Benet Academy Stadium Overhaul Approved By Lisle Village Board

LISLE, IL — Lisle's Village Board gave its unanimous approval Monday for proposal to modernize the football stadium and expand the athletic center at Benet Academy.

The stadium was last updated shortly after it was built in 1961.

The plans include resurfacing fields with synthetic turf, building a grandstand for the stadium that includes a press box and hospitality area and building a multi-use sports facility. Seating will be added to the east part of the stadium to accommodate visitors. The track will also be resurfaced.

Benet Academy's stadium renovation will take place in two phases. The synthetic turf football field, bleachers and press box, pole vault and long jump pits and storage building will be built during the projects first phase. Developers will also make modification's to the stadium parking lot during this phase.

The second phase will include construction of the building with a synthetic turf field that will host soccer and lacrosse practices and games.

Public hearings were held July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15 and Nov. 19 to review the projects zoning requests. During the public hearing, some residents from the nearby Oak Hill South subdivision expressed their concerns about the project. Among the concerns raised were potential issues with noise and light pollution.

The requests were approved by the zoning commission in a 6 to 1 vote, with the condition that the maximum sound level not exceed 83 decibels, a one-hour average sound limit of 75 decibels. Per the conditions, sound monitoring system must be installed, with data subject to review by the Lisle Village Board.

An outdoor lighting audit will be required.

Some residents shared their continued concerns during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting, whereas others spoke out to show their support.

Resident Matthew Morin said, "the minor changes, when combined with the strict conditions, do not adequately address critical code requirements meant to protect residents. In short, Benet has not met their burden under the standards and review criteria."

Morin commented that the new stadium will be detrimental to property values, compromises residents' health, welfare and enjoyment of property. He also asserted that the benefits of the stadium will not outweigh its costs.

Resident Maria Anderson expressed her support of the renovation project.

"I am speaking tonight, not just as a Benet Parent, but as a resident who cares about the long-term vitality and reputation of our village," Anderson said.

The proposal "represents a significant private investment in Lisle that does not require taxpayer funding," Anderson said. "Opportunities to improve our community without asking the village for financial support are not something we should take lightly,"

Anderson also praised that Benet has spent "considerable time" working with the village to address resident concerns.

In a statement following the village board's approval of the stadium renovation, Benet Academy President Bill Myers said.

“We are grateful for the approval to move forward, and this milestone reflects a shared effort, shaped by thoughtful compromise, open dialogue, and mutual respect to find common ground. We thank Trustees for their consideration and direction over the many months,” Benet Academy President Bill Myers said in statement following Monday's vote. With the Village’s approval, we are prepared to move forward with this transformational project, renewing our campus for future generations of Redwings and the community.”

Work on the renovations is set to start before the end of the year, with a projected completion date of summer 2027.