Neighbor to Neighbor – Fall 2015

Getting it Straight from the Mayor…
Village Stands Up to Noise, Pollution Plans of UPS
The Village continues to fight against any expansion of the Hodgkins UPS plant, which continues to cause increased train traffic and noise throughout our peaceful Village. I have enlisted our federal, state and local elected officials to help residents take a stand against noise and truck pollution in our region.
The Village previously rejected attempts by UPS to add semi-tractor parking and shipping container storage within our Village limits. Last fall for a time, UPS parked a variety of vehicles on the grass area along Willow Springs Road north of 79th Street. The Village had to act to get them to remove the vehicles. At the least, this type of parking raises environmental concerns due to fuel and solvent leakage. UPS claimed the parking was simply on account of the Christmas season rush. This type of “any port in a storm” approach to business has no place in our region. UPS expansion has increased train traffic and noise all down the railway lines. Exploitation of area residents’ peace of mind simply to boost corporate profits is irresponsible.

Presently, UPS is seeking safe haven for unfettered expansion by attempting to move 50 acres out of the Village to neighboring Hodgkins. This is no more than an “end run” around responsible planning and land use.

With the Christmas shopping season just around the corner, please let UPS know how you feel about more truck noise and pollution. We may be a town of 5,500, but we can be a strong voice together. Spread the word to your extended family, to co-workers wherever you are employed, and through social media. Willow Springs supports responsible business and family values. Period. I will keep you posted.
IDOT Construction Project Nears Completion
It seems like it will never get here, but IDOT is nearing completion of the intersection improvements at Archer and Willow Springs Road. Extensive utility relocation has forced the roadwork to continue into a targeted late fall completion. The entrances of Old Willow and the Village Center will finally line up, and there will be much welcomed turn lanes to move traffic during even the busiest hours. Sidewalks will be located on both sides of Archer to make it safer for pedestrians.
Village Addresses Flood Concern Areas
Our own local road and flood relief projects, too, are nearing completion. Each year the Village assesses infrastructure needs, which in addition to providing smoother travel, address flooding concerns. This year the Village worked in partnership with the Water Reclamation District to address areas affected by storm water. The Village finished Phase One drainage improvements from Blackstone to the Cal-Sag, while Phase Two by MWRD will install oversized piping from 87th to north of Archer Avenue to move water.
Earlier this summer the MWRD finished work along the Cal-Sag Tributary along Poston which going forward the Village will maintain. With work completed on the South side of town, the Village plans to continue working with MWRD to address flooding issues on our North boundaries near Flagg Creek.
Metra Gets More Convenient, “Quiet Zone” Progresses
Metra riders soon will have a much more enjoyable experience waiting for the train in the Village Center. The Village has broken ground on a new parking lot, which will allow riders to park along the platform of the train. With the cold weather nearing, waiting in a warm car until the train pulls up to the platform will be a welcome improvement. In addition, Metra parking is about to get more convenient. The Village is in the process of providing a smart phone option to pay for Metra parking.

Speaking of trains, The Village’s train “Quiet Zone” initiative continues to move forward. Part of the plan to move our Metra parking South of the railroad tracks improves our safety score which factors heavily into the calculations for a successful Quiet Zone application.
More Walking, Biking Paths, to Reopen
The Village is also working on incorporating a “Complete Streets” policy into planning code for our town, configuring a walking and biking network of paths to make our town more accessible. In addition to providing more enjoyable passage, a more “walkable” town increases the value of your land. Also worth noting, the MWRD says it is still on target for an October 17 reopening of the Centennial Trail bike and pedestrian path. The trail was closed in October 2013 and has been completely revamped to include an elevated design. Some of the landscaping will be completed next spring.

New Water Mains Installed to Improve Water Pressure
This year, the Village and the West Suburban Water Commission are working together to bring improved water pressure and new streets to Cedar and Hill streets. Over the past several years, working with new leadership of the Water Commission, The Village has adopted a policy of working in conjunction with the Commission to repair streets and water services at the same time, rather than having new pavement torn up by constantly repairing leaky water mains. It just makes sense and saves a bundle of taxpayer dollars.

Halloween Party Approaches, Volunteers Shine Again
Fall kicks off with the Village’s Halloween “Wicked Willow” on Saturday, October 3. Dress up the kids and join the fun at Lions Park. Details are inside this newsletter. I extend a heart-felt thank you to all who volunteered and supported our August 6 Benefit Car Show. The best part about another successful evening is that more Military Veterans and needy families can be reached through the generosity of those who attend the Show or donate their valuable time. The tremendous spirit of volunteerism and community that fuels all of our local events always humbles me.

