Homer Township officials are seeking resident feedback on how they would like the unfinished civic center to be used so they can best decide how to move forward.

The township opened a community survey on its Facebook page and website, www.homertownship.com. The survey, which consists of three questions, will be open through early January, but township officials may extend the deadline based on the number of responses.

The civic center on the Trantina Farm open space property, 15744 W. 151st St., was started last year under former Supervisor Steve Balich, but it was not completed. Balich previously said it would have opened this summer.

Township Supervisor Sue Steilen, who took office in May after defeating Balich, said the building has about $700,000 worth of work necessary in order to receive an occupancy permit. But the township does not have the funds to complete the work, she said.

The survey results can help dictate what is important to the community so township officials know how best to spend money, Steilen said.

Township officials want to know what types of activities should be held in the center, such as general community events and senior citizens or children’s programming, and what the center’s primary purpose should be.

Township officials also want to know if the interior of the metal structure should be one large space for a gym or meeting area or be divided into smaller spaces for different activities.

The previous administration spent about $2.3 million on the civic center since construction began in August 2024.

Work remaining includes completing the septic system, installing entry doors, painting, putting up drywall and sealing the concrete floors. The building’s well system, ductwork distribution system, electrical system and fire protection system also has to be finished, township officials said.

Steilen said survey input will help the township proceed. For instance, she said, how important residents rate a kitchen space will determine how large of a septic system needs to be installed.

Homer Township officials want to know if the interior of the civic center should be one large space or divided into smaller spaces for different activities. (Michelle Mullins/for the Daily Southtown)

“Maybe the community wants an activity that has not been defined yet,” Steilen said. “I don’t want to move forward until we have a solid plan.”

The survey results could also lead to follow-up questions, she said.

“I didn’t feel the community really had input into the design of the building in the first place,” Steilen said. “We will take resident feedback anytime. Even if they complete the survey, they can email our office.”

Residents also have a chance to chime in during the township’s Open Space and Civic Center Committee at 7 p.m. the first Monday of the month at the administration center, 14350 W. 151st St., Homer Glen.

Steilen said the township is seeking grants to help pay for the project, and said the township board does not want to go to a referendum.

“A lot of residents see a building there and think it’s usable,” Steilen said. “They don’t understand it’s not and that leads to frustration.”

The township has a video tour on its website so residents can see all the items that still need to be completed before the building can open.

Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/16/homer-township-survey-unfinished-civic-center/