Village of New Lenox Board of Trustees Meeting | August 2025

The New Lenox Village Board’s agenda on August 25, 2025, was dominated by a lengthy and contentious public discussion over a proposal to rezone 65 acres on Laraway Road for industrial use. After hearing from dozens of residents concerned about truck traffic and safety, the board pressed the developer for significant concessions, including tying the project’s completion to future road improvements. A final vote on the matter was deferred. For more, please see the full story.

In other major business, the village gave final approval to a new municipal grocery tax and voted not to object to a proposed 30-acre solar farm on Spencer Road. Separate articles on both of these topics are available. The board also approved several sponsorship deals and purchases related to the new Crossroads Sports Complex.

Crossroads Sports Complex Secures New Sponsorships:
The village approved two new sponsorship agreements for the Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex. A three-year, $55,000 agreement was finalized with Bengtson’s Farm, and a five-year, $25,000 agreement was approved with liquor distributor Sazerac. Both deals are in exchange for interior signage, marketing items, and other promotional considerations at the new facility.

Billboard and Furnishings Approved for Sports Complex:
The board approved a proposal for $186,288 from All Steel Structures for the design and construction of a large billboard for the Crossroads Sports Complex along I-355. Additional funds for union labor were also authorized. In separate votes, the board approved the purchase of $20,387 in office furniture from Henricksen and a $1,600 utility trailer from Tractor Supply for the complex.

Contract for “Christmas in the Commons” Tents Approved:
The board approved a $35,965 contract with Blue Peak Tent Rentals for the tents, accessories, installation, and teardown for the annual Christmas in the Commons celebration. The popular holiday event takes place throughout the month of December in the Village Commons.

Minor Change Orders on Water Facility Approved:
Three change orders for the ongoing construction of the village’s Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) were approved, increasing the project’s total cost by $45,325, or less than 0.1% of the $138 million contract. Village Administrator Kurt Carroll noted that a previous change order for the project’s construction engineer saved the village $2 million.

New Automated Gates for Public Works:
A multi-part purchase for automatic gate openers at the Public Works buildings and the Spencer Road Pump Station was approved. The project includes $24,890 to Illinois Gate Solutions for the openers, $24,640 to Elliott Electric to run power, and up to $25,000 to Computer Nationwide to install a fob system for access.

Public Hearing Held for Four New SSAs:
Mayor Tim Baldermann held a public hearing for four proposed Special Service Areas (SSAs) for the Lakes Park and Teerling Lakes developments. The SSAs will provide funding for maintenance of common areas. No residents spoke at the hearing. A final vote on establishing the SSAs will take place after a 60-day waiting period.