Zarzycki Manor Chapels, LTD Celebrates its 100th Year
Congratulations to Zarzycki Manor Chapels on its 100th Year in business. The business, with locations in Chicago and Willow Springs, turns 100 on Oct. 24, 2015. Willow Springs is proud to have the newest chapel of this family-owned and operated business for the past decade at 8999 Archer Avenue. What dedication and devotion to continue to operate successfully over so many years, through so many challenging times. Don’t forget to mark your calendars to take part in the Chapel’s Annual Holiday Remembrance Service on Saturday, December 5. Thank you to the entire Zarzycki family for all your hard work and for all you do for the Willow Springs community.

 

Kindest Regards,
Alan

 

To view the Fall 2015 Newsletter, click here.

Neighbor to Neighbor – Summer 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Just about a year ago, after changing our Fire Department service from part-time to full-time firefighters, the Village’s fire protection rating climbed from its existing “9” rating, to a ”3.” That change occurred due to upgraded equipment, staffing and general readiness of our firefighters. Today I am pleased to announce that Willow Springs’ rating has achieved a rating of “2,” the highest residential fire rating attainable. Besides lowering insurance premiums for business owners and residents alike, the bottom line is our residents are assured of the best possible firefighting and ambulance service when seconds count.  Congratulations to the dedicated team of professionals at Tri-State and the Black, Gold and Red divisions who work out of our firehouse at 8259 Willow Springs Road.

The Village continues to move forward with initiatives to improve the quality of life for local residents while working within the balance of nature that blesses our community. Last month, the Village learned it is one of a handful of communities selected to receive a planning and technical assistance grant to better accommodate pedestrian and bicycling traffic in our area. Active Transportation Alliance will work together with our staff for the next 18 months on goals that will connect existing and plan additional bike trails and pathways. The “walkability” of a community is one of the criteria that many home shoppers research when deciding where to live. Trails and walkways further enhance property values. It is also another option for residents and visitors to access local businesses and amenities.

Thank you all who helped make the 2015 Illinois State Road Championships a great success last month. More than 500 bicycle riders and their families participated in the races on July 19, bringing more positive exposure and consumers to Willow Springs. Thanks to our Public Safety team that kept traffic moving smoothly and ensured the safety of participants and spectators.

Please be sure to come out to support our Annual Benefit Car Show on Thursday, August 7, from 4 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. in the Village Center. Live music, grilled food and beverages will help you enjoy the 400-plus show cars this event attracts. Beneficiaries this year include: Honor Flight Chicago, Wounded Warrior Project, our American Legion Post 832, and Viet Nam Veterans of America. Free shuttles will run continuously from the Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 Archer, and from Our Lady Mother of the Church, 116 Hilton. Local businessman, Mike Lavery, brings his “Whiskey Road Band” to entertain the crowd of around 3,000.

If you have a taste for locally brewed beer, or simply want to listen to music and enjoy a selection of food, the Midwest Brewers Fest will host more than 50 area brewers and 3 live bands from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, in the Village Center. Proceeds from this 501c3 organization are donated to charity.

Please enjoy the rest of the summer and slow down to keep our streets safe for our children.

Kindest Regards,

Alan

 

To view the full summer 2015 newsletter, click here.

Neighbor to Neighbor – Spring 2015

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Recently the Village had the pleasure on honoring two young Willow Springs residents who achieved their goals with dedication, hard work and sense of giving back to their community: Gabriel and Malik Thalji. Both were recognized at a Board meeting in March for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

Each of these Eagle Scouts accomplished projects that affected their community: Gabriel spearheaded the construction of an outdoor classroom at Pleasantdale School, and Malik led the installation of an outdoor fire pit and seating area at Pleasantdale Park District.

With the usual recap of negative events and misfortune we see too often in the news, I welcome the opportunity to laud the spirit of community and citizenship these young men, ages 17, and 20, display. Congratulations to their parents, and the staff and members of Troop 69 for their nurturing and support.

Also worth noting, is the recognition our community received by the real estate website, Movoto.com, which contacted the Village to relate that it had made its “Top 10 Chicago Suburbs” list, based on amenities per capita, standard of living, total crimes, violent crimes, high school graduation rate and average commute time. This recognition, in addition to being named last year the “Safest Suburb in the Southland” area, helps improve the image of our small, but proud, town, and further protects our property values.

The coming months entail a busy schedule of infrastructure improvements to improve roadways, parking and drainage in the Village. Returning revenues back into basic services remains the goal of this Village Board as it ensures that our lifestyle and values are protected.

I am pleased to note that our recycling program continues to grow each year. We can all be proud of our efforts to maintain a “Green” community. As the weather warms, don’t forget to check out our Dog Park and Splash Pad at Lion’s Park. Also, be reminded that Tuesday, April 7, is Election Day in Willow Springs. Please take time out of your often busy schedule to ensure the Village is represented by your choice of the candidates most qualified to lead our Village. With summer just around the bend, please watch for children playing, bicyclists and motorcycles on our roadways.

Kindest Regards,

Alan