Despite Debate, Plainfield Library Craft Fair Gets the OK

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Trustees unanimously approved closing the road near the library, 15025 S. Illinois St., during the event, set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. The art and craft fair will benefit the Friends of the Plainfield Public Library.

Last spring, trustees discussed the possibility of paring down the number of special events held in the village. According to Plainfield police, the village had received requests for 18 separate events requiring road closures in 2013.

"I guess I'm kind of questioning why we're adding another road closure when we were trying to reduce the number of road closures," trustee Garrett Peck said. 

Trustee Margie Bonuchi pointed out that while the library craft fair is not a new event, this is the first time it has required a road closure.

"I support the fundraiser for the library," she said. "I don't support the road closure. It's in a small area now but watch as it grows — it's going to go all the way down Illinois Street," Bonuchi added, saying organizers could consider options to still hold the event without the closing.

Trustee Jim Racich said the event, scheduled for a Saturday, will not affect school-day traffic, and will take place during a time when downtown Plainfield traffic is typically low.

"It's really kind of an adjunct to making Plainfield a truly special place to go," he said, calling it a "great cultural event."

"I like the idea of building community spirit," trustee Bill Lamb agreed.

Plainfield Police Chief John Konopek said the event will have "minimal impact" downtown and that residents of Illinois Street will still be able to access their homes. He said no officers will be assigned to enforce the road closure.

Plainfield Public Works staffers will drop off barriers prior to the event; the barriers will be put in place either by volunteers or event organizers, according to public works Director Allen Persons. Employees will pick them up following the event, he said.

Despite concern about the closure, trustees ended up voting 6-0 to approve the request.

Persons noted that parking lot improvements at the library, scheduled to begin this fall, could allow the art and craft fair to take place next year without road closures.

Read: Plainfield Library, Village Sign Pact for Downtown Parking Improvements