Borg Warner Referendum

Non-Binding Referendum Details

The Frankfort Park District has the opportunity to purchase a valuable parcel of land for future recreational use for the community.

On Tuesday, April 6, the Frankfort Park District is asking voters, in a non-binding referendum, if it should acquire and improve the site of the Borg Warner Plant for the purpose of developing, improving, and operating an indoor recreational space and outdoor athletic facilities and finance the purchase and renovation of the project by issuing bonds that will result in a property tax increase? The referendum question is a non-binding (advisory) ballot question.

What would the Park District do with the Borg Warner facility?

The Park District would purchase and renovate the facility to provide new indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities in Frankfort. The existing building is 229,000 sq. ft. on 26 acres parcel of land.  The Park District is working with architects to evaluate the opportunities for the facility.

The Park District will rely on community input to determine, prioritize and budget for improvements of the property. Consideration is being made to relocate existing recreation programs to the facility and the renovated space could include a fitness center, indoor/outdoor aquatic area, walking track, gyms and turf space.

What will happen to the Borg Warner property if the referendum does not pass?

The property is currently for sale, the asking price of $7.5 million dollars. The facility is currently operating and it is anticipated it will close in December of 2021. Should the April referendum fail, the Park District would lose access to the existing ball field, and once closed the property may remain vacant until it’s sold as an industrial operating plant or the area is rezoned for development.

What is the exact question that will appear on the April 6 Consolidated Ballot?

Non-Binding (advisory) Referendum to gauge community support. Should the Frankfort Park District, acquire and improve the site of the Borg Warner Plant, located at 300 Maple Street in Frankfort and consisting of approximately 26 acres, for the purpose of developing, improving, and operating an indoor recreational space and outdoor athletic facilities and finance the purchase and renovation of the project by issuing bonds that will result in a property tax increase?

What is a Non-Binding Referendum?

A Non-Binding, or often referred to as an “advisory question” is a type of ballot measure in which citizens vote on a non-binding question. The difference between an advisory vote and any other type of ballot measure is that the outcome of the ballot question will not result in a new, changed, or rejected law or tax increase. Rather, the advisory question symbolically makes heard the general opinion of voters in regard to the issue at hand. Based on the vote result, the Park District will evaluate and asses the next step. There may be consideration to place a binding bond referendum on the ballot in 2022.

 

Click here to download the Frankfort Park District Referendum – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Sheet)

 

Having trouble opening PDFs? Download Adobe Reader here.