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 THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF KING AVENUE AND HAWTHORNE STREET

October 08, 2021

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Village of Franklin Park (the “Village”) adopted Resolution Number 2122-R-11 declaring a parcel of real property as surplus property and authorizing the sale of the surplus property.

In accordance with Resolution Number 2122-R-11, the Village is accepting proposals for the sale and development of the triangular parcel of vacant real property at the Southwest corner of King Avenue and Hawthorne Street commonly known as 9960 Pacific Avenue, Franklin Park, Illinois, identified by PIN 12-21-409-012-0000 (the “Property”).  Proposals will be reviewed as submitted.

A copy of Resolution Number 2122-R-11 is printed below.  Copies of the Appraisal of the Property are 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 or for further information about the Property, 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-11

Click here for Appraisal of Property

PUBLIC NOTICE

VILLAGE OF FRANKLIN PARK, COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS

October 05, 2021

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 both the Mannheim-Grand TIF District and the West Mannheim Residential TIF District on Monday, October 18, 2021, 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 Areas known as the Mannheim-Grand TIF Redevelopment Project Area and the West Mannheim Residential TIF Redevelopment Project Area (the “Project Areas”), 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 116,000 square foot building on a 2.76 acre vacant parcel of property owned by the Village and known as Lot 8 in the Franklin Marketplace located at the southwest corner of Crown Road and the Franklin Marketplace access drive 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 18, 2021, 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.

April Arellano, Village Clerk

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!

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

New Mixed Use, Luxury Apartment Redevelopment Approved for Downtown Franklin Park 

March 30, 2020

Rendering of the development illustrating the view from Franklin Ave and 25th Ave.

Rear elevation showing resident parking and entryways.

On March 16th, 2020, the Board of Trustees passed an ordinance regarding the sale of 9600 Franklin Avenue (Crossings Phase 2) from the Village of Franklin Park to A&E Luxury Apartments, LLC. A&E plans to construct a 6-story, 110-unit, market rate luxury rental housing development with ground floor retail and parking. The Village of Franklin Park has been working with A&E over the past 6 months and believes this development will bring an infusion of energy to our downtown district. A&E has met the Village Zoning Code in terms of height, density, and parking for all of their residents.

In tandem with the aforementioned project, the Village has plans to increase parking capacity downtown to accommodate future development. One aspect of this plan is that parking spaces that are currently reserved for Metra patrons on the south side of the tracks will be available for public use for supplemental parking, and all Metra parking will be located on the north side of the tracks off of Belmont Ave. and Pacific Ave. The additional capacity for Metra parking will be located at the former Police Station site and the former Leyden Township News Agency building after demolition. Moreover, to increase parking capacity in the downtown district, the Village has acquired the building and parking lot at 3019 Rose St. through the Cook County Land Bank Authority. The building will be demolished and redeveloped as a parking lot for residents of the Senior Towers at 9535 Franklin Avenue and for guests visiting our downtown businesses.  This future parking plan is in line with the goals and vision that has been outlined for Downtown Franklin Park in the Village's Comprehensive Plan.  With the redevelopment of Crossings Phase 2, this parking plan will facilitate the introduction of much needed new retail and restaurant opportunities in Downtown Franklin Park without causing significant congestion and parking issues.

Furthermore, to ensure the downtown district has adequate parking to meet future development capacity, Village staff conducted a parking study.  The study was administered at different times of the day over a period of several weeks in order to get a better understanding of parking availability downtown on a regular basis. Staff determined that the downtown district currently has 270 public parking spaces that are available for patrons of downtown businesses. That number will increase to 400 public parking spaces as current Metra parking spaces shifts to the north side of the tracks and with the addition of the parking lot at 3019 Rose St. Moreover, staff concluded that parking occupancy has never exceeded half of the current supply. Therefore, as new development is constructed and business demand increases, the Village of Franklin Park downtown district will be ready to handle the influx.

If you have any questions regarding the proposed developments, please contact Nicholas Walny at 847-671-8278 or Ryan Adriatico at 847-671-8276.

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.  The website can be accessed at the following link:

Franklin Park Zoning Code Rewrite

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

Students from Leyden High School District 212 toured the Franklin Park facilities of Digital Realty (top) and Sloan Valve (bottom). 

Manufacturing Day Connects Students with Local Industrial Businesses

October 7, 2019

The Village of Franklin Park partnered with Leyden High School District 212 and local businesses on October 4, 2019 to celebrate Manufacturing Day.  The national event addresses common misconceptions about manufacturing and industrial operations by providing businesses an opportunity to open their doors to the public. This year, students from Leyden High School District 212 were able to tour Digital Realty and Sloan Valve. Participating students toured the manufacturing floor and offices of each business and were able to ask questions about day-to-day operations, technical training requirements, and advancement opportunities.

