Welcome to the website of the North Wheatland Township Homeowners Association (NWTHA).

Formed in 1974, the NWTHA arose in response to a developer's proposal for two subdivisions and a commercial area (now known as Springbrook Crossings and Brook Crossings Estates) that would be annexed to Naperville. The NWTHA is now:

• In its 35th year of providing community services to single-family homeowners in unincorporated Naperville in northern Wheatland Township and Will County.
   
• Made up of about 483 member families who live in the Country View Estates, Sunset Ridge, Wheatland View, Shannon's Way, Acorn Estates, Shell Lake, and River Crest subdivisions, and along 95th Street, east of Naperville-Plainfield Road.
   
• Inexpensive to join — only $17 per year, plus a one time legal fund assessment of $20 (which pays our attorney's fees if/when we need such services to resolve community wide issues). In other words, it's $37 the first year, and $17/year thereafter which entitles you to receive our bimonthly newsletter and annual membership directory and to participate in NWTHA programs and events. (see Membership Form)
   
• A politically independent organization that was formed (according to our by-laws) to "improve the conditions of life, education, work, recreation, health, and safety; to foster and develop a neighborhood plan; and to aid, assist and sponsor neighborhood activities." In essence, this has meant coping with the growth around us — despite the confusion that sometimes comes from living in an unincorporated area — while still having fun (adult and children's social activities).

Who's on First?

Sometimes, living in an unincorporated area can get confusing. For example, most of us identify with Naperville, but we're actually represented by the Wheatland Township Board of Trustees, the Will County Board of Commissioners, and by other officials in Joliet. Our roads and drainage ditches are maintained by the Wheatland Township Highway Department. Our property is appraised by the Wheatland Township Assessor. And our schools are in Indian Prairie Community Unit School District 204.

However, because we're within 1.5 miles of Naperville's corporate limits or boundaries, we're also affected by decisions made by that city's government (City Council, Plan Commission, Transportation Advisory Board, etc.) and by how well they enforce Naperville's master land use plan (which includes us in Planning Sectors F and G).

In addition, we are in the Naperville Fire Protection District (which contracts with the city's fire department for services), but we get most of our police protection from the Will County Sheriff's Department — although, thanks to 9-1-1 services, the Naperville Police may respond instead, depending on the type of emergency and who is closest.

Nevertheless, even though it can be difficult determining whom to call, where to go, or how to do something simple like registering to vote, the NWTHA's Officers and Board of Directors (13 elected, neighbor volunteers) will do their best to help.

While it is true that we are now experiencing fewer growing pains — because the development of south Naperville has slowed, we cannot afford to fall asleep at the wheel. Despite the slower growth, we still face more proposals for new residential/commercial developments, increased traffic, etc. For example, over the next few years, the NWTHA Board will be closely monitoring Naperville's plans to widen both 87th Street (east of Book to just east of Sunset Ridge) and Book Road (between 95th and 87th Streets) and some day there may be threats of forced annexation.

Although, the NWTHA already has accomplished a lot (see The First 35 Years), we will be doing more — reacting to these and other issues — in the future. In other words, we will continue to do our best to make our unincorporated Wheatland neighborhoods even better places to live.