Developer outlines Grand Avenue rain-garden plan; commissioners press for low‑maintenance design

At its Aug. 18 meeting, the Franklin Park Tree Preservation Commission heard a presentation from Ted Spears of Spear Development about rain gardens planned for the northeast and northwest corners of Grand Avenue between Scott and Gustav. Spears said existing soil will be removed, amended and reused, red maples are scheduled for planting, and a third contractor will install underdrains to support water retention.

Commissioner Nick Weber and Trustee Karen Special said the designs must be easy to maintain given the Village’s limited staffing and watering resources. Weber warned the commission it “cannot allow the pollinator gardens to become difficult to manage,” and noted the Village currently has one water trailer truck available for supplemental watering. Member Violet Pamintuan asked about plant heights; Spears said the highest elevation in the garden is about 12 inches and that plantings near street corners should remain under 36 inches to preserve safe sightlines while taller species can be used in center banks to maximize stormwater absorption.

The commission pressed for clarity on scheduled maintenance, overwintering care and irrigation responsibilities; Trustee Special said noted maintenance is necessary to avoid a “weedy outcome.” Spears invited plant‑species suggestions from commission and Bee Committee members and said he would accept an emailed list of potential species for review. The commission asked staff to confirm who will be responsible for ongoing upkeep before the project proceeds to permit or construction stages.