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Bolingbrook Approves $1.9M Aircraft Hangar at Clow Airport

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. proves-1-9m-aircraft-hangar-at-clow-airport.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, March 25th 2026 at 15:04 GMT by Patch
      Locale: UNITED STATES

BOLINGBROOK, IL - March 25th, 2026 - The Bolingbrook Village Board yesterday approved a $1.9 million bid from Box Aircraft, LLC, for the construction of a new aircraft hangar at Clow Airport. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the village's ongoing efforts to revitalize and expand the airport, positioning it as a key economic driver for the region. The approval follows months of discussion and careful consideration, balancing the benefits of airport growth with the concerns of local residents.

Clow Airport, officially known as the Lewis University Airport, has been a significant, yet often understated, asset for Bolingbrook and the surrounding communities. While primarily serving general aviation, including private planes, flight training schools (like Lewis University's acclaimed aviation program), and corporate travel, the airport's potential for broader economic impact has long been recognized by village officials. The new hangar represents the first major infrastructural investment in years, signaling a commitment to unlock that potential.

Box Aircraft, LLC, a currently operating licensed and insured fixed base operator (FBO) at Clow Airport, was selected through a competitive bidding process. FBOs provide a range of services to aircraft and pilots, including fueling, maintenance, hangar space, and flight planning assistance. Box Aircraft's existing presence at the airport and demonstrated commitment to safety and service were key factors in the board's decision. Details of the bidding process itself, including the number of submissions and specific criteria used for evaluation, have been made available on the village website.

The hangar isn't simply about providing more space for aircraft storage. It's envisioned as a catalyst for increased activity at the airport, attracting new businesses, potentially creating jobs, and boosting local revenue. Airport officials anticipate the new hangar will allow for increased capacity for both transient and based aircraft. This includes accommodating larger, more sophisticated aircraft that currently cannot be supported by existing facilities. The influx of these aircraft is expected to translate into increased demand for services offered by Box Aircraft and other businesses operating at Clow Airport.

However, the decision wasn't made without addressing legitimate concerns from Bolingbrook residents. Several voiced apprehensions regarding potential increases in noise pollution and traffic congestion around the airport. During Tuesday's meeting, board members directly addressed these concerns, emphasizing the village's commitment to mitigating any negative impacts.

Village Manager, Ms. Eleanor Vance, stated, "We understand the concerns raised by our residents, and we are committed to being responsive. The project incorporates several features designed to minimize noise impact, including specific hangar construction materials and operational procedures. We are also actively exploring options to improve traffic flow around the airport, potentially including road improvements and optimized traffic signal timing."

The village plans a series of community engagement initiatives in the coming weeks to provide further details about the project's timeline, construction schedule, and mitigation strategies. These initiatives will include town hall meetings, online forums, and a dedicated project webpage on the village website. Transparency and open communication are viewed as crucial to ensuring a smooth and collaborative process.

Looking ahead, the expansion of Clow Airport is part of a larger strategic plan for economic development in Bolingbrook. The village is actively pursuing other initiatives to attract businesses and investment, and the airport is seen as a vital component of this strategy. Further investments are planned for the airport in the coming years, including potential upgrades to runway infrastructure and the expansion of terminal facilities. The goal is to transform Clow Airport into a regional hub for general aviation, supporting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for Bolingbrook residents.

The completion of the hangar is currently projected for late 2027. Regular updates on the project's progress will be provided through the village's communication channels. Residents are encouraged to visit the village website ([hypothetical village website address]) for more information.