The event aims to attract future manufacturing workers to fill the industry’s shortage of skilled labor, improve the public image of manufacturing and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the manufacturing industry. The Manufacturing Day event builds on a larger Village initiative to address workforce challenges in the industry by connecting manufacturers, training agencies, and prospective workers. 

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.

Zoning Code Rewrite

June 17, 2019

In late 2018, the Village of Franklin Park Board of Trustees formally approved funding for the rewrite of the Franklin Park Zoning Code. The current iteration of the zoning code was written in 1974 and has been amended countless times over the past 45 years, but not on a comprehensive level. The new code will take several plans into consideration that have been adopted over the years including the Franklin Park Downtown Zoning Code (2014), the Franklin Park O’Hare Industrial Plan (2014), and the Franklin Park Comprehensive Plan (2017). 

At the May 20, 2019 Board of Trustees Meeting, Director of Community Development and Zoning, John Schneider, introduced Arista Strungys of Camiros to announce our partnership in this endeavor.  Camiros provides a full range of services in the areas of planning, zoning, urban design, economic development, and landscape architecture. Founded in 1976 and located in Chicago, they have provided services to over 250 communities across the United States. 

The Department of Community Development and Zoning held a kickoff meeting with Camiros on June 14, 2019 to discuss the zoning code and tour the Village.  Together, it is our goal to comprehensively rewrite and modernize the Franklin Park Zoning Code using user-friendly elements while still respecting existing development.

Check back for updates on this project to learn how you can get involved!

Franklin Avenue Reconstruction Receives Grant from IDOT 

In June of 2018, the Village of Franklin Park received a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for $22,960,000 for the reconstruction of Franklin Avenue from Runge Street to Williams Drive and through to Belmont Avenue to Mannheim Road. The Village finished first in the state for the Competitive Freight Program. In addition to the funding received from IDOT, the Village has received commitments from the “Invest in Cook” grant, awarded by the Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways, for $340,000 and from the North Central Council of Mayors for $2,040,000 for the Phase I and II engineering.  In total, the project will cost approximately $31 million.

The proposed Franklin Avenue Reconstruction project will allow Franklin Avenue, Williams Street, and a portion of Belmont Avenue to meet the increased demands of the region’s growing industry.

New Pace Bus Shelters

In May of 2018, the Village of Franklin Park and Pace Suburban Bus Service entered into an agreement to install bus shelters throughout the Village. The shelters will be constructed, maintained and repaired by Pace. In total, there will be 18 new bus shelters installed along major routes that include Mannheim Road, Grand Avenue, and 25th/Rose Avenue. Village residents and visitors will now have the ability to wait for buses under a secure shelter and be covered from the elements.

Video of Ridge Development Ribbon Cutting

The Village of Franklin Park celebrated the completion of a new 178,516 square foot industrial speculative building by Ridge Development at the corner of Belmont, Elm, and River Road. Ridge Development had purchased the site at 9100 Belmont Avenue from multiple owners, including the Village. One of the parcels was formerly a brownfield, but was assessed under funding from the Cook County Brownfield Assessment project. The building is available for sale or lease. Watch the above video for an overview of the project, comments by Mayor Pedersen, and footage from the event.

Active Transportation Alliance Gives Bike Racks to Village

Active Transportation Alliance has provided three new bicycle racks for the Village of Franklin Park. Two of the racks were installed downtown on Franklin Avenue, and one was installed at East Leyden High School’s athletic complex on King Street. Previously, there was no bike parking at any of these locations. Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit advocacy organization that works to improve conditions for bicycling, walking and transit. The bike racks were funded through grant dollars that Active Transportation Alliance uses to help communities with their policy implementation.

Village Celebrates New 367,000 SF Industrial Speculative Development by Molto Properties

The Village of Franklin Park celebrated the construction of a new 367,000 SF industrial speculative development by Molto Properties with a ribbon-cutting in early November of 2016. The new building at 10501 Seymour Avenue will be followed by construction of a second 106,000 SF industrial speculative building on the same site. Molto founder and senior principal Todd Naccarato discussed the project with Crain’s in 2015: “We're seeing substantial increases in rents, because these kinds of buildings are in demand right now. What we're seeing is, now that we're coming out of a recession a number of businesses are growing and want to expand. There's demand for newer buildings.” Colliers International is currently seeking industrial users for the new space, which is located across the street from O’Hare Airport and less than a mile to I-294 and the I-90 interchange.