On March 17, residents of La Grange Park will vote on a proposed $10 million road bond referendum aimed at funding essential infrastructure improvements. According to village representatives, if approved, the project will not significantly impact the Brookfield-La Grange Park School District 95.
Details of the Proposal
During a presentation to the District 95 Board of Education on February 12, village officials outlined the referendum’s objectives, which include street resurfacing and sidewalk repair. Superintendent Ryan Evans responded to the proposal with cautious optimism, stating, “This doesn’t have an immediate impact. There are always construction projects. Improvements do have to happen around buildings at some times.”
The proposed bond would continue funding from the original 2016 Road Bond Fund, which previously secured $10 million for road improvements and $1.1 million for emergency services, including an ambulance and ladder truck. The current bonds are set to expire this year, necessitating the new referendum.
The referendum question poses: “Shall the Village of La Grange Park, Cook County, Illinois, undertake road improvements in and for the Village, including street resurfacing and sidewalk repair, all on property owned by the village or over which the Village has sufficient easements, and issue its general obligation bonds to the amount of $10,000,000 for the purpose of paying the costs thereof, said bonds bearing interest as not to exceed the rate of 6.00% per annum?”
Community Impact and Communication
Evans highlighted that effective communication between the village and the school district has proven beneficial during past construction projects. For instance, the ongoing repaving of Maple Avenue in front of S.E. Gross Middle School has not caused significant disruptions, thanks to coordinated efforts.
The village emphasizes that the new bond would maintain the same level of road funding without increasing the tax burden on residents. “Road improvements are always needed,” Evans said. “They are going to referendum to see if that will continue.”
As the vote approaches, residents are encouraged to consider the implications of the referendum on the community’s infrastructure and educational environment. The outcome will determine whether the village can proceed with much-needed road enhancements while ensuring minimal disruption to the local school district.
