Village Board approves stronger bollards and removes brick wall from Fuller's site plan

The Hinsdale Village Board took decisive action on May 13, 2025, approving a major adjustment to the safety measures at the Fuller's site, which has been under scrutiny due to public safety concerns. The board formally recognized the installation of stronger safety bollards designed to withstand a 5,000-pound vehicle traveling at 40 miles per hour, replacing the original design that had been previously approved.

This decision comes after extensive collaboration with the Richards family and their engineers, who raised alarms about both the bollards and the decorative brick wall initially planned for the site. The brick wall, intended as an aesthetic enhancement, was ultimately deemed a significant public safety hazard, leading to its removal from the project requirements.

Village officials emphasized that the ongoing bankruptcy of the Fuller's business did not influence this safety-focused decision. "If the wall were still deemed safe and necessary, we would pursue its construction through every appropriate legal channel," stated a village representative.

In the interim, temporary Jersey barriers have been placed along the Chicago Avenue and Lincoln Street sides of the property to ensure pedestrian safety until a permanent solution is developed. The village staff has been directed to work closely with the Fuller's representatives and bankruptcy trustees to find a suitable long-term safety measure.

This adjustment underscores the village's commitment to prioritizing public safety while navigating the complexities of the ongoing situation at the Fuller's site.