Contact

Director of Community Development and Zoning
John P. Schneider
E-mail John P. Schneider

Senior Planner
Ryan Adriatico
(847) 671-8276
E-mail Ryan Adriatico

Senior Planner
Nicholas Walny
(847) 671-8278
E-mail Nicholas Walny

Village Planner
Rudolph Repa
(847) 671-8229
E-mail Rudolph Repa

The Department of Community Development and Zoning promotes the comprehensive development and well-being of the Village of Franklin Park. The Department oversees economic development, planning and zoning and provides staff support for the Economic Development Commission, Plan Commission, Tree Preservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Staff uses a variety of resources to retain, expand and attract commercial and industrial businesses in the Village. The Department assumes a key role in providing the foundation for the successful implementation of development strategies to ensure the growth of a diverse and stable local economy.

Please contact the Department directly with questions regarding zoning, development opportunities and tax incentives.

Plans and Initiatives

Community Development and Zoning

IMEC to Host Informational Breakfast with Melrose Park and Commissioner Frank Aguilar (16th District) for Manufacturing Reinvented

June 08, 2023

On Thursday, June 15, from 8:30am to 10:30 am, the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) will be hosting an informational breakfast with Melrose Park and Commissioner Frank Aguilar for Manufacturing Reinvented. Manufacturers from across the region are encouraged to register for this informational event.

Manufacturing Reinvented is a $5 million grant program that supports local, suburban manufacturers with the implementation of projects to improve a business’s competitiveness. As part of the program, Cook County will reimburse suburban based companies for up to $25,000 in eligible expenses associated with an approved project. Participating companies also receive IMEC’s expert advising services to refine project design and scope.

Eligible projects include investments to:

Adopt automation
Build supply chain resiliency
Enhance productivity
Identify talent solutions
Improve visibility in the marketplace
Undertake strategic planning

Join IMEC to learn more about the program, receive assistance on the application process, and meet other local manufacturers!

For more information and to register, click here.

Event Details:

DATE: Thursday, June 15, 2023
TIME: 8:30am - 10:30am
LOCATION:

Melrose Park Chamber of Commerce and Community Development

900 N. 25th Avenue
Melrose Park, IL 60160

Corridor Plan for Franklin Park

January 31, 2023

Exciting news: Out of 64 total applicants, we’re among those chosen for #technicalassistance from CMAP. We are ready to get to work on a plan that can spark reinvestment and establish character along Grand Avenue and establish the village as a regional destination!

Now Open! Las Islas VIP - 3560 River Road

December 07, 2022

The Village of Franklin Park is excited to announce the opening of a new dining and drinking option. Located at 3560 River Rd., Las Islas VIP is a family-owned and operated Mariscos restaurant featuring Mexican seafood. The menu includes alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, soups and salads, appetizers, and a large diversity of seafood entrées. For more information including menu options, contact info, and reservations, please visit their Facebook.

New Round of Applications for Manufacturing Reinvented

December 07, 2022

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) announced a new round of applications for Manufacturing Reinvented, a $5 million grant program that supports local, suburban manufacturers with the implementation of projects to improve a business’s competitiveness and resiliency in the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic environment. As part of the program, Cook County will reimburse suburban based companies for up to $25,000 in eligible expenses associated with an approved project. Participating companies also receive IMEC’s expert advising services to refine project design and scope. The application portal will remain open from December 1st – December 31st.

Eligible projects include investments to:

Adopt automation
Build supply chain resiliency
Enhance productivity
Identify talent solutions
Improve visibility in the marketplace
Undertake strategic planning

For more information, click here.

PUBLIC NOTICE

VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

September 29, 2022

Public Notice, pursuant to 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-4(c), is hereby given that the Village President and Board of Trustees of the Village of Franklin Park, Cook County, Illinois (the “Village”), an Illinois municipal corporation, will contemplate the execution of a redevelopment agreement for the purchase and sale of a parcel of vacant property within the West Mannheim Residential Area TIF District on Monday, October 17, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Community Room, Franklin Park Police Station, 9451 W. Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois. The proposed agreement is being contemplated in connection with a Redevelopment Plan and Project (the “Project”) for the designated Redevelopment Project Area known as the West Mannheim Residential TIF Redevelopment Project Area (the “Project Area”), pursuant to the Illinois Tax Increment Allocation Redevelopment Act, 65 ILCS 5/11-74.4-1, et seq., (the “Act”).

