Hinsdale homeowners shouldn't have to pay a dime for the new Burlington Park pavilion. That's what five of six trustees are banking on.
The Village Board voted 5-1 on Tuesday, Aug. 25, to award a $441,121 construction contract to Dave Knecht Homes for a permanent pavilion on the west end of Burlington Park, Patch reported. Trustee Neale Byrnes cast the lone no vote, warning that a thin financial cushion could leave taxpayers on the hook if costs rise.
Village President Greg Hart said pledged private donations exceed the contract price by just $7,000.
"Obviously, it's not a ton," Hart said.
Byrnes, who chairs the board's Environment and Public Services committee, pushed back on language in village documents stating the village "expects" no public money will be spent.
"That's like saying the Cubs are expected to make the playoffs," Byrnes said. "But between now and then … suddenly it goes south on you. Can we just say no village funds will be utilized for this project?"
He pointed to a history of underground surprises when digging in Hinsdale and questioned the price tag itself, noting a Westmont house was being bid at roughly the same cost. The pavilion, he said, doesn't even have walls.
Trustee Alexis Braden said the village exhausted its bidding process and was confident Hinsdale could collect more private donations if unexpected costs arose. Board members said Dave Knecht Homes has promised to absorb any cost overruns.
The project has been funded entirely through private contributions tied to America's 250th anniversary. Major donors include UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale at $175,000 and the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce at $100,000. The board held a first reading on formal donation agreements with both organizations at the same meeting, according to The Hinsdalean.
Dave Knecht, who grew up in Hinsdale, made an in-kind contribution of $85,000 to bring down the construction cost. Architect Michael Abraham donated his design services. The pavilion's design resembles the nearby Memorial Building and will replace the temporary stage used for the Uniquely Thursdays concert series.
The project was originally budgeted at $350,000. Initial bids ranged from $405,000 to $585,573 and were rejected by trustees in April. The total project cost is now estimated at $526,000, according to a Hinsdalean report from the July 4 groundbreaking ceremony.
Hart acknowledged Byrnes' concern and said he, too, wanted to avoid spending village money on the pavilion. The formal donation agreements require a second reading before final approval.
Hinsdale Government Week Ahead
The next regular Village Board meeting date has not been confirmed. The formal donation agreements with UChicago Medicine AdventHealth Hinsdale and the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce will require a second reading and final vote at a future board session. Residents can monitor agendas at villageofhinsdale.org.
