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Fox River Grove board approves Block B demolition, green-lights 2024 sidewalk program amid one dissent
Summary
The Village of Fox River Grove approved a $350,001.78 contract to demolish Block B and advanced the 2024 Sidewalk Program despite Trustee Knar’s objections that downtown redevelopment should take priority; a resident urged allowing food trucks on the soon-to-be-empty lot.
The Village of Fox River Grove Board of Trustees approved contracts Tuesday that will clear Block B of buildings and move forward with the 2024 Sidewalk Program, despite objections from one trustee.
Village President Marc McLaughlin presided over the 6:30 p.m. meeting at the Municipal Center. During public comment, David Joseph of 24 Ashcroft asked that, once the block is demolished and backfilled, the village consider “allowing food trucks to temporarily sell from the empty lot,” and urged the board to consider relocating Village Hall to open the full square block for redevelopment.
The most contentious votes concerned capital projects tied to downtown redevelopment. Trustee Steve Knar said he “cannot continue voting in favor of capital expenditures until the Block B development is under construction,” arguing that residents would prefer money directed at getting the downtown redevelopment underway rather than spending on new sidewalks. Trustee Andrew Migdal countered that the sidewalk work is inexpensive this year and cited the need for sidewalks along Algonquin Road and near Lions Park.
Administrator Soderholm told the board that bids this year were favorable because of lower material pricing and a redesign of a retaining wall along Algonquin Road. On the Block B demolition, Soderholm said the lowest bid, from Omega III LLC, was "$350,001.78, a savings of $500,000+ over the anticipated cost of $860,000," and that the bid package included backfilling the basements of the structures. Omega III LLC indicated it would be ready to start work in early April, weather permitting; President McLaughlin asked staff to provide an official start date as it gets closer.
Votes at a glance: • Consent items A (March 5 minutes) and B (Accounts Payable) — approved (roll call: Trustees Hester, Knar, Migdal, Wall voted yes). • Item C, 2024 Sidewalk Program (award of bid) — approved (roll call: Hester, Migdal, Wall and President McLaughlin yes; Knar no). • Item D, Block B demolition (award of bid to Omega III LLC for $350,001.78) — approved (roll call recorded as yes from Trustees Knar, Hester, Migdal and Wall). • Item E, Construction engineering services agreement for the Sidewalk Program — approved (roll call: Hester, Migdal, Wall and President McLaughlin yes; Knar no).
Board members asked staff for follow-up details: President McLaughlin asked staff to provide a confirmed demolition start date as it becomes available. An agenda item titled “Block B Demolition Update” and “Other Business” recorded no additional discussion. At 6:52 p.m. the board voted to adjourn into executive session to discuss property purchase and sale, pending and imminent litigation, and personnel.
The meeting record was signed and certified; a short reconvening entry appears in the minutes at 7:28 p.m.
