Frankfort Advances Plans for New Multi-Use Paths to Boost Pedestrian Safety

Article Summary
The Frankfort Village Board has approved a $77,500 agreement with Robinson Engineering, Ltd. to design two new multi-use paths aimed at improving safety and connectivity in Main Park and along Pfeiffer Road. The project addresses resident concerns about pedestrian safety during sporting events and will connect southeastern neighborhoods to the village’s broader trail system.

Multi-Use Path Agreement Key Points:

• The board approved a $77,500 professional services agreement with Robinson Engineering, Ltd. for the design phase.

• One path will be built on the west side of Locust Street in Main Park, connecting the north and south parking lots.

• A second path will run along the east side of Pfeiffer Road, from Laraway Road south to an existing path in the Stone Creek subdivision.

• The fee covers design, topographic and property surveying, engineering plans, and bidding services.

FRANKFORT – Plans to enhance pedestrian safety and trail connectivity in Frankfort are moving forward after the Village Board on Monday approved a $77,500 contract to design two new multi-use paths.

The board authorized an agreement with Robinson Engineering, Ltd. for the design of a path within Main Park and another along a stretch of Pfeiffer Road. The projects are intended to address safety concerns and expand the village’s trail network.

Trustee Adam Borrelli, who presented the resolution, called the project “a pleasure to present.” He detailed the two locations, noting the first path will run along the west side of Locust Street in Main Park, from the north parking lot to the south parking lot. The second will be constructed on the east side of Pfeiffer Road, extending south from Laraway Road to connect with an existing path in the Stone Creek Phase I subdivision.

During board comments, Borrelli emphasized the project’s importance, calling it a “huge win.” He said the Main Park path directly responds to safety concerns raised by residents.

“Specifically during sporting events, specifically Falcons, and in the fall when it gets real busy over there… the board worked with the park district to come up with a plan to put a walking path along Locust there so that people aren’t walking in the street when they walk over to the ball fields,” Borrelli said. “I think that’s going to improve safety tremendously.”

The Pfeiffer Road path will provide a critical link for residents in the southeastern part of the village. “This is a little south extension that will then connect the neighborhood that starts at Stone Creek, but then also Lake View Estates and so forth,” Borrelli explained. “That’s going to be a huge improvement for our residents.”

The $77,500 fee to Robinson Engineering covers the initial design phase, which includes topographic surveying, property surveying, creating engineering plans and specifications, and handling bidding services. Construction costs are separate; preliminary estimates included in the agenda packet project the Main Park path could cost $180,000 and the Pfeiffer Road path could cost $375,000.

Trustee Maura Rigoni, who is employed part-time by Robinson Engineering, abstained from the vote on this item to avoid a conflict of interest. “For the record, I am not an owner, officer, or registered agent, and I do not have any financial interest in Robinson Engineering beyond my part-time employment,” Rigoni stated before abstaining.