frankfort illinois library logo graphic.5

Frankfort Library Reading Room Project Moves to Permitting Phase; Native Landscaping Planned

Spread the love

Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees Meeting | October 2025

Article Summary: The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees received a detailed update on the Reading Room Project, including a timeline for permits and bids. The project will involve grading changes to the land and the introduction of native plants following construction.

Reading Room Project Key Points:

  • Landscaping Changes: A current plan involves a 10% slope grading away from the building, which will require the removal of three trees.

  • Timeline: Permits were scheduled to be submitted by November 6, 2025, with a call for bids beginning December 11, 2025.

  • Environmental Focus: The library plans to incorporate native plants and has engaged the Conservation Foundation for consultation.

  • Bid Process: Recommendations on bids are expected to be presented at the January 2026 board meeting.

FRANKFORT – The Frankfort Public Library District Board of Trustees on Thursday, October 23, 2025, reviewed the latest developments regarding the Reading Room Project, focusing heavily on landscaping and construction timelines.

During the meeting, officials discussed the land survey results, which dictate a new grading plan featuring a 10% slope away from the building to ensure proper drainage. This re-grading will necessitate the removal of three existing trees. It was recommended that the area near the building not be landscaped for six months following the project’s completion.

The board outlined a specific schedule for the coming months. Permits were slated for submission on November 6, followed by a call for bids starting December 11. The bid process is expected to conclude on January 15, with a review period following immediately. The goal is to present bid recommendations to the board at the January 2026 meeting.

Director Amanda Kowalcze reported efforts to enhance the environmental sustainability of the site post-construction. She reached out to Possibility Place Nursery for a consultation regarding native plants. Additionally, the Conservation Foundation was scheduled to visit the site on November 14 to consult on the project, though the foundation charges for final certification.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

WATCH: Chicago committee rejects proposed tax hikes; Hemp industry wants regulation

WATCH: Chicago committee rejects proposed tax hikes; Hemp industry wants regulation

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop shares comments from...
Illinois quick hits: Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act ready for Trump

Illinois quick hits: Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act ready for Trump

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Bipartisan BABES Enhancement Act ready for Trump Illinois U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, D-Schaumburg, says a bipartisan bill she sponsored is headed...
Chicago council committee rejects mayor’s proposed tax hikes

Chicago council committee rejects mayor’s proposed tax hikes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Chicago City Council Committee on Finance has rejected a package of higher taxes proposed by Mayor...
Illinois quick hits: Elections board considers primary election petition objections

Illinois quick hits: Elections board considers primary election petition objections

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Elections board considers primary election petition objections Gov. J.B. Pritzker has one challenger in the Democratic Party’s gubernatorial primary. Former Chicago...
193 youth in care of Illinois' child welfare agency missing in 2025

193 youth in care of Illinois’ child welfare agency missing in 2025

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – So far this calendar year, Illinois’ child welfare agency reports 193 missing youth in care, an increase...
Hemp industry advocate promises to work with Pritzker, lawmakers

Hemp industry advocate promises to work with Pritzker, lawmakers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker and an advocate for the Illinois hemp industry have different views on reform after...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.2

Will County Committee Approves Rezoning, Denies Landfill Permit for Former Joliet Beach Club Site

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee on Thursday narrowly approved rezoning the former Joliet Beach...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Land Use & Development Committee for November 6, 2025

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 The Will County Land Use and Development Committee navigated a series of contentious zoning cases on Thursday, November...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.2

Committee Rejects Rezoning for Fencing Company in Joliet Township

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: Citing incompatibility with the surrounding residential neighborhood, the Will County Land Use and Development Committee unanimously denied...
Screenshot 2025-11-05 at 4.02.49 PM

County Sales Tax Revenues Strong, Cannabis Funds Dispersed to Community Programs

Will County Finance Committee Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: Will County's key sales tax revenues are on track to meet or exceed budget projections for fiscal year 2025, though...
Illinois sports wagers decline after implementation of new tax

Illinois sports wagers decline after implementation of new tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – The Illinois Gaming Board has reported a 15% drop in September sports betting, after the state imposed...
Will County Board Land Use Committee Graphic.4

Will County Committee Grants Extensions for Crete, Washington Township Solar Projects

Will County Land Use & Development Committee Meeting | November 6, 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Land Use and Development Committee granted 180-day extensions for two commercial solar energy projects...
Congress used government funding bill to 'erase' $3.4 trillion in deficits

Congress used government funding bill to ‘erase’ $3.4 trillion in deficits

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Quietly tucked inside Republicans’ funding deal to end the government shutdown is a provision wiping the congressional Pay-As-You-Go (PAYGO) scorecard, effectively forgiving nearly $3.4 trillion...
Illinois patient relies on ACA tax credits, experts warn they drive higher premiums

Illinois patient relies on ACA tax credits, experts warn they drive higher premiums

By Catrina BarkerThe Center Square President Donald Trump signed a House-passed short-term spending bill late Wednesday, ending the shutdown and keeping the government open through January, notably without the Affordable...
Trump rolls back tariffs on over 200 foods in sharp reversal

Trump rolls back tariffs on over 200 foods in sharp reversal

By Brett RowlandThe Center Square Responding to Americans' frustrations over high grocery prices, President Donald Trump issued an executive order Friday exempting more than 200 food products from tariffs. "Certain...