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A MESSAGE FROM MAYOR ANDREW GOCZKOWSKI
Family, Friends, & Neighbors:
I have been humbled to serve as your Mayor for the last three and a half years, and I am so proud of the significant steps that our community continues to make. Here are some of the most recent developments you should know about:
Activating our City Team to Respond to Emergency
As Mayor, the safety of our residents is my top priority. Following the recent storm that impacted our community, I immediately collaborated with our professional staff for a swift and effective response. Together, we coordinated efforts with public works and first responders, who worked extended shifts to clear debris and ensured resident’s safety. It was a team effort to restore normalcy as quickly as possible.
Welcoming New Businesses
Another critical focus is continuing to grow our city’s business community. By bringing new businesses into Des Plaines, we can ensure we have the resources to improve our community without raising property taxes.
Renewal by Anderson, 365 Equipment and Supply, with more on the way.
Investing in our Community
This year, the budget includes the City’s most significant investments ever in local infrastructure. This means more old roads, pipes, and water mains are being replaced to improve the lives of our residents.
One major challenge facing many cities is lead service lines. The City Council recently decided that the City will cover the cost of replacing these lines in Des Plaines instead of cost-sharing with residents. If you have not already, please visit desplainesil.gov/pipesurvey for help determining if your service lines need replacement.
Continuing a Responsible Fiscal Policy
I often talk with business owners who want to invest and start their businesses in Des Plaines, making sure we’re doing everything possible to make our city their new home. Our work with companies in offering helpful incentives has paid off, but there is still more to do. And we will keep doing
Some new restaurants that have opened include Outback Steakhouse, Chipotle, and Bibibop Asian Grill. We’ve also welcomed new businesses like Highland Transportation,
Over the last three years, I have worked with our staff and the City Council to enact budgets that reflect our community’s values. We have invested robust funding in infrastructure, assisted social service agencies helping Des Plaines residents daily, and fully funded public safety to reduce crime. Importantly, we have done this through responsible budgeting and without raising property tax rates.
Great things are happening in our community, and I’m excited to share more good news in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Mayor Andrew Goczkowski 847-391-5301 | agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov
CITY SNAPSHOTS
This June, the City of Des Plaines had the pleasure of hosting sophomores and juniors from Maine West as part of the Clinical Government program. This immersive experience allows students to fulfill their course requirements while gaining invaluable insights into the workings of local government. From observing City Council meeting operations to exploring behind-the-scenes functions of various departments, the students engaged in hands-on activities, including working with local nonprofit organizations. A highlight of this year’s program was the opportunity for students to meet Senator Tammy Duckworth during her visit to Des Plaines.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the City of Des Plaines celebrated National Night Out. This free, family-friendly event was an opportunity to strengthen community and police partnerships, aligning with the annual campaign’s mission to create safer, more caring neighborhoods. The evening featured various activities for all ages, including kids’ games, demonstrations by the Police and Fire Departments, and numerous community resource booths.
The City of Des Plaines proudly participated in the Memorial Day Ceremony hosted by American Legion Post 36 and Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 311. Des Plaines Fire and Police as well as elected officials attended and placed a wreath to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
The City of Des Plaines kicked off Fourth of July celebrations with Community Fireworks at Oakton College on June 30. Families enjoyed picnicking, playing games, and dancing to the DJ before the fireworks illuminated the sky. The celebrations continued later that week with the Independence Day Parade, led by this year’s Grand Marshal, Pesche’s Flowers and Garden Center, in honor of their 100th anniversary.
Each year on Sept. 11, the City reflects on the 2001 terrorist attacks. Elected officials, first responders, and community members gathered at City Hall to pay tribute to the victims and heroes of that tragic day. The Des Plaines Civic Center complex is home to a permanent 9/11 memorial, featuring a piece of steel that was among the supports of the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
WHAT’S BEING BUILT IN
and Guzman y Gomez. Raising Cane’s is expected to open its doors in late 2024. CAVA is expected to have its shell building completed by the end of the year. Guzman y Gomez is predicted to open early next year.
1175 Lee Street: The Ace Hardware outlot will serve as the new location for Biggby Coffee. Construction is in progress, with the anticipated opening scheduled for late 2024.
1417 Ellinwood Street: Galaxy Hot Pot will be located on the first floor of the Welkin in Downtown Des Plaines. The permit for tenant improvements was issued in August, and construction began in September, with an estimated opening in the spring of 2025.
727 W. Golf Road: ACE Pickleball will be situated in the former Walmart Neighborhood Market. Tenant improvements have commenced and are on schedule, with the opening projected for late autumn 2024.
Bar and Grill. The buildout is nearing completion, with an anticipated opening date in 2024.
1680 E. Touhy Avenue: Iron Mountain is progressing according to schedule, with plans to have the building enclosed and operational by the spring of 2025.
Construction of Iron Mountain - July 2024
Review FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to learn about your flood risk. If you think your property is located within a regulatory floodplain, floodway, or area with known flooding, the City of Des Plaines Engineering Division can review the FIRM for you and assess your risk.
At desplainesil.gov/floodplainrequest, you can request a free floodplain determination letter for any property within the City. If you believe that your home has been incorrectly mapped within FEMA’s regulatory floodplain, you can contact the Engineering Division at 847-391-5390.
Go to msc.fema.gov to view FIRMs.
Understand Your Flood Risk Lead Service Line Replacement
Lead in drinking water poses significant health risks. Prior to the 1980s, many water systems used lead or galvanized materials for the water pipes that run from city water mains to water meters in homes or businesses. The EPA and the IEPA have mandated that all community water supplies must start replacing lead/galvanized water service lines connected to their system beginning in 2027.
