By Andrea Arens

Village officials in Peotone are preparing for a transition at the Sportsman’s Club property, as the organization’s lease on village-owned land is set to expire in March 2026.

At the Feb. 9 Peotone Village Board meeting, attended by all trustees except Patrick Bowden, board members discussed how to proceed once the lease ends March 22. Trustees reaffirmed the village does not plan to renew the current agreement with the Sportsman’s Club.

Village Administrator Nick Palmer said the club had previously been notified in writing that the board did not support extending the lease. He added that the organization did not reach out to renegotiate during the required notice period.

Officials emphasized the need to establish a clear plan before the lease expires.

Ongoing concerns

Questions about the Sportsman’s Club property have circulated for several years. Social media discussions previously raised concerns about people living on the property full time, along with the presence of personal belongings and animals.

In June 2025, caretakers and residents provided village administrators with a signed lease copy that officials said was not on file at Village Hall. The lease was reportedly signed by club officers on March 31, 2021, shortly after the approving ordinance was executed.

Additional concerns emerged last year regarding the club’s leadership structure, membership documentation, and how the property was being used. Some former members reportedly left the organization following disagreements with current leadership, while public debate continued online.

The clubhouse — once used for community events such as pancake breakfasts, fishing tournaments, and private gatherings — has instead been used as a residence. An RV has been parked on the site, garden barrels placed near former horseshoe pits, and animals kept on the property.

Mayor Chris Vieaux previously said the grounds appeared maintained but were no longer being used for their original community-focused purpose.

Trustee Nick Strba said he would support renewing a lease only if the property returned to being a sportsmen’s club, including restoring the clubhouse, removing animals, and establishing an active governing board. Trustees voted unanimously last year not to renew the lease.

Property details under review

Much of the Feb. 9 discussion focused on logistical and legal considerations tied to ending the lease agreement.

The village and the Sportsman’s Club own separate parcels within the property, both located in Will County and zoned agricultural. Trustees discussed hiring a surveyor to verify property boundaries, driveway access, and pond locations.

Utility service to the site is also being examined. Board members discussed whether a well on village property supplies water to both parcels and how electrical service is arranged.

“If we’re the source for their parcel for water, then we probably have to allow them time to establish their own service,” Palmer said.

Officials said resolving those questions will be part of properly closing out the lease.

Looking ahead

Trustees expressed interest in retaining ownership of the village parcel rather than selling it, noting the site’s current uses for public works access and police training.

“To sell the property — we use the south end, public works stores equipment there, and there’s a shooting range for police training. I’d hate to lose that,” Trustee Todd Sandberg said.

Public Works Manager Robert Hennke said electrical lines run across the street and serve both properties. He added that a survey could confirm whether the driveway sits on both parcels.

Board members agreed the survey should be completed before making further decisions, though possibilities such as modifying entrances or widening the driveway were briefly discussed.

Trustees also considered leasing the property to another organization and potentially issuing a public request for proposals to gather ideas for future use. Trustee Nick Strba suggested returning the site to a community recreation space similar to its earlier role.

Village staff will:

• Work with legal counsel to finalize lease termination

• Commission a property survey

• Document structures and improvements on the village parcel

• Review utility connections

• Explore interest from potential future partners

Sportsman’s Club representatives did not respond to a request for comment by Farmers Weekly Review.

“I just see it as a place where residents can go and enjoy themselves outdoors with their kids,” Strba said.

Andrea Arens is a freelance reporter.

The Peotone Sportsman’s Club caretakers now reside in the clubhouse on their portion of the property. (Photo by Andrea Arens)