Homer Glen Approves Heritage Park Cul-De-Sac Project

HOMER GLEN, IL — The Homer Glen Village Board approved a $1.1 million cul-de-sac project in Heritage Park at its April 14 board meeting. The board accepted the project proposal in a 5-1 vote, with Trustee Ruben Pazmino as the sole no vote. Trustee Carlo Caprio was absent.

The project's total cost is $1,173,181.37, however the village said it is receiving $750,000 in grant funding from the Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity. According to board documents, $1.6 million had been budgeted for the project.

The cul-de-sac project will provide parking and improved access to the sled hill and northern section of Heritage Park, according to board documents. It will also add 158 parking spots to the park.

At the start of the meeting, Pazmino had asked for the cul-de-sac project to be tabled to a later date, but no one seconded the motion.

Incoming trustee Jennifer Trzos-Consolino also spoke at the meeting and asked the board to table the project.

"With all this spending, Heritage Park offers very little for families with young children and/or special needs," she said, adding that the project spending had not been discussed openly by the board or with the public.

"Million-dollar spending should never be spent during lame-duck session when four trustees will no longer be serving on the board after this election," she said, noting that newly elected Homer Township board members and supervisor are willing to supply a connection path to two existing lots.

She said the project was not "a pressing need."

The village received seven bids on the project, and awarded the bid to the lowest bidder, Austin Tyler Construction, Inc.

"My opinion is that the cul-de-sac brings great value to the community," Trustee Beth Rodgers said. She added that the extension also allows first responders access to the northeast coroner of the park.

Rodgers said the board has discussed the project previously, and it was noted in previous concept plans.

"It was always in the plan, to say it wasn't is misleading and misguiding," she said.

Trustee Keith Gray said the park has been a huge success, so it makes sense to continue developing it.

"It's not just parking, it's about access to our park," he said.

Trustee Broque Backal said he lives near the park and sees families with children and toddlers playing there.

"To say there's nothing there for younger families to use is really disingenuous," he said.

"At the time, it was a great idea," Trustee Pazmino said. He had previously supported plan which included the cul-de-sac project. "As you know, different times, different circumstances."

He said he wanted to table the project so that the incoming board could provide a fresh perspective.

Board documents state the work on the project will be "substantially complete" by Aug. 1.