiscal year 2027.