Homer Township Board Approves $2.2 Million Civic Center on Trantina Farm Despite Residents' Calls to Wait

The Homer Township board has approved construction of a $2.2 million civic center at the Trantina Farm in Homer Glen, rejecting appeals from some residents who asked officials to hold off so the public could weigh in. The vote came at a Monday meeting attended by about 40 people.

Several attendees said the board was acting too hastily and wanted to learn more about the facility, planned for 15774 151st St., before any decision. Gail Snyder, a former Homer Glen trustee and longtime resident, said there had been "a complete lack of transparency." She noted that other governments typically present projects to the public and allow ample time for comment, which she said had not happened here.

Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike said the village needs additional information, including a stormwater plan, traffic study, environmental report, tree preservation plan, landscape plan and details on a handicapped-accessible parking lot. She asked township officials to "pump the brakes" and meet with the village to discuss the matter as one large group.

Others objected to using land dedicated as open space. Sharon Sweas, also a former Homer Glen trustee, said residents do not want a large portion of Trantina's open space turned into a big building with a large parking lot. She said what people once pictured as a simple pole barn had "ballooned into some type of civic center."

Township Supervisor Steve Balich said the board has worked on the plans since 2021, first calling the project a community or event center before settling on the current name. He tied the effort to a November 2020 advisory referendum, approved by about 64% of voters, which asked whether the township should pursue grant funding, without raising or adding real estate taxes, for a multipurpose, pole barn-style building for educational, environmental, recreational and social activities.

Resident Elizabeth Prokop, who said she voted against the referendum, argued that voters authorized only the pursuit of grants. "No one voted to let you spend a single penny on a pole barn, let alone what you've turned into a civic center," she said.

Balich said the township has received a $500,000 grant and that its grant writer expects more to follow, particularly because the building is meant to serve seniors, children and people with special needs. He said the board is not raising taxes for the project.

The board worked with Jay Bradarich, president of Landmark Construction Services, Inc., of Tinley Park, on a pre-engineered, 100-by-100-foot structure. Bradarich, who gave the Monday presentation, said the center will be simple and economical, hold up to 200 people and have 50 parking spaces. Once funding allows a gym floor, it would offer a high school-sized basketball court. He added that many of the studies Neitzke-Troike mentioned are finished or under way.

Balich said the project will be built in phases, with later additions including a stage for theater programs and battle of the band events, a gym floor for activities such as wheelchair basketball, and a kitchen. He described a vocal minority opposed to the plan and predicted the center will be popular once open. "We have nothing like this anywhere near Homer Township," he said. He also said he does not want the building used for weddings or funerals that would compete with local businesses.

Trustee Mike Bonomo, who chairs the board's senior committee, said bingo is usually held at a local church but sometimes must move, confusing seniors who then miss the event. A central location would help, he said, adding that a place for seniors to gather "without any strings attached" is hard to argue against.