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Vol. 38, No. 50

Also serving North Riverside

December 13, 2023

Primary contest for Rashid PAGE 10

@RBLandmark

Major projects ahead for Brookfield PAGE 9

22-unit apartment complex coming to Riverside

Dazzling lights See the best in Landmarkland STORY ON PAGE 4

The village also is considering creating a permanent tax levy to fund street projects, instead of borrowing money through bonds

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff Reporter

A 22-unit multifamily apartment complex with two, first-floor live-work units — the first of its kind for Riverside — is coming to the village.

The Riverside village board approved a special use permit Dec. 7 for the mixed-use development at 28 and 30 E. Burlington St. The complex is expected to be a five-story building.

CZS/BROOKFIELD ZOO

See APARTMENTS on page 12

Best Wishes for a Happy & Healthy Holiday!

THE SHEILA GENTILE GROUP LIVE LOCAL • WORK LOCAL

708.220.2174 • www.SheilaGentile.com

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Note from the Publisher

The future of local news? We’re it.

Here’s why we became a nonprofit newsroom and why your donation is important

By Dan Haley Publisher

I

know you believe in independent local news. You are either reading this piece in print or on one of Growing Community Media’s digital platforms. So I know you understand why local news is so vital to each of the neighborhoods we report on.

Here’s the worry. Either you take us for granted – we’ve been publishing each of our four newspapers for between 25 and 43 years – and you assume we’ll be here to cover village hall, school boards, elections, business and faith, prep sports and obits next week and next year.

Alternatively, you’ve read about the imminent crisis in local news across this country. The two papers a week that just close down. The “ghost” newspapers which publish press releases and pick up copy from the wires but provide no local news. It feels pretty grim.

You understand how this diminishes life in your hometown. Less accountability.

Less celebration. Less civil debate on the letters pages. Less community and fewer connections.

Here’s your enthusiastic wake-up call.

There is a bright future for independent local news. And the good news for our readers who follow the Austin Weekly News, Wednesday Journal, Forest Park Review and the Riverside-Brookfield Landmark is that we are that future.

But we need you to grow with us. Don’t take us for granted. But sure as hell don’t give up on us either.

Four years ago, we knew we had to make big changes as the business model for local news was ruptured. So we became a nonprofit newsroom – Growing Community Media NFP. Lots of rigamarole with the IRS, forming a board of directors, then COVID. You remember.

While there is a lot of energy in nonprofit journalism right now, your local papers have created what is going to be the winning model for local news that is going to be sustainable for years to come. And it

is why so many are interested in what we are building.

remarkable news engine we are building then that’s welcome.

It’s a hybrid. We’ve kept print advertising and grown local digital advertising. Our reach into each of our nine neighborhoods is larger than it has ever been. We’ve kept paid print subscriptions and we are grateful for the thousands of you who keep re-upping even as we’ve hiked the annual cost.

Right now donors -- large, small and a few foundations -- account for about 25% of our total revenue. That’s a good start.

But we need to grow the percentage along with our advertising base.

And we have critically added a third revenue stream. It’s philanthropy. And that’s where you come in. We need you, our loyal readers, to help pay the freight for our reporters and editors, our technology so that we keep growing our newsroom.

Across the bottom of these two pages are the names of 399 neighbors who have made a donation to GCM since our end-of-year fundraising effort began on Oct. 1. That’s a lot of people. Look at this list for the names you know. And then join them by Dec. 31 by making a donation, an investment, in the local news you trust and rely on.

Maybe you can afford $5 a month.

That’s great. If you can invest more in this

Our year end fundraising goal is $250,000. It will be the most we’ve ever raised in one campaign. We’re on the path to making the goal.

We’ve got a $40,000 match running right now. Thirty-three of our neighbors pooled their generous support into this match fund. Every dollar you contribute will be doubled through the close of the year.

We need this money to set us up for a great and growing 2024. Donating is simple. Go to GrowingCommunityMedia. org/donate. If you are reading this in print then you’ll find a small donation envelope inside this issue. Fully old school.

I promise you it will feel good to be part of building a future for local news in these neighborhoods we all love.

With gratitude in advance.

Join our donors and help us make our Dec. 31st goal!

Deb & Tom Abrahamson* Skyler Aikerson ALK Snow Fund at the Chicago Community Foundation Leland Anderson Michelle Arnold B Best Family Fund Babou Memorial Fund Cecelia Bacom Carolyn Baird Nick Baker Kathryn Balk Judy Banks-Johnson Timothy Bannon Todd Bannor Katherine Bateman

James Baum Sandra B. Baumgardner Marion & Jonathan Baumgarten Susan Beach Debbie Becker Paul Beckwith Jordis Bednar Stephan Benzkofer Lin Beribak Linda Bernat Vicki Bielanski Mary Bird Marc & Dorie Blesoff* Sharon Bloyd-Peshkin William Bobco Loretta Bober Marcin Bogacz Alice Boomhower Karen Borgstadt Mark Boroughf

Elizabeth Botts David Boulanger Melissa Bowen John Bowes Anne Bowhay Mary Boyaris Tom Braam Martin Bracco Richard Brey Kevin Brubaker Craig Brumund Mark Burger James Burns RJ Busky John Byrne Susan Campbell Patrick & Jeanette Cannon Michael Cassin Marilee Castaneda Joyce Champelli Nancy Chmell