A copy of the terms of the redevelopment agreement for the construction of an approximately 11,200 square foot multi-tenant commercial building on a 1.29 acre vacant parcel of property owned by the Village and commonly known as 3010 Mannheim Road, Franklin Park, Illinois is on file and available for examination during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. in the office of the Village Clerk, located at 9500 W. Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131, (847) 671-4800.

In accordance with the Act, all interested persons or parties are further notified and invited to submit an alternative bid for the Village owned property in the Project Area to the Village Clerk at the address identified in the preceding paragraph for consideration by the Village from this time and until Monday, October 17, 2022, at 3:00 p.m.

In the event of questions, all persons or parties should contact John Schneider, Community Development Director, Village of Franklin Park, Village Hall, 9500 W. Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131, (847) 671-4800.

/s/ April Arellano, Village Clerk

Click here for Redvelopment Agreement

Zoning Ordinance Update

September 1, 2022

A new Zoning Ordinance is now in effect. The previous version of the Village’s Zoning Code was written in 1974 and amended countless times, so a comprehensive update of the ordinance was necessary. Shaped by the vision and goals outlined in the Village’s Comprehensive Plan, Downtown Zoning Code, and O’Hare Industrial Plan, the update will help facilitate modern redevelopment that encourages emerging industries, promotes sustainable practices, and revitalizes commercial corridors while respecting existing conditions in the Village.

With feedback from community stakeholders under the guidance and assistance of Camiros, the code also contains features such as well-organized tables and detailed illustrations, diagrams, and definitions to ensure that the ordinance is more user friendly and easier to follow for residents, businesses, and contractors that are working to improve their properties. For more information, contact the Community Development Department.

Full Zoning Ordinance
Zoning Map

Cook County: Manufacturing Reinvented

August 23, 2022

President Preckwinkle shared details about Cook County’s $5 million investment in Manufacturing Reinvented, which represents a strategy to foster resiliency within the manufacturing sector. The Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center’s (IMEC) expert advisors will work one-on-one with manufacturers to define their project scope, evaluate solution options and chart a path forward. Grants may range from $5,000 to $25,000 depending on the nature of the project. Cook County is providing this investment with funding made available through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The Manufacturing Reinvented program will help address key priorities identified by the County via a survey of over 1,000 suburban Cook County manufacturers. An in-depth review of identified priorities are outlined in the Urgent Needs of Manufacturers report published in March 2021.

Eligible projects include investments to:

Adopt automation
Build supply chain resiliency
Enhance productivity
Identify talent solutions
Improve visibility in the marketplace
Undertake strategic planning

The Manufacturing Reinvented program represents a highly customizable approach to addressing specific company needs.

Qualifications & priorities for this program include:

Businesses operating in suburban Cook County
Businesses with a manufacturing NAICs code
Businesses located in communities hard hit by COVID-19 or businesses impacted by COVID-19

Businesses interested in applying immediately or learning more about the projects available are encouraged to visit www.imec.org/ccmr. Click on the flyer below for more information provided by IMEC.

Zoning Ordinance Update

July 14, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ADOPTION OF NEW FRANKLIN PARK ZONING ORDINANCE

FRANKLIN PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2022, AT 7:00 P.M.

ZBA 22-12

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Franklin Park will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 7:00 P.M., in the Community Room in the Franklin Park Police Station at 9451 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois to discuss and consider the adoption of a new FRANKLIN PARK ZONING ORDINANCE.

All persons in attendance at the hearing shall have an opportunity to be heard. Further information and a copy of the proposed new zoning ordinance is available in the office of the Village Clerk, Franklin Park Village Hall, 9500 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. If you have any questions, please contact Nicholas Walny, Senior Planner, at 847-671-8278.

Publication Date this 14th day of July 2022.

Mark Cwik, Chairman

Zoning Board of Appeals

Village of Franklin Park

Zoning Ordinance Update - Workshop #2

June 16, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ADOPTION OF NEW FRANKLIN PARK ZONING ORDINANCE

FRANKLIN PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 2022, AT 7:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Franklin Park will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at 7:00 P.M., in the Community Room in the Franklin Park Police Station at 9451 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois to discuss and consider the adoption of a new FRANKLIN PARK ZONING ORDINANCE.

