Spring 2023 Access Point Newsletter

A MESSAGE FROM OUR MAYOR

As you are

out and about this

spring and summer, you’ll see many changes around town.

New Investment in Our Community

•Construction of 125 Halston Market townhomes on Oakton Street, with residents beginning to move in later this summer.

•A brand-new logistics facility owned by Highlander Transportation will be going up at 580 S. Wolf Road.

•Major Oakton Street TIF Improvements, as the City continues to work towards a new Metra station near Oakton & Lee Streets, to help revitalize the area.

•Continued renovations of the theater building at 620 Lee Street, across from the Des Plaines Theatre. We acquired this building and are making needed improvements so that this space can reach its full potential and provide additional entertainment or dining options downtown.

Each of these projects (and many others) are in service of our strategic goal of Re-Imaged Growth, helping our City thrive economically.

New Restaurants Opening Their Doors

Look for these later this year:

•Foxtail on the Lake, 1177 Howard Street

•La Marina, 1261 E. Algonquin Road

•Outback Steakhouse, 2845 Mannheim Road

•First Watch, 2845 Mannheim Road

•Five Guys, 2845 Mannheim Road

•Cilantro Taco, 3001 Mannheim Road

•Ostras, 3001 Mannheim Road

•Boba Tea, 1161 Lee Street

•Three Thousand Years, 851 W. Oakton Street

We’ve got newly planned restaurants downtown and along the Mannheim and Elmhurst Road corridors. Stay tuned for more details as things develop.

Investing in our City

This year, the City is investing over $35M to fix and modernize roads and replace aging stormwater systems.

Connecting with Residents

Des Plaines is a community that is safe, friendly, and diverse. A major initiative of mine has been increasing City communication with residents about issues that matter to them. If you want to learn more, I encourage you to sign up for my newsletter, and follow the City on social media.

In addition to increased communication, the City is also developing new and exciting opportunities for residents to connect. Visit Page 5 to read more about what we have planned this summer.

I am proud to serve as your mayor, and I will continue to work hard each and every day to build a better Des Plaines for us to enjoy and raise our families.

Sincerely,

Mayor

Andrew Goczkowski 847.391.5301

Algonquin Road Bridge Project

The City is advancing the Algonquin Road Bridge Project. This bridge would create an overpass over the UP Railroad between Mount Prospect Road and Wolf Road. This would prevent long waits for trains, reduce congestion, create more predictable travel times, and improve emergency response times.

Phase I Engineering for this project is underway, with results expected in early 2024. Public hearing opportunities will be scheduled to get community feedback on the project.

The City expects state, federal, and other grant opportunities to pay for the vast majority of this project, which will meaningfully improve the lives of many Des Plaines residents impacted by train delays on a daily basis.

CITY SNAPSHOTS

Snowy McPlowface

The name of our snowplow was revealed! Attendees of the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony submitted name ideas for a snowplow. The top names were put up for a vote online, and the winning name, Snowy McPlowface, was printed onto a snowplow. Due to our mild winter, our plows didn’t see much action, but Snowy is ready for next winter!

Ice Rescue Training

The Des Plaines Public Safety teams strongly focus on training to ensure our personnel is prepared for any situation. DPFD frequently facilitates specialized training in fire response and water rescue. In February, multiple departments from Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) Division 3 West conducted ice rescue training in North Maine Township. These training partnerships elevate the level of service provided

Mayor’s Address to Businesses

Mayor Goczkowski and local elected officials from the City and across Des Plaines, along with business representatives, chamber members and stakeholders, attended the 2023 Mayor’s Annual Address to Business and Community Enhancement Awards, sponsored by the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Congratulations to the award winners!

years. To celebrate Arbor Day this year, our elected officials and Public Works team planted a tree with the students of Terrace Elementary. We appreciate all our Public Works team does to keep our City looking green and beautiful, and for supporting this environmental initiative year-round.

WELCOME TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED CITY LEADERS

We Say Goodbye and Thank You to Outgoing Officials

On behalf of the Des Plaines community, the City Council expresses its sincere gratitude and appreciation to three elected officials for their service and commitment to the community. They include:

•Alderman Artur Zadrozny (Ward 4) 2019-2023

•Alderman Malcolm Chester (Ward 6) 2015-2023

On May 1, 2023, all took the oath of office and officially started their leadership positions. They are familiar faces around the City, having recently or previously served in aldermanic seats. Colt Moylan most recently in Ward 2 for four years; Dick Sayad in Ward 4 from 1999 to 2007, 2011 to 2019; Mark Walsten in Ward 6 from 2007 to 2015; and Mike Charewicz in Ward 8 from 2011 to 2019.

•Alderman Shamoon Ebrahimi (Ward 8) 2021-2023

City

Third Ward Sean Oskerka

Fourth Ward Dick Sayad

Fifth

BUDGET OVERVIEW

ABOUT THE BUDGET

•One of the most important City Council actions.

•Sets policy & financial course; influences every City activity.

•Defines service levels, program sizes & capital projects.

•The budgetary focus continues to be long-term financial stability.

•Balanced budget of $174M.

