Village of Willow Springs

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.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Spring is finally here, and it certainly was a winter to remember. Faced with near record-breaking snowfall and sub-zero days, Village services were put to the test. Through it all, with Public Works and Public Safety personnel on the front lines, and the office staff handling emergency calls for assistance, our Village services performed with tireless effort and got the job done.

This would not have been possible without the interagency support Willow Springs received working together with the West Suburban Water Commission. Besides dealing with seemingly never ending broken water mains, Commission staff worked side by side with Village personnel to handle the most extreme weather conditions. It is also appropriate to note the efforts of local youths who assisted stuck motorists and good-hearted neighbors who pitched in to assist seniors and those in need.

Knowing there’s something to be gained from every challenge, the Village reviewed and strengthened its procedures to further improve on public services. Public Works trucks are now equipped with GPS to ensure all areas of the Village are plowed in the most efficient method. After assessing the toll the harsh winter took on our machinery, the Village has budgeted for two new plow trucks to modernize the fleet.

The spring season means the Village is once again assessing streets as part of our annual Street Maintenance and Resurfacing Program. Implemented in 2008, the Village has invested nearly $2 million in local rebuilding roads. This has been accomplished through our local penny sales tax without impacting property owners. In addition, this year’s Street Program  will address the permanent repair of the pot holes left from a winter of road salt and constant plowing. A permanent patch can only be applied in warm weather temperatures.

This summer, IDOT plans to add turn lanes, new signalization, a combined walk/bike path along Archer Avenue at Willow Springs Road. In addition, to assist the business community, the Village has worked with IDOT to line up the entrances of Old Willow and Market Street to improve accessibility.

I am pleased to announce that two Hazardous Materials Disposal Days are scheduled for this spring in our area; May 4 at Moraine Valley Community College and May 17 at 55th and East Ave. The EPA is once again funding this very useful program which keeps hazardous materials from contaminating our environment.

Our Village is rated one of the safest communities in the State, and the safest in the South Suburban area. Besides our peace of mind that living in a secure neighborhood brings, this rating positively affects our property values. You can read about the positive news regarding Willow Springs’ safety rating in Willow Springs Named “Safest” in Southland Region.

For a great example of how one person can make a difference, read the story, Worker Delivers the Goods on the Bad Guys, of a man  whose decision to get involved and call the police helped solve a crime.

Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Village events, and please support the Village’s newly formed Events Committee as it plans a summer of great entertainment. Thursday, August 7, marks our 7th Annual Benefit Car Show. Due to tremendous support for the event, the Village has amended the Family and Veterans Relief Fund eligibility list to include more charitable Veterans organizations. Last month the Relief Fund approved a  $500 donation to our local VFW post, in addition to assisting three other Veterans groups. Proceeds from the Benefit Car Show are distributed to needy families and Veterans.

Before you know it, school will be letting out. Please remember to keep our streets safe for our children.

Kindest Regards,

Alan