Publication Date this 16^th day of June 2022.

Mark Cwik, Chairman

Zoning Board of Appeals

Village of Franklin Park

Year in Review: 2020-2021

June 13, 2022

The latest edition of the Department of Community Development and Zoning’s Year in Review is now available online and at Village Hall. The Year in Review highlights accomplishments and progress on projects, initiatives, and developments from 2020 and 2021. The document can be accessed at the following link:

Year in Review: 2020-2021

Downtown Franklin Park Welcomes Sky Café

June 6, 2022

The Village of Franklin Park is excited to announce the opening of a new dining and drinking option in Downtown Franklin Park. Located at 9743 Franklin Avenue, Sky Café’ is a family-owned and operated, modern gastropub featuring American and globally inspired flavors. The menu includes soups, salads, burgers, pasta, pierogies, sandwiches, and more. For more information including menu options and reservations, please visit https://skycafe.us/.

Sky-Cafe-1

Zoning Ordinance Update - Workshop #1

May 12, 2022

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

ADOPTION OF NEW FRANKLIN PARK ZONING ORDINANCE

FRANKLIN PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022 AT 7:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given to all interested parties that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the Village of Franklin Park will hold a public hearing on June 1^st, 2022, at 7:00 P.M., in the Community Room in the Franklin Park Police Station at 9451 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois to discuss and consider the adoption of a new FRANKLIN PARK ZONING ORDINANCE.

All persons in attendance at the hearing shall have an opportunity to be heard. Further information and a copy of the proposed new ordinance is available in the office of the Village Clerk, Franklin Park Village Hall, 9500 Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. If you have any questions, please contact Nicholas Walny, Senior Planner, at 847-671-8278.

Publication Date this 12^th day of May 2022.

Mark Cwik, Chairman

Zoning Board of Appeals

Village of Franklin Park

IDI Logistics Breaks Ground at 3500 Wolf

On October 21st, 2021, Community Development staff attended a ground breaking ceremony for 3500 Wolf Road. IDI Logistics is building a new 100,463 square foot warehouse and distribution facility at the site of the former Precision Steel warehouse. The new building will feature 32-foot clear ceilings, 24 exterior docks, two grade-level overhead doors, 49 trailer stalls and 86 off-street parking spaces. The building will contain approximately 5,000 square feet of office space and 95,000 square feet of warehouse/distribution space. The project is expected to be completed by October 2022.

Rendering of the redevelopment.

Construction is ongoing at 3500 Wolf Road

PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY OWNED BY THE VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK AT 9800 FRANKLIN AVENUE

September 16, 2021

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Franklin Park (the “Village”) adopted Resolution No.: 2122-R-10 declaring a parcel of real property located at 9800 Franklin Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois (the “Property”) as surplus property. The Village is listing the Property for sale with Darwin Realty & Development Corporation, 970 North Oaklawn Avenue, Suite 100, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126 (the “Darwin”). A copy of Resolution No.: 2122-R-10 is printed below. Copies of the Appraisal of the Property and the Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement between the Village and Darwin is available in the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, Village of Franklin Park, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois 60131 or at www.villageoffranklinpark.com. In the event of questions, please contact Nicholas Walny, Senior Planner, 9500 West Belmont Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, or at (847) 671-4800.

Click here for full Public Notice

Click here for Resolution Number 2122-R-10, Appraisal of Property, and Exclusive Right to Sell Agreement with Darwin Realty

World Headquarters Relocates to Franklin Park

June 28, 2021

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.

Click here to learn more!

Illinois Tollway Approves Railroad Agreements for New I-490 Tollway and Western Access to O'Hare International Airport

June 02, 2020

The Illinois Tollway released information regarding agreements with the railroad, marking significant progress for the I-490 Tollway Project. The I-490 Tollway Project hopes to improve access to O’Hare International Airport for businesses and communities.

The forms of agreement will allow for the mutual exchange of property rights necessary for construction of the new I-490 Tollway extending south from the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway (I-90) to the Tri-State Tollway (I-294) with interchanges creating new access into and around O’Hare International Airport. The agreement will also enable improvements to rail operations in the Chicago Terminal area.

Click here to read the entire press release.

New Village Website for COVID-19 Resources

April 4, 2020

The Village has created a webpage with resources, guidelines, and up to date information for businesses seeking COVID-19 relief through State and Federal programs. This site will be updated regularly as information becomes available.