This summer, the Council decided that the City will cover the cost, approximately $134 million over 20 years, to replace service lines. Replacing lead pipes ensures the safety and well-being of all residents and guarantees access to clean and safe drinking water. If you have not yet completed the survey about your water service line, we request that you do so. This information will help shape the City’s plan and budgeting for this very important project.
We’re asking residents to test their pipes to identify the material of the pipe serving homes or businesses. Go to desplainesil.gov/pipesurvey to learn how to identify and report the material of your pipes.
Need help? Call Public Works at 847-391-5464.
Emergency Warning Sirens
The City recently transitioned our emergency warning siren system to provide even more advanced warning protection. Alarms now activate automatically based on National Weather Service (NWS) data instead of manually. This improvement in our emergency warnings will enhance the efficiency and reliability of our system, giving you peace of mind.
What does this mean for our community?
There are new criteria for alarm activation, so residents may notice more sirens than before. Sirens will still be activated when a tornado warning is issued for the area, continuing the previous practice. The two major updates are:
•Sirens will activate when wind speeds are forecasted or observed to exceed 80 miles per hour.
•Sirens will activate when hail with a diameter of 2.75 inches or greater is forecasted or observed.
NWS algorithms will automatically trigger sirens via the Federal Signal software when conditions pose significant threats to safety and property. These updates are part of our ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities.
Events in Des Plaines
As Des Plaines welcomes the fall leaves and cooler weather, the City reflects on the fun had this summer. The Food Truck Round Up, Community Fireworks, Independence Day Parade, and, of course, Taste of Des Plaines, brought thousands of residents, friends, and neighbors together to celebrate our community.
Food Truck Round Up’s continued success was evident from the hundreds who gathered across Des Plaines in May, August, and September. Live music, delicious meals, and family fun made for the perfect recipe at these events!
As we enjoyed live music from nine bands on the main stage at Taste of Des Plaines, we were treated to a bonus concert from the cicada brood that emerged this summer. The community came out in full force on Father’s Day weekend to savor meals from eleven local restaurants, listen to the sounds of summer, and enjoy the beautiful weather. Thank you to Rivers Gives, Lakeshore Beverage, Driven Car Wash, Generations Healthcare Network, and First Class Smiles for sponsoring the Main and World Stage entertainment!
The week of Fourth of July kicked off with a fireworks display at Oakton College, where families danced to the DJ and played yard games. On the Fourth, the community lined Center Street to celebrate and cheer on local organizations marching in the Independence Day Parade.
Mark your calendars: the City of Des Plaines is looking forward to Harvest Hoot on Saturday, Oct. 19, from Noon to 4 p.m. at Oakton College! This outdoor event will feature an artisan market with local vendors, food truck offerings, live entertainment on stage, family activities, and more. Please visit desplainesil.gov/harvesthoot for details.
Before we know it, winter will be here once again. Save the date for the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in Metropolitan Square on Friday, Dec. 6. The Winter Fair, located in the Des Plaines Public Library this year, will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
Thank you for a fun summer, Des Plaines. We’ll see you at Harvest Hoot!
Thank you to Rivers Gives, our Gold Sponsor for this year’s Taste of Des Plaines.
Fire Chief on May 23 and was officially sworn in at our June 3 Council meeting. Chief Matzl has worked in Des Plaines for over 20 years, and his journey through the Des Plaines Fire Department ranks has uniquely prepared him for this role. His diverse experiences in every position within the department have provided him with an in-depth understanding of the challenges and responsibilities faced by his team, making him an excellent choice to take the helm.
In addition, Joe Ciraulo was promoted to Deputy Chief. These promotions highlight our commitment to succession planning and cultivating leadership from within our organization, ensuring the continued excellence of our fire department.
Starting in July of 2023, the City began a multi-phase renovation and addition to the Des Plaines Police Department facilities. The project includes the construction of a link between City Hall and the Police Station, featuring a main entry to both buildings, a lobby, and a reception area. Additionally, there will be a two-story, 20,000-square-foot addition to the existing Police Station. This portion of the project is substantially completed. Work has now progressed to the renovation of the existing Police Station. To accommodate the extensive construction in the building, temporary workstations have been established, and alternative front desk operations are underway. We appreciate your patience while we improve the facility to better serve the community. Construction is anticipated to be completed in the winter of 2025, and normal front desk operations will resume at that time.
Watch Police Station Construction Update
Fire Chief Matt Matzl was sworn in at the June 3 Council meeting.
Leaf Collection
The City of Des Plaines offers multiple ways to dispose of leaves each fall. Take advantage of these options:
Weekly bagged leaf collection
Drop-off at Public Works Facility
City's bulk curbside collection
Visit desplainesil.gov/leafcollection for details and pickup dates for your zones.
Halloween Information
The City of Des Plaines does not have designated hours for trick-or-treating on Oct. 31. However, we encourage parents to be aware of the hazards that exist after sunset. If children are trick-or-treating at dusk or after dark, glow sticks and flashlights will enhance their visibility. Drivers should exercise caution at all times, with special attention given when driving near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods on Halloween. Homes welcoming trick-or-treaters are asked to turn on porch or outdoor lights, while those who are not participating are requested to keep their outdoor lights off.
Pumpkin Smash
Sustainably dispose of your pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, and gourds at the City of Des Plaines and Des Plaines Park District's Pumpkin Smash composting event on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Toss your pumpkins into the designated dumpster at Prairie Lakes Community Center’s north parking lot, and WasteNot Compost will haul them away for composting.