Aviator Coffee poised to open in Westchester Page 4
Illinois Has Ambitious EV Charger Plans
FEBRUARY 21, 2024
Vol. IX No. 8
Burlington Coat Factory opens in Melrose Park
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The state is looking to add enough chargers to support 1 million electric vehicles By COLE LONGCOR Capitol News Illinois
Illinois’ electric vehicle charging infrastructure is on pace to double this year, buoyed by an influx of state and federal dollars. The investments are aimed at supporting both federal and state environmental goals. The Biden Administration set the goal of EVs making up half of all U.S. vehicle sales by 2030. Under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act – Gov. JB Pritzker’s marquee climate law that passed in 2021 – Illinois aims to have one million EVs on the road by 2030. These targets have spawned major infrastructure programs, which after years of planning and funding are seeing tangible results in Illinois. State funding allocated in 2023 put Illinois on course to double the number of direct current, or DC, fast charging ports on state roads within a year, from 993 to 1,914. The increase brings the number of fast charging ports to over 25 percent of the 7,000 DC ports estimated to be needed to support the state’s EV goals. In Illinois, several agencies are part of the effort to ensure EV charging infrastructure gets where it is needed, but the drive is coordinated by Megha Lakhchaura, the state electric vehicle coordinator at the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. “We expect that we will need 36,000 public See EV CHARGERS on page 7
MICHAEL ROMAIN
Dr. Amira Millicent Davis gives a presentation on the Black Chicago Renaissance at the Westchester Public Library on Feb. 17. During the event, some attendees shared their family’s stories of migrating from the South to the North.
Black migration stories come alive in Westchester
The Westchester Public Library hosted Dr. Amira Millicent Davis, a scholar who offered insights on the Black Chicago Renaissance
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor
Around a dozen people gathered at the Westchester Public Library, 10700 Canterbury St. in Westchester, on Feb. 17 to listen to Dr. Amira Millicent Davis, a scholar and educator, talk about the rich history of Blacks in the Chicago area and how they arrived here.
Saturday’s event was part of programming sponsored by Illinois Humanities. Davis is an Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Speaker, which is an expert who travels across the state to bring “art, culture, history and contemporary social issues to life” at no cost to residents, Illinois Humanities’ website states. See BLACK MIGRATION on page 3
2 Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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Pay Your Property Tax Bill Online To Avoid Risk Of Check-Washing Fraud
A
s the March 1 due date apcheck to Nicor July 15. The check proaches for Cook County was stolen and $4,200 was withproperty owners to pay drawn from their bank account. their First Installment Their bank eventually refunded 2023 tax bills, I encourage the money after CBS2 inquired people to pay online. It’s more on the couple’s behalf. convenient — and much safer. Police and the U.S. Postal SerPeople who still pay their bills vice Inspection Service recently by mailing a check are at risk warned residents of Winnetka of falling prey to check-washing and Glenview to take caution fraud. That’s when thieves interafter dozens of residents were cept checks from the mail and scammed by check-washing alter them to steal money from incidents, the Chicago Tribune bank accounts. reported. The Postal Inspection Paying your taxes online at Service provides information on cookcountytreasurer.com is easy ways to protect yourself from Cook County — and free. There is no fee to pay check-washing fraud. Treasurer online. You can avoid the risk of My office collects about check-washing fraud by $18 billion a year in property transferring funds electronitaxes from owners of 1.8 milcally to pay your property tax lion parcels. We’ve embraced bill. Simply visit cookcountechnological advancements, tytreasurer.com and click on including adding the option to the blue box that says Pay pay online at no cost, during Online for Free. When you my 25 years leading this office. search using your address When I first walked into the or Property Index Number, office, $30 million in unopened a picture of your property checks sat in cardboard boxes should appear. That tells you on the floor. Some were there that you’ve found the correct for 12 weeks. The undeposited parcel. funds earned no interest for You should see amounts Cook County. I immediately due for Tax Year 2023 that set up a lockbox at a bank and are billed in 2024. Click on a within the first year interest small blue box that says Pay earned went from $4.8 million Now. You can pay for free to nearly $19 million. from a checking or savings I thought of those uncashed account using E-Check, an checks when I saw recent Automated Clearing House reports about a surge in checkdebit. washing fraud in Cook County You’ll be prompted to and across the country. Several provide your bank routing Chicago-area news outlets number and bank account have reported on recent incidents of thieves number. You will also be asked to provide stealing checks from mailboxes. Those recontact information, including a phone numports should serve as a warning to those who ber and email address. You should receive an still mail checks to pay bills. email acknowledging the transaction. Those thieves typically soak checks in The website offers a secure way to pay chemicals. That allows them to remove your tax bills and avoid the risk of checknames and increase dollar amounts. Then washing fraud. You can also use the website they cash the checks. to discover if you’re eligible for a refund That’s what happened to Pedro and Dinah because of previous overpayments or missed Zaragoza of Cicero, CBS2 Chicago recently exemptions. Visit cookcountytreasurer.com reported. Dinah, 88, wrote and mailed a $62 to learn more.
