On March 19, Kenilworth residents will decide whether to support a multimillion bond sale referendum intended to improve the village’s beach.
Last December, the Kenilworth Village Board voted unanimously to put a referendum on the ballot that, if approved, would allow the village to borrow up to $2.5 million for enhancements at Kenilworth Beach, located on the first block of Kenilworth Avenue. The estimated cost of the project totals $8.4 million.
The envisioned enhancements include repurposing the existing decommissioned water treatment building with new bathrooms, day storage, shade structures and new food options.
In addition, the second floor of the former water plant, which encompasses roughly 10,000 square feet, will be converted into a new multi-purpose room.
“It has long been a goal of the Village Board to enhance services at Kenilworth Beach, and I am pleased that so many residents took time to provide input throughout the planning process,” Village President Cecily Kaz said in a statement. “Our lakefront is a beloved community destination, however the old water plant lacks important amenities beachgoers expect at their public beach.”
The village has already set aside $3.4 million in village funds for the project. The remainder of the money would come from up to $2.5 million in bond proceeds and the balance from private donations where the village hopes to raise at least another $2.5 million.
According to the village, the estimated tax impact is anticipated to be an additional $126 annually for every $1,000,000 in market value as per the Cook County Assessor.
If the private donations exceed $2.5 million, that would lower the need of the funds coming from the bond proceeds.
Assistant to the Village Manager Heather McFarland said the village has not received any private donations but an outreach campaign would start in April if the voters approve the referendum. She added the Village Board would meet to decide on how to proceed if not enough private money is collected for the project.
In terms of the overall timing of the project, Kaz said the village hopes to “unveil the new beach experience for the 2025 beach season.”
The village has already retained an architect and conducted a survey to determine priorities in addition to forming a volunteer planning group.
Kenilworth residents have other active bond sales on their taxes including the 2014 measure approving the renovation of the New Trier High School Winnetka campus. After a 2022 refinancing of the bonds, New Trier Township residents pay an additional $177 per $15,000 in property taxes, according to New Trier Associate Superintendent Christopher Johnson.
Kenilworth District 38 also has an ongoing measure for improvements at Joseph Sears school, the one school in the village.
“The tax rate for referendum-approved bonds for the 2022 levy year is $.1746 per $100 of equalized assessed value,” District 38 Business Manager Joe Bailey said. “The bonds will be retired in full by December 1, 2026.”
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter with Pioneer Press.