Category: Batavia At Large
Posts related to major topics or themes in Batavia, posts generally authored by Alderperson Jim Fahrenbach.
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Batavia faces a massive infrastructure dilemma: how to handle the failing Fox River Challenge Dam without destroying the historic Depot Pond and Riverwalk.
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Discover the new outdoor deck at Sturdy Shelter Brewing in downtown Batavia, IL. Enjoy craft beer, stunning Fox River views, and local adaptive reuse.
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The City of Batavia and its Police Department clarify they do not operate Flock cameras or ALPR systems. All existing Flock cameras within city limits are privately owned.
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Through our Metro West Council of Governments (MWCOG) relationship, the City of Batavia formally works with other communities to influence Springfield politics, however, residents can influence the process individually. This article breaks down how an idea becomes a law in Illinois, tracing its path from early drafting all the way to the Governor’s desk. You’ll…
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The ongoing demolition of the historic chimney at 25-31 North River Street is adjusting its final height. Due to newly discovered structural issues encountered during the project, the city is amending the plan to leave approximately 20 feet of the chimney standing above grade, rather than the initially approved 11.5 feet. This change ensures better…
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Local governments like Batavia are financially dependent on the State of Illinois, which collects local taxes, retains administrative fees, and frequently imposes costly unfunded mandates. To protect local taxpayers and fight for a fair share of revenues (like the Local Government Distributive Fund), Batavia partners with 36 neighboring municipalities through the Metro West Council of…
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Firing off social media comments might feel like activism, but it can’t legally influence local policy. Online anonymity, algorithmic distortion, and legal restrictions on elected officials prevent real dialogue. To make an actual legal impact, you need to show up to public meetings, send direct emails, or call your representatives—actions that verify your identity, go…
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At our July 20, 2026, City Council meeting, the community gathered to express our profound gratitude as the Batavia Police Department presented its highest honor—the Valor Award—to Sergeant Michelle Langston, Sergeant Bryan Lorden, Officer David Saad, and Officer Alexander Buhler.
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For anyone commuting through Batavia or neighboring Geneva, the intersection at Batavia Avenue (Route 31) and Fabyan Parkway is a daily test of patience and defensive driving. Positioned right at the crossing of the Fox River, it is a crucial artery for our local infrastructure. However, rising traffic volumes, structural blind spots, and a fundamentally…
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The City of Batavia has activated a Temporary Cooling Center at City Hall in response to an Extreme Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service. The center is open 24 hours a day starting June 30, 2026, to July 4, 2026, to help protect our most vulnerable residents.