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

will-county-board.3

Will County completes major projects while others move forward

Will County's facilities team has completed several major projects while advancing others throughout the county, officials reported during a Capital Improvements & IT Committee meeting Monday. The Old Courthouse Plaza...
will-county-board.3

Will County Accepts $140,000 Developer Donation for Road Improvements

Will County's Public Works and Transportation Committee accepted a $140,143.90 donation from a developer in lieu of constructing traffic improvements along Laraway Road. The donation comes from the Lakes Park...
will-county-board.2

State Legislative Session Wrap-Up Shows Mixed Results

Will County's state legislative priorities saw mixed results as the Illinois General Assembly concluded its spring session on May 31, with several key bills advancing while others stalled. The Legislative...
will-county-board.2

Will County expands safety initiatives across facilities

Will County has implemented new safety protocols and training programs across its facilities, including the selection of department safety monitors and participation in community health education events. Each county department...
will-county-board.3

Leglislative Committee Meeting Briefs

Federal Grant Deadline Extended: The Surface Transportation Reauthorization deadline has been extended to May 30 for policy submissions, with both House and Senate committees actively seeking stakeholder input ahead of...
will-county-board.3

Speed Limits Reduced on Two Township Roads

The committee approved new speed zones for two township roads based on engineering studies showing current limits exceed safe driving speeds. Offner Road in Green Garden Township will have a...
will-county-board.2

Will County Finance Committee Approves Juvenile Detention Center Upgrades

Committee votes to keep facility operational, moves forward with compliance modifications Will County Finance Committee members voted unanimously Monday to recommend keeping the River Valley Detention Center operational and making...
will-county-board.2

Major Grade Separation Projects Advance with Engineering Contracts

The committee approved two significant engineering agreements for major railroad overpass projects totaling over $4 million. TranSystems Corporation received a $4,003,256 contract for construction engineering services on the Lorenzo Road...
County-Board-Room

County Authorizes Condemnation for Francis Road Project

The committee authorized the State's Attorney's Office to proceed with condemnation cases for right-of-way acquisition needed for Francis Road improvements between Gougar Road and Interstate 80. Eight property parcels are...
will-county-board

Solar Farm Access Approved for Manhattan-Arsenal Road

The committee granted access approval for a solar farm development on Manhattan-Arsenal Road approximately 1,000 feet east of Cherry Hill Road. The MCH Solar 1 project, developed by Soltage LLC,...
will-county-board.3

Will County Finance Committee Meeting Briefs

Budget Transfers Approved: The Finance Committee approved transferring $18,643 within the Supervisor of Assessments budget to move funds from software licensing to computer hardware purchases. Animal Protection Services Funding: Committee...
will-county-board.2

Public Works Committee Briefs

Major Projects Update: Construction continues on several major projects including the 80th Avenue expressway overpass, Laraway Road widening near Cedar Road, and Bell Road improvements. The Bell Road project at...
will-county-board

Capital Improvements & IT Committee Briefs

Bed donation program: Will County donated old beds from Sunny Hill Nursing Home to Joliet Junior College and Project Cure after the nursing home received all new beds for residents....
Frankfort-Village-Board-Meeting-Graphic

Frankfort Board Approves New Wendy’s on Route 30 With Numerous Modifications

A new Wendy's restaurant is set to be built at the northwest corner of U.S. Route 30 and Frankfort Square Road after the Frankfort Village Board unanimously approved the project...
frankfort village hall graphic logo.1

Historic Downtown Frankfort Property Granted Deck and Patio Variances

The owners of a historic mixed-use building in downtown Frankfort have received approval for six zoning variances to construct a new paver patio and a second-floor rear deck. The Frankfort...