I moved to New Lenox in 1994 when there was a population of just over 10,000 people. We now have over 30,000 people that call New Lenox home. This has always been a desirable community to live in, with a rich history, great schools, parks, library system and amenities. In 2025, we found ourselves again at a pivotal time with village growth.
There are over 43 square miles that will eventually be incorporated within our village limits. There is a tremendous amount of open land where we will see growth. It’s unrealistic to say “don’t grow” anymore, when land owners have the right to sell their property. Unless your family was here prior to 1946, you too came from somewhere else. We all moved here at one time or another due to the desirability of the area. The fact that our population has increased at a greater percentage than any other community in Will County and Southern Cook County (Chicago Tribune, 5/19/25) over the last 5 years, and home values have increased at a greater percentage than those communities as well, shows you how desirable our community is to so many.
In order to stay ahead of that growth, we continue to invest in our infrastructure. A new wastewater treatment plant will replace the three existing plants which are currently housed in less than ideal locations. We are also part of the group that is expanding our Lake Michigan water routes, in order to ensure capacity for decades to come. Additionally, water mains are being replaced in the older sections of town, and roads are being repaired to keep up with the traffic increase. These projects alone cost all of us over $150 million, but are necessary to maintain the quality of life and value in New Lenox for generations to come.
In an effort to support responsible commercial development, we are investing in, and partnering with, developers that are beneficial to the community for the long term. Restaurants, grocery stores, and other commercial development that will provide amenities , jobs, and sales tax often need support to build. Without that, vacant and under-performing properties will plague a community.
Residentially, we have two new subdivisions moving forward (Teerling Lakes and Lakes Park) that will produce over 700 new homes, including a deeded 55 and older community. There are also a few other developers that are before our planning staff with plans to build an additional 300-plus homes. These new subdivisions are located on the far northwest, southeast, and central parts of New Lenox.
We have made a concerted effort to keep industrial growth west of Gougar Road, unless it’s in the older industrial areas off Schoolhouse that have existed for decades. Our investment in the Crossroads Sports Complex provided Silver Cross with the partner that they wanted. The only developers that came forward to build next to the hospital were warehouses, which was something we didn’t want on that valuable land. The first year of the sports complex was successful, with new contracts being negotiated to fill every weekend from late April to November with tournaments, and local teams using the complex during the week. The indoor facility should break ground in the first half of 2026. That means the Crossroads will be a 12 month facility, providing jobs, sales tax, and a catalyst for hotel/restaurant/commercial growth. In fact, our first hotel begins construction in the spring, with other contracts being finalized for the additional commercial piece. Across the street from the complex, you’ll notice construction has begun on a commercial development that will provide additional hotel and other sales tax producing products.
Our employees and volunteers continue to provide excellent service to the community. Our police department does an amazing job of keeping us safe. Our public works department is second to none. Our village hall staff provides excellent service to residents and business owners alike. Our boards, commissions and volunteers serve the community with distinction. This isn’t just a career or service opportunity for all of them; they serve with commitment and dedication to our town.
Despite the growth, we do work hard to maintain a small town feel. Our special events team puts on the most incredible community events in the Commons. Concerts, Christmas in the Commons, Ladies Night Out, Farmer’s Market, Kid’s Day etc.. are just a few examples of how we can all come together to celebrate our great town. W also have the hard working team at the Children’s Museum!
We continue to maintain our extraordinary relationships with the schools, park district, fire protection district, library, chamber of commerce, township and county. Together, we are all working with the same mindset of providing the very best to those we serve. I’m grateful to each and every one of them. We are also fortunate to have a strong veteran’s presence in our community. We owe our military heroes gratitude and respect for serving our great nation.
Everything your governing bodies do to provide services is funded through tax dollars. Although we receive the smallest portion of the property tax bill, those funds are necessary at this time to help fund the projects I have listed here. The majority of our revenue comes from sales tax; 80% of which comes from people who live outside New Lenox. Our sales tax rate increase is commensurate with other growing towns, and provides the revenue we need to maintain our quality of life in New Lenox. We do not have a gas tax or streaming tax, contrary to comments you’ll see from time to time. Once the additional tax revenues begin to flow in, we will restart our property tax rebate program.
Most importantly, I want to say thank you to all of our residents. Your understanding and support of what we are doing to help keep New Lenox the amazing town it has always been, is greatly appreciated. We might not always agree on every topic, but this community has shown tremendous heart and pride, and I couldn’t be more grateful to serve as your mayor. I’m blessed to work with a board of trustees and staff that see the vision, and stay committed to the path we are traveling. We strive on integrity and transparency. Whether it’s with our open public meetings, podcast, news letter or website, we want you to know exactly what’s happening in YOUR community.
May each and every one of you find peace, good health, and happiness in 2026!
-Mayor Tim Baldermann