New Lenox Village Board Meeting | November 10, 2025

The New Lenox Village Board on Monday, November 10, 2025, approved final plans for The Patio restaurant at U.S. Route 30 and Prairie Road, with the owner targeting a December 2025 groundbreaking. The board also advanced plans for two other major commercial developments: a new Gas N Wash station on Route 6 near Silver Cross Hospital and a Dutch Bros. Coffee on Maple Street. More information on these projects is available in standalone articles.

Additionally, the board announced the village’s proposed 2025 property tax levy, which includes a 5.51% increase and will be the subject of a public hearing in December. During public comment, residents from the Darby Farms area raised concerns about the maintenance of a detention pond, prompting a commitment from village staff to meet with them and the developer on-site. The board also took action on numerous other items, from police equipment purchases to contracts related to the Crossroads Sports Complex.

Citizens Academy Graduates Recognized: The village board recognized a group of residents who completed the New Lenox Citizens Academy. Mayor Tim Baldermann praised the participants for taking the time to become informed citizens, stating that their engagement helps combat misinformation and fosters a better understanding of how local government operates. The program provides an inside look at the village and other local taxing bodies like the school, park, and library districts.

Police to Purchase New Tasers: The board approved the purchase of six new Axon taser conducted energy devices to supplement six others being acquired through a grant. Police Chief Micah explained that the department’s current tasers are 10 years old, outdated, and can no longer be replaced. The purchase provides officers with an important non-lethal tool. The additional six devices will be paid for through the police budget over the next few years.

Queen of Hops Liquor License: The board heard the first read of an ordinance to create a new Class A liquor license for Queen of Hops, which will operate at the Hog Wild location. A background check on the applicant was completed with no issues. The ordinance will return for a second and final reading at a future meeting.

Alley Vacation Near Elm Drive: An ordinance to vacate a public right-of-way for an unimproved alley extending west of North Elm Drive received its first reading. The action was requested by the new owner of the adjacent property, whose driveway is located within the right-of-way. The village will retain a 10-foot easement to access a sanitary sewer line that runs along the south portion of the alley.

Used Car Dealership Request Advances: The board voted not to object to a Will County special use permit for a used car dealership at 202 Ford Drive. Village staff had raised concerns about the applicant’s site plan, the condition of the existing parking lot, and the lack of fencing. The board’s non-objection was made contingent on the petitioner agreeing to address staff’s concerns, which he did at the meeting.

Fence Variance Approved on Cardinal Drive: A homeowner at 2004 Cardinal Drive was granted a fence variance allowing them to install a 6-foot fence in a corner yard adjacent to Laraway Road. The variance allows the resident to connect their fence to a new 19-foot-tall soundwall recently installed by the county as part of the Laraway Road widening project. The Zoning Board of Appeals had previously recommended approval.

Public Works Buys Discounted Lawnmowers: The board approved the purchase of two floor-model lawnmowers for the Public Works department for a total of $27,999.98. The purchase saves the village $6,500 per mower compared to buying new. While the purchase will put the vehicle replacement fund slightly over budget for the current year, officials noted the fund has strong reserves.

Engineering for Channel Stabilization Approved: A proposal from Christopher Burke Engineering for the design of the second phase of the Forest/Elm Drive channel stabilization project was approved. The work, not to exceed $91,980, will address erosion along the channel between Forest Street and Elm Street. This follows a similar stabilization project completed in 2024 between Wood Street and Forest Street.

KidsWork Museum Exhibit Contract Awarded: A contract for $43,812.50 was awarded to Boss Display for the creation of a “Mighty Motors” exhibit at the KidsWork Children’s Museum. The new contract was necessary after a previous vendor selected to build a different car-themed exhibit went out of business.

Nicor Gas Granted Parking Lot Waiver: The board approved a waiver of village code for Nicor Gas to expand its parking lot at Route 30 and Gougar Road using gravel instead of asphalt. The 24,000-square-foot expansion will be similar to the existing stone lot at the facility. As a condition of the waiver, Nicor will be required to install a landscaping buffer along Gougar Road.

Tribute to Marilyn Curts: Mayor Tim Baldermann paid tribute to longtime New Lenox business owner and resident Marilyn Curts, who recently passed away. He described her as one of the “sweetest, kindest, most unassuming people” he had ever met and a generous benefactor to the community who disliked public recognition. He offered condolences to her family and many friends on behalf of the village.