MARIA PAPPAS
“[Check-washing fraud] is when thieves intercept checks from the mail and alter them to steal money from bank accounts. Paying your taxes online at cookcountytreasurer. com is easy and free.”
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Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
BLACK MIGRATION
3
gation in the world. Many of those members were Black who had migrated from the South and for whom Olivet was a source of uplift and vital material support. “The church provided services and strucfrom page 1 ture to Southern Blacks who had relocated to the North,” Davis explained. “It was like the There were numerous people in the audifirst megachurch.” ence during Saturday’s presentation who Another key city institution was the Waalso shared their own migration stories. bash Avenue YMCA on the South Side, where “My grandmother came from Jackson, the pioneering historian Carter G. Woodson — a University of Chicago graduate and the Miss. to the South Side of Chicago — in Ensecond Black man (after towering scholar glewood,” said one woman. W.E.B. DuBois) to receive a PhD from Har“My family came from Little Rock, Arkanvard University — founded the Association sas to the West Side of Chicago,” said another. for the Study of African American Life and Someone else said her family were shareHistory in 1915. croppers in Georgia before moving to ChiThrough the Association, Woodson cago’s West Side. launched Negro History Week, the precursor “My family came out of Meridian, Miss. in to Black History Month, in 1926. The com1953,” said another audience member. memoration was designed to coincide with “We stayed with a great-uncle, living in a the birthday of Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 12 cold water flat on Lake Street. My father was and Frederick Douglass on Feb. 14. quite proficient in bricklaying, so he joined CREATIVE COMMONS Woodson also found inspiration for Negro 21 bricklayers in 1953. We lived on the North History Week in a pivotal Illinois commemoSide right behind [Riverview Park, a famous The painting “Nightlife,” by Archibald Motley, portrays a crowded cabaret in ration — the National Half Century Anniamusement park in Chicago that operated Bronzeville, a South Side neighborhood in Chicago. Motley was one of many famous versary Exposition and The Lincoln Jubilee, from 1904 to 1961]. We were lucky.” painters active during the Black Chicago Renaissance. a nearly month-long festival in 1915 that ran Davis — who has taught Africana Studies at multiple colleges and universities, includ- and information about Black life, taking it Blacks from the rural South to the urban cen- from Aug. 22 through Sept. 16, and that celebrated the 50th anniversary of Lincoln’s ing the University of Illinois at Urbana- beyond the Ivy Tower of academia and into ters in the North. Champaign, and is an elementary school the community in a way that’s accessible and The first Great Migration started during Emancipation Proclamation (the commemosubstitute teacher — gave attendees a taste engaging. World War I and lasted from 1910 to 1940. The ration was originally planned for 1913). Davis, who described herself as a storytellof what she considers to be her “subversive” Davis utilized images from a slideshow to second Great Migration took place just after and community-oriented style of educating help community members visualize what it World War II and lasted from between 1941 er in the mold of a Jelimuso, or a female griot, which in West Africa are those who funcpeople about Black history. may have been like to live through the Chica- and the late 1970s. Between the tion as storytellers, historians, In other words, Davis said, her educational go Black Renaissance, a period of enormous two migratory waves, scholars singers, musicians and poets. style is designed to disrupt the status quo of cultural flourishing in the city that occurred estimate that some 6 million Davis said during her presentaconventional schooling (which often omits from the 1930s through the 1950s, and that Blacks moved from South to tions, she often performs and Black history) and to “jailbreak” knowledge coincided with the two Great Migrations of North. interacts with her audiences. They moved to find work and On Saturday, the educator to escape the humiliating and shared her own family’s migradangerous landscape created tion story. Davis said her mothby the South’s Jim Crow laws. er migrated from Marshall, In the process, they created a DR. AMIRA MILLICENT DAVIS Texas to Kansas City, Mo. in Educator vibrant cultural renaissance the 1940s. Her father had been in cities like Chicago and in in Oklahoma and Texas before a range of areas, including moving to Kansas City, where the music, literature, theater, she was born. dance, visual arts, religion and Davis said her father moved politics, Davis explained. to Chicago to work as a car attendant for the Influential writers and artists from the Pullman Company, founded by George Pullera include the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet man in 1867. Like the famous Pullman PorGwendolyn Brooks (whose family migrated ters — mostly Black men who did