Plainfield · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Plainfield public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget & Financial Policies
The $44 million general fund budget is performing right on target, helped by the special census that added 5,000+ residents to the official count — worth about $955,000 a year in extra state income tax revenue. Tax levy talks start at the next workshops, with a public hearing December 7.
Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Rewrite
The village is rewriting its entire zoning code, and this session covered the zoning districts and the list of what uses are allowed where. Big themes: simpler district names, new housing options like duplexes and ADUs, tougher design standards, and a fresh debate over whether Airbnbs should be allowed downtown.
Core5 Industrial Development Annexation and Rezoning
A new Dunkin' Donuts with a drive-thru and future commercial outlot is proposed at 135th Street and US Route 30. Trustees discussed pedestrian access and sidewalks to ensure students can safely reach the area from nearby schools.
Storm Cleanup and Public Works Infrastructure Repairs
Because the village was omitted from the state's central management road salt purchasing program, the board authorized purchasing 2,500 tons of road salt directly from Midwest Salt for nearly $290,000 to ensure winter readiness.
Rot Farm Industrial and Commercial Development Proposal
A 1.2-million-square-foot warehouse plus five commercial lots on ~170 acres at Ridge and Johnson Roads, next to Grand Park. Residents packed the room worried about truck traffic, noise, lighting and home values; the Board rejected the annexation agreement and tabled the rest. The developer has spent 26 months on this, so it will likely return.
Kratom and Synthetic Drug Sales Ban
The board considered an ordinance to ban the sale of kratom products and synthetic drugs. Industry representatives spoke during public comment, urging the board to distinguish between natural leaf kratom and concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. Consequently, the board tabled the item for two weeks to study the matter further.
Local Traffic and Infrastructure Improvements
The village hired GFT for $510,207 to study a railroad grade separation on 143rd Street to improve emergency response times and traffic flow.