COVID-19 Resources for Businesses and Employers

Now Live: Zoning Code Update Website

January 17, 2020

The Community Development Department has been working hand in hand with Camiros to address concerns with the Village’s existing code, identify opportunities for improvement, and highlight trends and best practices that are in line with the Village’s Comprehensive Plan and vision for the future.

That said, Camiros has developed a website to provide a central location for our reports, presentations, and information on upcoming events. There is also a form under the “Get Involved” tab to allow the public to voice their comments and concerns directly to the Community Development Department.

Visit the website to stay informed on our progress and learn more about opportunities to get involved!

Members of the Cook County Revolving Loan Fund Coalition for Brownfield Remediation met in Franklin Park.

Cook County Revolving Loan Fund for Brownfield Remediation Opens Door for New Redevelopment Opportunities

October 21, 2019

On October 16, 2019, representatives from the Cook County Department of Environment and Sustainability and Weaver Consultants Group provided information to members of the Cook County Revolving Loan Fund Coalition for Brownfield Remediation. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), a brownfield is a property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The coalition includes Bellwood, Franklin Park, Schiller Park, and other Cook County municipalities where brownfield sites may qualify for loans for cleanup and remediation.

The meeting provided updates on the loan program where members were informed that projects that are ready for remediation and redevelopment are being prioritized. The goal of this revolving loan fund is to revitalize contaminated sites within eligible municipalities in order to attract employers to redevelop problem properties, leverage existing transportation and logistics assets, generate living wage jobs, and create new public open green space. With these goals, the County and participating municipalities will foster livable, vibrant communities that are safe, healthy, and amenity-rich for all residents by bringing brownfield sites to productive uses.

If you know of any brownfield sites within Franklin Park that may be eligible for redevelopment through this loan, contact the Community Development Department at (847) 671-8276 for more information.

Additional information on the program can be accessed here: Cook County - Brownfield Redevelopment

Learn more about past projects here: Cook County Brownfield Redevelopment Story Map

The Trail Advisory Group (TAG) has walked segments of the Des Plaines River Trail to identify opportunities for improvement and potential alternate routes.

Des Plaines River Trail Redevelopment

September 16, 2019

The Des Plaines River Trail Improvements project took another step forward in June as a variety of community, municipal, and county organizations met to discuss new and improved trail route options.

The effort is being spearheaded by the Intergovernmental Coalition of the Des Plaines River Trail which consists of the West Central Municipal Conference, Village of Franklin Park, Village of Rosemont, City of Des Plaines, City of Park Ridge, Village of River Grove, Village of Elmwood Park, and the Village of Schiller Park.

The Des Plaines River Trail Improvements project has received $721,000 of STP funds allocated from the North Central Council of Mayors, $240,000 from the Cook County “Invest in Cook” grant, $1,030,000 from the West Central Municipal Conference, and $100,000 from the Chicago Community Trust. Together, this money has funded Phase I engineering and planning undertaken by Active Transportation Alliance & Christopher B. Burke Engineering (CBBEL) of Rosemont.

In order to address the chronic issues of flooding, disrepair, and unsafe road crossings that have been afflicting the Des Plaines River Trail for years, key stakeholders have formed the Trail Advisory Group (TAG) to work with CBBEL to identify potential route alternatives and trail improvements. TAG includes representatives from the aforementioned municipalities and organizations; as well as the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and other Chicagoland area groups. Moreover, TAG has been looking to expand the trail from its current terminus at North Avenue to the Illinois Prairie Path and Miller Meadow near Forest Park.

When completed and connected to existing trailways, the Des Plaines River Trail would extend from the Wisconsin border to the Stevenson Expressway—a distance of 50+ miles! Such an ambition corresponds with CMAP’s ON TO 2050 Plan of a continuous Greenway and Trails network for Northeastern Illinois.

Economic Development Incentives

Planning

Workforce Training

Zoning

Applications

Amendment Packet

Conditional Use Packet

Home Occupation Packet

Occupancy and Business
License Packet

Subdivision Packet

Variance Packet

The Department of Community Development and Zoning strongly recommends scheduling an appointment with staff to discuss applications for zoning relief or economic development programs before submitting final applications to the Village.

Local and Regional Projects