everything from Topeka, Kan. during World War I) and from carry luggage to shine shoes on the novelist Richard Wright (who was born in company’s luxury sleeping cars — the white Natchez, Miss. in 1908, but came of age as a passengers didn’t call Davis’ father by his acwriter in Chicago, co-founding the influential tual name. South Side Writers Group in 1933). “They called him George, boy and the n– Chicago’s Great Migrations also helped word,” Davis said. “It breaks my heart every buttress some of the city’s most influential time I think that whenever this kind and institutions of the 20th century, such as Oliv- gentle whistling man (he was in a jazz band) CREATIVE COMMONS et Baptist Church on the city’s South Side. At went to work, he was treated as a subhuman The Wabash Avenue YMCA on Chicago’s South Side, where Dr. Carter G. Woodson one point, the church boasted 20,000 mem- on those trains. But it helped move his chilbers, making it the largest Protestant congre- dren into the Middle Class.” conceived the idea of Negro History Week in 1915.
A rich flourishing
“They called him George, boy and the n-- word.”
4 Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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Aviator To Offer Coffee And Cocktails In Westchester Aviator Coffee and Cocktails at 1855 S. Mannheim Rd. replaces old Le Petite Cafe restaurant
FEB. 21 - 27
bit.ly/vfp-community-calendar There’s plenty of events happening across Proviso Township this week. Below, we’ve included just a few. If you’d like to add a local event for consideration, email the specifics to michael@wearejohnwilk.com
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., Broadview Public Library, 2226 S. 16th Ave., Broadview
By MICHAEL ROMAIN Editor
Chris Zelis, the vice president of operations for Aviator Coffee, the coffee and cocktails restaurant at 1855 S. Mannheim Rd. in Westchester, provided village board members with some details on the establishment during a meeting on Feb. 13. “We wanted to create an elevated concept that offered really great coffee, really great tea and really awesome food as well,” Zelis said. “All of our coffee is from a local roaster out of Chicago.” Zelis said the Westchester Aviator is the company’s first location. In addition to food and drinks, merchandise like cups, tumblers and t-shirts will be on sale. With cocktails, beer and wine on the menu, Zelis said he hopes the establishment enhances happy hour in the village. He said there will be a small bar to offer cocktails for
FILE
Join the library for a screening of the 2019 Documentary, “Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror.” Movie theater-style snacks will be provided. For more info, contact Megan Johnson at johnson@broadviewlibrary.org or (708) 345-1325.
Aviator Coffee and Cocktails in Westchester.
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m., Bellwood Public Library, 600 Bohland Ave., Bellwood
afternoon and evening hours. “We’re really looking forward to being part of the community,” Zelis said. The restaurant is currently hiring. Zelis said he anticipates bringing on between 15 and 20 employees. He didn’t provide a concrete date for the restaurant’s opening. Aviator will be open Sunday through Thursday, 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Join library staff for a discussion of “Stamped” by Ibram X. Kendi and Jason Reynolds. The library has copies of said book available now for check out. This is part of the library’s Bellwood Banned Book Club Program (the BBB), whose core objective is to promulgate the “Anti- Book Banning” Illinois State Law (HB2789) effective Jan. 1. For more info, visit bellwoodlibrary.org/bellwood-banned-books-club
New Burlington Coat Factory Opens in Melrose Park The new Winston Plaza Burlington Coat Factory at 2031 Mannheim Rd. in Melrose Park is officially open for business. Melrose Park village officials hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new store on Feb. 16. During the small ceremony, Burlington officials presented MaywoodMelrose Park-Broadview School District 88 officials with a $5,000 check to pay for school supplies — a donation made possible through the company’s partnership with AdoptAClassroom.org, a national nonprofit that provides classroom funding to preK-12 teachers and schools across the country. Burlington’s $5,000 donation was specifically for Jane Addams School, which is near Winston Plaza at 910 Division St. in Melrose Park.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Thursday, Feb. 22, 5 :30 p.m., Westchester Intermediate School, 10900 Canterbury St., Westchester Join Westchester School District 92.5 to celebrate Black History Month. The potluck meal is from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The cultural celebration and performances will be at 6:45 p.m. For more info, visit westchester-il.org/news/schooldistrict-92-5-black-history-month-family-ev
Friday, Feb. 23, 6 to 8 p.m., Bulger Park Hall, 1601 W. Hirsch St., Melrose Park Join Veterans Park District for a Family Dance Party featuring family fun, music, games, entertainment and a taco bar. For more info, visit vpdpark.org or call (708) 343-5270.