Where the Money Comes From

PROPERTY TAX SUMMARY

Over the last 10 years, the City has collected only 13 cents (on average) for every $1 of property tax dollar paid.

Where Do Your Property Taxes Go?

BUDGET TAKEAWAYS

•About 1.7% increase over FY22.

•$35.4M in capital improvements/investments (street, alley, water, sewer, facilities, IT and equipment enhancements, etc.) with no bond issues planned for 2023.

•Debt has been reduced from $102.3M in 2005 to $9.4M in 2022.

•No increase in the City property tax levy.

•$20.3M dedicated to reserves. The City has maintained a 25% Fund Balance for 13 consecutive years.

THE CITY OF DES PLAINES

offers a wide range of exciting summer events that are free to attend. From live music concerts to delicious food opportunities, holiday fireworks, and a July 4th parade, there is something for everyone. Enjoy the city’s rich culture and community by attending these events. With so much to see and do, Des Plaines hosts the perfect summer events for everyone looking for fun and entertainment. To learn more, please visit desplaines.org/events

Food Truck Round Up

Tuesday, August 15, and Tuesday, September 19

We kicked off summer at our first-ever Food Truck Round Up in May at Rosemary S. Argus Friendship Park and Conservatory! We have two more Food Truck Round Up events around town this summer, so mark your calendars and bring a chair or picnic blanket, grab a bite to eat from the food trucks, and listen to live music on Aug. 15 at Library Plaza in Downtown Des Plaines and on Sept. 19 in Metropolitan Square.

desplaines.org/foodtruckroundup

Taste of Des Plaines

Friday, June 16, and Saturday, June 17

TASTE of Des Plaines

Enjoy local food vendors, live music and family entertainment with your friends and neighbors near the Downtown Des Plaines Metra Station! Rock out with 7th Heaven and Hi Infidelity on our Main Stage and visit desplaines.org/taste to see the full lineup.

Community Fireworks - Sunday, July 2

Grab your blankets and lawn chairs to celebrate the holiday and watch the fireworks extravaganza at Oakton College on Sunday, July 2! Dance to the DJ and play yard games with family and friends before the fireworks show illuminates the sky.

Independence Day Parade - Tuesday, July 4

The annual Independence Day Parade steps off at the intersection of Center and Wicke Streets at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 4. Our theme, “Together We Shine,” highlights the accomplishments of the community organizations making Des Plaines so special.

desplaines.org/july4

PUBLIC SAFETY

Expansion to Fire Station 61

Firefighters live at the fire station 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Fire Station 61 was originally built in 1974. Over time DPFD outgrew the space, and it needed updating. With the relocation of Fire Administration staff to City Hall, floor space became available for expansion. The transformation began in September 2022 and included over 18,000 square feet. The interior remodeling project incorporates new larger sleeping quarters, restroom facilities, kitchen, day room, new lockers, and upgrades to key safety and infrastructure elements. To account for limited access throughout the facility, the team at Station 61 adjusted their operations for five months. The crew members continued to serve the residents of Des Plaines without impacting service. The renovations increased square footage, upgraded the facilities and provided more comfortable spaces.

SPEEDING

3X TRIPLES THE ODDS OF CRASHING

1/3 CONTRIBUTES TO A THIRD OF FATAL ACCIDENTS

MPH INJURY =

#SLOWDOWNDESPLAINES

Slow Down Des Plaines

The City and Des Plaines Police Department reminds the community to please slow down while driving through our neighborhoods. Even traveling at 20 mph, it takes between 45 and 60 feet to stop (or 3-4 car lengths). In 2021, Illinois crashes involving speed accounted for 31.9% of total crashes, 44.4% of total fatal crashes and 36.9% of total injury crashes (2021 Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics published by the Illinois Department of Transportation). Even advancements in vehicle safety and passenger protection cannot keep people safe from the dangers of speeding.

We encourage all motorists to follow the posted speed limit and eliminate all distractions. Be alert for children and families playing outside during the summer months.

Warm Weather = Construction Season

As the weather turns warmer, you’ll begin to see construction projects taking shape around town. The City plans and prioritizes infrastructure improvements for our roads, alleys and stormwater/sewer systems as part of its Five-Year Capital Improvement Program (CIP). A full list of City-sponsored projects can be found at desplaines.org/capitalprojects. Additional information, including specific schedules and other project updates, will be shared with affected residents prior to the start of construction activities. We will do our very best to limit impacts and inconvenience.

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY & POSSESSIONS

Des Plaines participates in FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), making flood insurance available for any property within City limits. Flood insurance is required for properties located within regulatory floodplains that have a mortgage from a federally regulated or insured lender (such as a bank or credit union). There are three types of flood insurance coverage that can be purchased:

•Structural coverage for everything that stays with the house when it is sold. This is required by a lender for properties located within the regulatory floodplain.

•Contents coverage for possessions excluding money, valuable papers, etc.

•Sump pump failure or sewer backup coverage, which you might be able to add to your homeowner's insurance policy.

If you have a flood insurance policy, check if you have contents and sewer backup coverage. During the kind of flooding that happens in Des Plaines, there is usually more damage to the furniture and contents than there is to the building structure. For more information, please visit Floodsmart.gov