HOMEWOOD
North viaduct is ready for makeover
The north viaduct is scheduled to get a face-lift next spring thanks to a $256,000 grant from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program.
More Top Picks Rheem Tankless Water Heater
The Homewood Village Board recently approved a $32,680 contract with Planning Resources of Wheaton for engineering and landscape design services. Landscaping will be installed on the east side of Dixie Highway on the Metra property from Park Avenue north to Sycamore Drive.
In addition, two landscape retaining walls will be constructed at the northwest and southwest corners of Harwood Avenue and Dixie to replace decaying timber walls and improve safety.
Homewood has matched a portion of the grant with $50,000 in capital improvement project funds. The money will pay for planning resources services with the remainder going toward completion of the project, according to Director of Public Works John Schaefer.
“Because the north viaduct is a major entranceway into the village’s downtown district, this landscaping project will give it a much more appealing look,” Schaefer said.
— Margie Ritchie
JUSTICE
One pensioner, one pension board
Auditors have informed Justice village officials that they must create a Fire Pension Board even though the village Fire Department was disbanded and only one person receives a village fire pension, officials said at this week’s Village Board meeting.
The Fire Department was disbanded Aug. 1, 2005, and the Roberts Park Fire Protection District assumed firefighting duties in the village. However, by law the village must still have a pension board to serve the defunct department.
The man who receives the pension, former Fire Chief Ron Szarzynski, is expected to serve on the board, said Mayor Kris Wasowicz. “By law, I have to serve on the board as well,” the mayor said. Also being considered for the board are Clerk Kathy Svoboda and Office Human Resource Manager Jim Gabrys.
“Even though it is a hassle to have a board of all these people when only one person gets a pension, we still have to do it,” the mayor said.
— Jeff Borgardt
MOKENA
Major tenant set for 191st project
Mokena trustees this week approved a plan to begin building a commercial center on 191st Street, with one business already signed on to move in.
Trinity Land Development is ready to start the first phase of Meridian Centre at the southwest corner of 191st Street and LaGrange Road, and a 7,650-square-foot Firestone Tire Center will be part of the business mix.
Village officials said they hope the first store will mark the beginning of a trend. “We want to fill these places up as much as you do,” Trustee George Metanias told the developer.
Trustee Don Labriola said securing a contract with a national corporation like Firestone is “a big deal.”
But Trustee Joe Siwinski, who cast the only no vote, wasn’t pleased with the tenant. “I have a different opinion of what should be there,” Siwinski said.
Mayor Joe Werner said the “substantial investment” being made by the developer and the tenant is a hopeful sign. And having a plan drawn up for the development eases the worries of nearby residents, he said.
— Pat Harper
TINLEY PARK
Downtown master plan under review
Tinley Park’s Long Range Plan, Historic Preservation and Main Street Commissions are reviewing a proposal that would establish 20-year building-design standards for Oak Park Avenue, between 167th and 183rd Streets.
At a recent meeting, commissioners discussed specifics of Orland Park-based Gingko Planning and Design’s master plan for Tinley Park’s downtown, which is nearly ready to be presented for public comment. Topics included standards for tree spacing, landscaping, crosswalks and parking.
Gingko founder Ferhat Zerin urged commissioners to consider placing local foliage along the streets and Zabrocki Plaza. Trees properly placed on the plaza will create a canopy that “is a signature piece,” Zerin said. Planning Director Amy Connolly agreed that trees and plants along a thoroughfare “does a lot to calm traffic.”
More Top Picks Best Vinyl Plank Flooring Installation Kits Under 1500
Zerin also offered two potential routes for bicyclists — as part of traffic on Oak Park and a route that avoids Oak Park in the downtown by going through a nearby neighborhood. Either route would require a 4-by-5-foot wide dedicated lane, she said.
— Dennis Sullivan
TINLEY PARK
Red-light cameras on duty on Harlem
In a bid to reduce red-light violations, Tinley Park has activated traffic-monitoring cameras at three key Harlem Avenue intersections around the clock.
Installed in May, the cameras target northbound traffic at 159th Street, both north and south at 171st Street, and south at 183rd Street. All three intersections are high violation areas.
Village officials cited studies that show the presence of red-light cameras reduce violations by 40 to 50 percent and injury crashes by 25 to 30 percent. Revenue from tickets will cover the cost of the system, officials said.
Tickets aren’t automatic however. Police review the data to decide if the vehicle owner ran a red light.
— Dennis Sullivan