Saturday, Feb. 24, 11 a.m., Hillside Bowl, 4545 Harrison St., Hillside COURTESY VILLAGE OF MELROSE PARK
Burlington Coat Factory donated $5,000 to Jan Addams School during the Feb. 16 ribboncutting ceremony to mark the opening of its new Melrose Park store.
Join the village for a day filled with strikes, spares, and tons of fun at their Bowling Extravaganza. Limited Spaces Available - First Come, First Served. Registration opens at 11 a.m. $5 per person (includes shoe rental). For more info, visit hillside-il.org/hillside-home-page/news/ bowling-extravaganza
Saturday, Feb. 24, noon to 4 p.m., Eisenhower Community Center, 700 Speechley Blvd., Hillside Top Flight Defense Inc. presents the West Suburban Firehouse Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser. $10 for unlimited chili and fixings. For more info, westchester-il.org/news/ firehouse-chili-cook-off
Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Westchester Village Hall Board Room, 10300 W. Roosevelt Rd., Westchester The Green Residents of Westchester (GROW) Ecological Commission will host “Air Pollution and Your Health” with C. Patricia Macias, a distinguished physician specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine and public health. For more info, email GROW Commissioner Elizabeth Wiseman-Chase at ewchase@westchester-il.gov
Sunday, Feb. 25, noon, Stevenston Center, 3105 Washington Blvd., Bellwood Join Power HRG and Memorial Park District for a fundraiser basketball game. Proceeds will go toward the Memorial Park District Youth Basketball Program to purchase equipment and uniforms. $3 for adults. Children are free.
Monday, Feb. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Maywood Park District Gymnasium, 921 S. 9th Ave. in Maywood House Speaker Emanuel “Chris”Welch will host a DMV Mobile Event, where residents can get driver’s licenses, state ID cards, stickers and more. For more info, call (708) 450-1000.
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Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
Village of Westchester Police Department is Accepting Lateral Transfers. hiring! Salary Range: $68,784-$100,202 Contact PD for more information
Minimum Requirements
(Currently Under Negotiation)
Deadline to apply is
U.S Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status March 4th, 2024 4:00PM Highschool Diploma or GED One of the following: Successful completion of at least 30 semester hours (or their equivalent in quarter or trimester hours) of credit from an accredited college or university (copy of official transcripts due at application deadline) OR At least 12 months of active service in any branch of the United States Military with an honorable discharge or medical discharge Valid Driver's License 21 to under 35 years of age as of test date (3/30/2024) unless otherwise exempt by statute
Westchester Officers participate and have the opportunity to be part of numerous in-house specialty assignments, which can include County, State and Federal task force opportunities, including: Bicycle Officer For more information on the Truck Enforcement Officer Investigations police department: Evidence Technician https://www.westchesterField Training Officer il.org/departments/policeFirearms Instructor department Breath Analysis Operator ATV Officer ILEAS - Mobile Field Force WESTAF - West Suburban Major Crimes/Accident Task Force FBI - Federal Bureau of Investigation Task Force Please contact IOS Recruitment at (800)-343-HIRE or recruitment@iosolutions.com with any questions
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6 Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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NEWS briefs Bellwood’s Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Seeking Volunteers The Bellwood Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (BHSEM) is seeking volunteers who help with traffic control, scene lighting, scene security at accidents, and search and rescue operations, among other functions. The department will prioritize those 17 and older who are willing to undergo training on Monday nights at 7 p.m., work at pre-planned events and respond to emergency calls at all hours of the day and night. The volunteer opportunity may be helpful for future police officers and fire personnel, active and retired law enforcement officers, Class B (non-CDL) drivers and ROTC students. Those interested in the opportunity can contact BHSEM Chief Mike Sabel by email at dhsem@bellwood.il.us or by phone at (708) 544-2290.
