ELBURN – Ralph Helm is bringing his lawn equipment business to Elburn. Whether the business eventually ends up on Route 47 remains unknown at this time.

Helm hopes to have the new Elburn location up and running by March at 820 Stover Drive, Unit A, in Elburn. He currently operates other Ralph Helm Lawn Equipment Center locations that sell lawn equipment in Crystal Lake and Elgin.

Earlier this year, Helm became part of a Forest Preserve District of Kane County push to purchase land at 1001 S. Main St., which is on Route 47. When the Elburn Village Board at first voted down the forest preserve district’s quest to establish its Natural Resources Department at the site, the district came back with a plan to have Helm buy part of the land for his business.

The forest preserve proposal that included Helm received more support from Elburn’s board, but – since that time – another buyer has emerged for the Route 47 property, and officials said it appears unlikely that the forest preserve will be involved at that location. Instead, Helm said he is hoping that he could work with the new buyer and eventually move his lawn equipment business to that location.

Drew Frasz, a Kane County Board member and forest preserve district commissioner, originally advocated for the district to locate its department at the Route 47 location. After the village board’s initial rejection, he started looking for other options, including a site south of Elburn. He said if the new buyer would locate a business at the Route 47 site and then welcome Helm’s business, it would be ideal.

“I think it’d be the best scenario, all around,” Frasz said.

Elburn Village President Dave Anderson agreed.

“That’s nothing against the forest preserve,” Anderson said. “The best scenario would be an existing business or another new business purchasing the property. That way, you get the sales tax dollars, real estate tax dollars and some jobs.”

In the meantime, Helm is eager to establish a presence in Elburn, since Rob Houtz, who owns a similar business in the village, plans to retire in the spring. Helm said he plans to hire the majority of employees who currently are working for Houtz.

Helm said the Stover Drive location isn’t ideal. It’s 8,500 square feet, smaller than his other locations. Also, the Route 47 site would have significant visibility. Stover Drive is in an industrial area west of Route 47.

“It will work,” Helm said. “We will make it work.”

Helm also noted that the Stover Drive location is owned by Frasz. He said he found that out when he called to inquire about the site, which he said he always intended to be temporary. Frasz said by then, Helm had indicated he had “pretty much given up” on working with the forest preserve district.

Helm said he is excited about opening his business in Elburn. He said when talk first started about his business coming to town, he heard from village residents who had questions they wanted answered. He said it was clear they cared about what he intended to do.

“I intend to support Elburn,” Helm said. “I intend to be involved in Elburn.”