Trail Redevelopment Will Bring New Opportunities
Last month, I was pleased to join Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle and State Representative and Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens at the ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Des Plaines River which connects to the Des Plaines River Trail in Rosemont.
For years, the Des Plaines River Trail has been impacted by chronic issues of flooding, disrepair, and unsafe road crossings. I serve as Chair of the Trail Advisory Group, hosting meetings and helping to identify trail improvements and potential route options.
The Trail Advisory Group is advocating for the creation of a continuous trail network in Northeastern Illinois that allows for biking, walking and horseback riding and that provides connections between local communities. Currently the trail terminates at North Avenue, but the planned expansion would expand and connect it to the Illinois Prairie Path and Miller Meadow near Forest Park. It would also provide connections to other trail systems that extend from the Wisconsin border to the Stevenson Expressway, a distance of over 50 miles.
Franklin Park is strongly committed to supporting new opportunities that offer cyclist and pedestrian alternatives and that sustain our environment. The trail offers more educational and recreational options for our residents and families and adds to the wellness of our region. Our connection to the natural environment is vital to our physical, mental, and emotional health. The Des Plaines River Trail project, along with other planned improvements, will create more opportunities for vibrant public spaces and offer safer access to destinations around Franklin Park. The trail will also spur economic development as more people will be able to visit our Downtown District, and have access to the Metra Stations, Pace Bus stops, and their jobs without relying on a car.
The River Trail Improvement Project is another impressive result of intergovernmental cooperation. Among those contributing funding and support for the project are Cook County, the Cook County Forest Preserve District, the Village of Rosemont, the North Central Council of Mayors, the West Central Municipal Conference, and the Chicago Community Trust.
World Headquarters Relocates to Franklin Park
Life Fitness, the world-wide leader in commercial fitness equipment, will relocate its global headquarters and construct a new facility in Franklin Park. The company currently has a facility in Franklin Park at 10601 Belmont Avenue, but plans to significantly renovate and expand it, consolidating corporate offices there and adding staff. Construction will begin this month. When completed, the location will feature a state-of-the-art fitness showroom and an Experience Center to facilitate product development. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2023.
The relocation of this prestigious global headquarters demonstrates Franklin Park’s strong desirability as a business address.
Life Fitness is known for their commitment to wellness, for their employees, their clients, and their community. They will be another great corporate citizen for Franklin Park.
We look forward to the investment and energy Life Fitness will bring to our community.
McDonalds to Revitalize Vacant Lot
Another new business will be calling Franklin Park their business home. McDonald’s will locate a new restaurant at Edgington and Grand Avenue. The lot, already commercially zoned, has been vacant for over 30 years. McDonald’s is investing considerably in the lot by providing new lighting and extensive landscaping that will significantly upgrade this previously empty, unattractive lot. McDonald’s is also constructing, with no Village funding, a new alley that will greatly benefit the residents in the immediate area. Additionally, Washington Street will remain a one-way street.
McDonald’s neither required, nor requested, any tax breaks, zoning changes, or street changes.
The Village is hopeful this will spur more investment and clean-up the area.
Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Mayor Barrett Pedersen