Berkeley Gets $60K Grant For Bike Path Project The village of Berkeley and the Berkeley Park District recently received a $60,000 matching grant for the purpose of extending the bike path from the Prairie Path and loop around the baseball field at Berkeley Park near Electric and Taft avenues. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) awarded $60,000 for the bike path project. The Berkeley Park District will pay the $60,000 matching amount while the village will pay up to roughly $107,000 to relocate the baseball field. At a regular meeting on Feb. 6, the Berkeley village board voted unanimously in favor of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between the village and park district regarding the bike path project. The Berkeley Park District board approved the IGA on Feb. 7.
Broadview To Get New Landmark Signage, Mayor Talks Climate Plans During a regular meeting on Feb. 5, the Broadview village board unanimously approved a $51,394 contract with Landmark Sign Group to replace entryway signage at three locations at 25th and Roosevelt Road, along Cermak Road and on 25th Avenue near I-290. A new entryway sign will be placed at 13th and Roosevelt, said Broadview Public
COURTESY AARON CANINO
Hillside artist Aaron Canino stands next to his artwork that’s on display inside of Hillside Village Hall throughout February. Works Director Matthew Ames. At the same meeting, Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said the village has started fleshing out the environmental planning aspect of its upcoming comprehensive plan. During a recent community meeting, residents brought up a range of topics such as replacing trees, she said. In its comprehensive plan, the village will focus on trees, community gardening, composting, solar and renewable energy, and the installation of electrical vehicle charging stations village-wide, Thompson said. The mayor said the village has partnered with the University of Illinois at Chicago’s urban planning department to draft its Climate Action Plan “which ties into our environmental plan.” Thompson said the village will have two environmental-related plans for residents to review by the end of April.
Hillside Spotlights Local Artist For Black History Month The village of Hillside is spotlighting a local artist for Black History Month. In a statement on its website, the village explains that Hillside artist Aaron Canino’s work will be on the walls of the Village Hall Lobby at 425 N. Hillside Ave. throughout the month. “African American Artists have contributed to this nation’s cultural landscape significantly throughout its history,” village officials stated. “This February, the Village of Hillside proudly spotlights one such artist, Aaron Canino, whose captivating artwork will grace the walls of the Village Hall Lobby.
“Aaron is a proud Hillside resident and self-taught artist who follows his passion for creating architectural paintings of local buildings. Aaron utilizes his art to spotlight landmarks and culturally significant local buildings and views it as an opportunity to meet people from the community. This freelance artist has gained popularity with his unique painting style, growing his following outside of his local community.”
First Maywood TIF District Meeting Scheduled Feb. 21 On Wednesday, Feb. 21, at the Maywood Multipurpose Building, 200 S. 5th Ave. in Maywood, the village of Maywood will host the first of four meetings related to the proposed formation of four Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts throughout the village. The four proposed TIF districts are located in residential areas on Maywood’s north, central and south sides — areas that aren’t included within the borders of the village’s two existing Madison Street and Roosevelt Road TIFs. A TIF district allows a municipality to use a certain amount of property taxes within the designated area on functions like providing tax incentives to businesses and public works projects designed to improve blighted areas and attract private development. By overlaying TIFs onto most of the town, village officials are hoping that they’ll be able to tap into the special taxing funds to pay for much-needed infrastructure repairs that will largely benefit homeowners.
The four proposed TIF districts include: Maywood North Area #1 TIF District (Northern Boundary of Union Pacific Railroad Limits to South Main Street to North Village Limits): Maywood Middle Area #2 TIF District (Northern Boundary of Union Pacific Railroad Limits to Madison Street). Maywood Mid-South Area #3 TIF District (Maywood Drive to Harrison Street). Maywood South Area #4 TIF District (Bataan Drive to Roosevelt Road). At the Feb. 21 meeting, village officials will discuss the proposals for TIF 1 and TIF 3. The TIF 1 discussion will start at 6:30 p.m. while the TIF 3 discussion will start at 7:30 p.m. Another meeting to discuss TIF 2 and TIF 4 will happen at 6:30 p.m., March 19, at the Maywood Multipurpose Building. For more information on the proposed TIF districts, visit maywood-il.gov/community/ tif_districts_/index.php
Northlake Warns Residents Of Scam The city of Northlake is warning residents about a scam that involves someone placing a “Water Info” notice on residents’ doors that asks them to provide their family name and address, and to call a number. Northlake officials posted to the city’s website earlier this month that Northlake has no affiliation with the operation.
