Park District Moves Forward In Evaluating Borg Warner Property

FRANKFORT, IL — The Frankfort Park District is moving forward with its plans to possibly acquire the Borg Warner property after voters supported a non-binding advisory question to evaluate the property for park district use.

The Borg Warner plant is closing at the end of the year, and the park district said it saw a unique opportunity to increase recreation programs and facilities. 56 percent of residents supported the non-binding advisory question, indicating they wanted the park district to look at acquiring the property. This advisory question did not affect any property taxes.

The park district said it is moving forward with the next steps, including engaging the community, developing an architectural design, and cost and an operating budget for the proposed facility. As the park district moves forward, it will decide on when the binding referendum question would go before the residents for an approval of the purchase of the property.

“The tough work begins now! It is important that the park district fully evaluate the property, the construction and operating costs to make sure we know what it will cost and can the district afford the investment," Executive Director Gina Hassett said in a release. "Staff has heard there continues to be buzz about the opportunity. We are excited to hear that, but we have got to do our due diligence for the community.”

A binding referendum would be needed for the park district to issue bonds to purchase and renovate the property. The earliest voters could see the finding referendum on the ballot would in March 2022, which, if successful, would impact 2023 property taxes.

If the community supported a binding referendum, it would be approximately two years from the vote before the space would be occupied, the park district said. The property would allow the park district to consolidate aging facilities that need significant capital investment while providing a recreation campus for indoor and outdoor activities.

Consideration of amenities for the Borg Warner plant include but are not limited to swimming, turf fields, sports, preschool, fitness and more, according to the park district.