Homer Glen Board Delays Decision on ComEd Substation Upgrade
Village Board Postponement
The decision by the Homer Glen Village Board regarding improvements to ComEd’s substation on Bell Road, initially constructed in the 1950s, has been postponed. Village officials still have important questions about the project.
Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike expressed concerns over how the new substation would benefit local residents. ComEd aims to modernize the substation located at 14546 S. Bell Road with weather-protected enclosures to ensure a more reliable power grid.
Importance of Modernization
Lisa Aprati, ComEd external affairs manager, stated the substation is crucial for ComEd’s electric network, serving Homer Glen and surrounding areas. Support comes from the Will County Governmental League and Will County Center for Economic Development, underscoring ComEd’s responsibility to upgrade infrastructure for secure and efficient electricity delivery.
“As energy needs grow and infrastructure ages, ComEd must invest strategically to maintain safe, reliable electricity delivery,” Aprati emphasized.
Jennifer Carroll from ComEd highlighted that equipment at the Homer Glen substation is beyond its lifespan, with some parts unobtainable. The new facility promises quicker responses to outages, striving for minimized downtime during outages.
Project Details
On September 23, 2026, Jennifer Carroll addressed inquiries at the village board meeting. ComEd seeks approval for two new buildings on South Bell Road, measuring nearly 59 feet and 21 feet in height respectively. Plans also include a security fence with barbed wire, replacement of old power line poles, and installation of standalone poles or monopoles.
The project also involves enlarging a detention pond, new landscaping, and creating a public rest area near an existing bike path featuring benches, a trellis, and a butterfly garden.
Area of Construction
Construction would occur within 4 acres of a 67-acre parcel at South Bell Road and West Martingale Road. While serving Homer Glen and other southwest suburbs, specifics of service areas are withheld due to confidentiality.
Since February 2025, ComEd has collaborated with Homer Glen officials, having consulted with fire, school district, and township officials. A vote by the village’s Plan Commission in July resulted in a 4-1 recommendation for project approval.
Trustee Opinions and Concerns
Trustee Rose Reynders queried if the upgrade relates to increasing electricity demands, such as data centers, which ComEd refuted. Reynders seeks exterior color options ensuring the building complements its surroundings, utilizing gradual color changes to visually reduce height.
Mayor Neitzke-Troike remarked on ensuring the lighting does not disrupt nearby residences and businesses, criticizing the proximity of the building to streets.
Trustee Mike Lepore demanded studies ensuring no adverse effects on health and safety for residents and businesses, highlighting differing locations of similar facilities. Without such guarantees, Lepore said he will not support the project.