COURTESY CITY OF NORTHLAKE PROVIDED
Northlake is warning residents to watch out for these notices on their doors.
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Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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EV CHARGERS A boom coming? from page 1 charging ports to support one million EVs. Most of these will be level two chargers, but we will need close to 7,000 fast charging ports by 2030,” Lakhchaura said in an email statement. “We expect to have over 2,000 fast charging ports by the end of 2024 if the chargers are installed on time.” There are almost 2,300 level two charging ports in Illinois which fully charge a vehicle in five to six hours. The number of DC fast charging ports, which can charge a vehicle in under an hour, increased in the last month from 993 to 1,010 ports. The development of EV infrastructure will build on expansions completed last year. The number of electric vehicles in Illinois rose 60 percent last year – by MEGHA LAKHCHAURA more than 30,000 EVs – compared to the Illinois EV coordinator national average increase of 50 percent. As of January, the Illinois secretary of state reported there were 93,821 EVs licensed for state roads. “We spent money last year to double the number of ports within a year. So, by the end when all of this comes into fruition when the installation happens, you’ll have just seen a doubling of the number of ports by just the state programs,” Lakhchaura said. “And we’re not done yet. We still have more money to go on this year.”
“We’re just right at the start of the learning curve on how to use these vehicles.”
EV funding sources There are three main sources of EV infrastructure funding: the federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure, or CFI, grant program; the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure, or NEVI program; and state funding from the Illinois Department of Transportation and the IEPA. “We have three baskets of investment to create this charging network in the state,” Lakhchaura said. “The idea is that everything complements each other, and we’re avoiding duplication or building at the same sites.” Lakhchaura said building out EV charging infrastructure and educating the public on the advancements in EV technology is an im-
CAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY ANDREW CAMPBELL
Two electric vehicles are pictured at a charging station in Springfield. portant step toward moving Illinois toward its climate goals. “We’re just right at the start of the learning curve on how to use these vehicles,” Lakhchaura said. “We can get over this. It’s really about understanding this product and adapting to it and making these little changes like you do for anything you get in life.”
Federal Charging and Fueling Infrastructure The Illinois Finance Authority, in their role as the Illinois Climate Bank, received almost $15 million from the federal CFI grant to develop community-based charging stations. The grant will fund the construction of 881 charging stations. Only 36 of the 881 chargers will be DC fast chargers. While DC chargers are faster, they are more expensive. The focus of this track of the CFI program is developing community infrastructure to support local travel. “In these cases, people are more likely to be topping up a battery or leaving a car parked long enough to get a full charge on a level two charger,” Illinois Department of Transportation spokesperson Paul Wappel said. “Level two chargers are significantly more cost-effective for these types of uses, which means we can install more chargers for the same
amount of money.” The state will continue to receive funds through NEVI to build DC fast chargers along alternative fuel corridors, networks of highways with infrastructure to support electric and hydrogen powered vehicles. The program requires public charging stations be available at least every 50 miles along a corridor. Chargers must be publicly accessible 24/7 and be set up with combined charging system connectors and contactless payment options. Illinois will receive $148 million between 2022 and 2027 to build a network of EV chargers along highways, starting with the interstate system. The state’s deployment plan was approved in September 2022. Wappel said final standards for the charging stations were set in February 2023. Phase one of Illinois’ plan will use approximately $50 million to build chargers at 46 locations within eligible corridors. Meanwhile, Illinois is implementing its own programs to meet the goals set under CEJA. The IEPA will award $27 million dollars in grants to build DC fast charging stations at public locations including hotels, shopping centers and gas stations. The grants are expected to be announced this month. “We haven’t issued the awards yet, “Lakh-
chaura said. “But what we’ve seen from the applications that we got is that they were spread all over the state.” As part of CEJA, Illinois established a rebate program to incentivize the purchase of EVs. The program allows Illinois residents to collect a rebate for the purchase of an all-electric passenger vehicle from a recognized dealer. The current rebate rate is $4,000 per vehicle. In fiscal year 2023, 7,669 rebate applications were filled with 4,872 rebates awarded. The funding cycle for this year ended on Jan. 30 with over 5,500 applications being received and the maximum funds being allotted. Illinois school districts and bus companies purchased 180 electric school buses last year through the federal Clean School Bus Program. Lakhchaura said additional EV buses were purchased with funds from the Volkswagen settlement with a focus on communities that did not receive federal funds, such as Chicago. The settlement was the conclusion of lawsuits filed against Volkswagen for violating Clean Air Act emissions standards by installing “defeat devices” in certain diesel models between 2009 and 2015. The established trust provided Illinois with over $1 million in funds for diesel emission reduction projects.
8 Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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Pritzker Commits Another $182M To Migrant Response Despite funding from state and county, roughly $70 million gap remains as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson remains mum on providing the rest of the funds By ANDREW ADAMS Capitol News Illinois
CHICAGO – The state and Cook County announced on Feb. 15 a roughly $250 million plan to provide shelter, health care and other services for recently arrived migrants. But according to their own plan, there’s still a roughly $70 million funding gap for the rest of 2024. That missing money could come from Chicago, although a proposal for additional funding has not been brought to Chicago’s city council. At a Thursday news conference, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson did not indicate any plans for the city to fill the remaining budget gap, noting that a lack of federal intervention could be an “incredible burden for the city of Chicago.” A source briefed on the matter told Capitol News Illinois Johnson had committed to proCAPITOL NEWS ILLINOIS PHOTO BY ANDREW ADAMS viding the remaining funds at a Feb. 5 meeting between the mayor, governor and Cook Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson presides over a Chicago City Council meeting on Thursday. County Board President Gong-Gershowitz, DIn a statement, Pritzker indicated disap- those in need.” Toni Preckwinkle. Glenview, told Capitol pointment at the lack of a coordinated federal A compromise deal in the U.S. Senate that When he was asked about News Illinois in a joint response to the influx of migrants. was meant to help address the increase in this on Thursday, Johnson statement they will re“With thousands of asylum seekers continu- border crossings disintegrated last week afsaid he was “not aware” of view the full details of ing to come to Chicago in desperate need of ter Republicans backed out of the agreement. any deal between the three, the state’s portion of support and with Congress continuing to reThe state in November committed to a $160 also adding that “there is the spending plan next fuse to act — it is clear the state, county, and million spending plan, although portions of no disconnect” between week. city will have to do more to keep people safe,” that plan – such as a 2,000 bed shelter in Chihis administration and “We will remain fo- Pritzker said. cago – have yet to come to fruition. Pritzker’s. cused on continuing to Pritzker has been outspoken in calling for The state also claims that it has spent $478 In a Thursday news TONI PRECKWINKLE bring stakeholders to- more federal involvement, repeatedly calling million through existing channels, such as release, the governor’s Cook County Board President gether to continue mak- on President Joe Biden and congressional through the Illinois Emergency Management office said the state’s poring smart and compas- leaders to designate a federal office to coordi- Agency, over the past two years. tion funding will come sionate decisions for our nate the nation’s migrant response and proThe influx of migrants coming from Texas from the state’s fiscal state and all of our com- vide additional resources. has slowed in recent weeks, with Chicago’s year 2025 budget. “As critical funding for this ongoing human- shelter system being at its lowest capacity Gov. JB Pritzker, who committed the state munities,” they said. In December, following a Governor’s Office itarian crisis stalls in Congress, Cook County since last fall. As of Wednesday, there were to providing more than half of the needed funds, is expected to provide more detail of Management and Budget forecast, the gov- stands committed to the well-being of the about 12,900 people staying in city shelters about where the money is coming from next ernor urged caution for this year’s budgeting region,” Preckwinkle said in a news release. – down from a peak of around 15,000 a few process. That office projected a potential $891 “We cannot wait for additional resources and weeks ago. Wednesday in his annual budget address. There were also no migrants at the city’s The House Democrats’ chief budget nego- million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year. Cook County is proud to stand alongside Govtiator, Rep. Jehan Gordon Booth, D-Peoria, But GOMB also predicted a $1.4 billion surplus ernor Pritzker in this joint funding plan, en- airports or at the “landing zone” facility, the and the head of a working group focused for the current fiscal year, due to several one- suring that shelter capacity, healthcare and location that the city instructs bus companies wraparound services remain accessible to to drop people off. on recently arrived migrants, Rep. Jennifer time revenue streams.
“As critical funding for this ongoing humanitarian crisis stalls in Congress, Cook County stands committed to the wellbeing of the region.”
10 Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR RADIOS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT FOR VILLAGE OF BROADVIEW VILLAGE OF SCHILLER PARK VILLAGE OF ELMWOOD PARK VILLAGE OF RIVER GROVE VILLAGE OF ROSEMONT LEYDEN FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT VILLAGE OF WESTCHESTER NORWOOD PARK FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT VILLAGE OF MAYWOOD Sealed proposals must be received no later than: March 15th, 2024 @ 1700 Hours Deliver proposal to: Matthew Martin, Deputy Fire Chief mmartin@broadview-il.gov Broadview Fire Department 2400 South 25th Avenue, Broadview, IL 60155 BID OPENING WILL BE ON MARCH 21, 2024 at 1000 hours at the Broadview Village Hall located at 2350 S 25th Avenue, Broadview, IL 60155. Visit our website or Village Hall to receive a complete package including the full scope of work. www.broadview-il.gov Published in Village Free Press February 21, 2024
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION VANNESSA ARESPACOCHAGA Plaintiff, -v.PATRICIA A CHANDLER AKA PATRICIA ANN CARTER Defendants 2023 CH 06179 1839 BELLEVIEW AVENUE WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 19, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 1, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 1839 BELLEVIEW AVENUE, WESTCHESTER, IL 60154 Property Index No. 15-20-416001-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $91,401.77.
Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Noah Weininger, THE WEININGER LAW FIRM LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 161 North Clark St., Suite 1600, Chicago, IL, 60601 (312) 796-8850. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. Noah Weininger THE WEININGER LAW FIRM LLC 161 North Clark St., Suite 1600 Chicago IL, 60601 312-796-8850
CLASSIFIED
Fax #: 312-248-2550 E-Mail: nweininger@weiningerlawfirm.com Attorney Code. 63307 Case Number: 2023 CH 06179 TJSC#: 44-174 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2023 CH 06179 I3237401 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION F STREET INVESTMENTS, LLC, A WISCONSIN LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, -v.BURNETT INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC, AN ILLINOIS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, LASHAWN BURNETT Defendants 2023 CH 9133 4711 SAINT CHARLES RD. BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on January 10, 2024, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on February 29, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 4711 SAINT CHARLES RD., BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-08-212035-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $146,409.28. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.
By Phone:
If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact Luke P Wiley, Wiley Law Group, LLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 1510, Chicago, IL, 60604 (815) 685-4203. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. Luke P Wiley Wiley Law Group, LLC 53 W. Jackson Blvd. Suite 1510 Chicago IL, 60604 815-685-4203 Fax #: 815-390-1643 E-Mail: lukewiley@wileylaw.net Attorney Code. 64541 Case Number: 2023 CH 9133 TJSC#: 44-106 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2023 CH 9133 I3237404 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Plaintiff, -v.LINDA L GREEN, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS AGENCY THE INTERNAL REVENUE DEPARTMENT, AARON GREEN, ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE Defendants 2023 CH 00957
240 LINDEN AVE BELLWOOD, IL 60104 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 8, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on March 5, 2024, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker Drive, CHICAGO, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 240 LINDEN AVE, BELLWOOD, IL 60104 Property Index No. 15-09-113022-0000 The real estate is improved with a single family residence. The judgment amount was $137,347.38. Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the
period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, contact CHAD
LEWIS, ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810, CHICAGO, IL, 60601 (561) 241-6901. Please refer to file number 22-089813. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CHAD LEWIS ROBERTSON ANSCHUTZ SCHNEID CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC 205 N. MICHIGAN SUITE 810 CHICAGO IL, 60601 561-241-6901 E-Mail: ILMAIL@RASLG.COM Attorney File No. 22-089813 Attorney ARDC No. 6306439 Attorney Code. 65582 Case Number: 2023 CH 00957 TJSC#: 43-2476 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2023 CH 00957 I3237627
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12 Village Free Press, February 21, 2024
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MARIA PAPPAS COOK COUNTY TREASURER
First Installment of
Tax Year 2023
Due Date is March 1, 2024 Avoid a Tax Sale. Check to make sure your taxes are paid.
Everything you can do in person, you can do at
cookcountytreasurer.com