*These are GCM boardmembers and 2023 Matchmakers

Judy Chrisman Lauretta A. Christensen Lesley W. Christien Nancy Clark* Thom Clark Ellen Cleary Kelly Clissold Donald Coe Joseph Coglianese Marty Colchamiro Bonnie Coleman LaVerne Collins* Alice Cottingham Jom Coughlin Ann Courter Brian Crawford* Jolyn Crawford Mary Ellen Creighton Stephen. Crilly David Crossett Jack Crowe Jeff & Ann Currie

Norma Cutsforth Ellen Cutter Wendy & Al Daniels Diane Dannenfeldt Jack & Mary Darnall Dan Davidson MJ Davidson Joshua Davison Judy Davy Pam & Pat Deady Melinda Degucz Janel Dennen* Mary Dickie Timothy Divis Mavis Donahue Clara D’Onofrio Andrew Doten Susan Doyle Suzanne Dubin Mary Duffy Pelzer Robert Dulski John Dumas

William A Dwyer Ella Mae Eastman Matthew Ebbing Erika Edmonson Pat Eichenold Christine Eichinger Ardyth J. Eisenberg Susan Elfant James Elsener Craig Endicott Wendy Epstein Heidi Ewell Deborah Fallahay Carrie Felix Scott Hardesty Kim Fideler Robinson Geoffrey Fingerhut Liz Fischer Liz Fitzgerald Caitlin Fitzharris Michelle Fitz-Henry Heather Fitzpatrick

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Cheryl Flinn Jennifer Ford Maureen Ford Jeffery Foster Kim Freeark Elizabeth Freeland Leslie Fulton Judith Gaietto-Grace Thomas Gallagher* Judith Galleazzi Agustina Gandarilla Elizabeth Gardner Mark Gartland Jim & Louise Gates Christine Gavlin Tony Georgeson Dale Glowacki Jeanne E. Goedert Alan Goldberg Katie Frankle & David Goldman Brian Gomoll Allen Goodcase Michael & Peggy Goodman Gregory Gordon Sudhanva Govindarajan Joyce Gradel Beverly Graham John Grant Bruno Graziano Susan Greenberg Marjorie Greenwald Greffin Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation* Chris & Kori Grumboski Michael Guerin Joan Gumbel William Haddad Carol Hafeman John & Julia Haley* Mary Haley* Kathleen Hall Matthew Hall Josephine Halpin Kristen Halverson Brian Hameister Judith Hamje Bruce & Kathy Hansen Suzanne Haraburd* Roberta Harris Steven & Lenore Harris Nancy Hartman Robert Havey Richard Hay Tom J. Healey MaryAnn Heard

Linda Heffernan Philip & Patricia Heil Joel Heinz Rosemary Hepner Meg Herman Diane Hettasch David Hilbert Charles Hoch Lynn & Alan Hoffstadter* Deborah Holdstein Deborah Holdstein Case Hoogendoorn* Stephen Hopkins Colleen Horrigan Gary Howell Michael Hughes Bonnie Hutchison Kathy Hymson Mary Ann Irvine Alberto Jabiles Amy Jacksic Erik Jacobsen Daina Jakofsky Edward Jepson* John F. Flynn Jason & Tina Johns Steve Johnson Marcile Jones Bernice (B.C.) (Hopkinson) Juettner Barbara Kahn Kara Kalnitz Sophie Kaluziak Bob Kane Sandra Karuschak Art Kazar Randall Kelso John Kelty Pam Kenney Donna Kenyon Terry Keshner Janice Kieckhefer Therese Kielp Philip & CarolJean Kier Geralyn Kilcoyne Susan Klock Troy Klyber Ken Knasiak Dan Knight Paul & Patricia Koko Barbara Kolowski Wendy Kopala Rich Kordesh* Nancy Kovach Jay Kozie Lorraine Kozon

Renata Krempl James Krohe Michael Kruley Ellen Kuner Laurian Kyritz Terri Lackey Hans Lagoni Amy Landefeld Neil Lane John Lattyak Leslie Lauderdale Karl Lauger Lucas Laurel Dennis Lavelle Ginny Lee-Herrmann Dan Lesser Lydia Lewis-Brandt Daniel L’heureux* Elizabeth Lippitt Kathryn Lucht James Lynch Michelle Major Mary Anne Manley James Mann James Marciniak Kate Marek Suzanne Marshall David H. Martin Marylen Marty Ann Masur* Jane McClelland Anna Clare McDermott Judith McDevitt Joe McDonald Sheila McDonnell Donna McKune Bob Mead Christopher Meglan Teresa Melcher David Mendell Ben Meyerson Mike Michaelsen Melissa Mickelberry John Mihelic Carole & Larry Mitchener Betty Moore Maurice & Toni Moore D. Morawski Candice Moretti Leigh Morgan Mary Morgan Lindsay Morrison Gloria Morrissey Robert Moser Woody Mosgers Sharon Moyer

Karen Mullarkey Kerrins Anne Murphy Dennis M. Murphy* Margaret Murtagh Donna Myers* Zachary Nauth Donald Nekrosius* Mary Ellen Nelligan* Eugene & Louisa Newberry Carolyn Newberry Schwartz Michelle Newman Bill Niro Nancy Nordgren Robert Novalich Mary Kay O’Grady Thomas & Christine Ondrla Donna Oswald Kathryn Owens Jennifer Packheiser Lynne Palmore John-Paul Paonessa Steven Parker Elizabeth Parsons Libbey Paul Mary Pellegrini Jeanne Peppler Priscilla Perkins William Peterman Loren Phillips Liz Picone Danielle Pierro Thomas Pivarski James Podraza Al Popowits Joyce Porter Deborah Postlewait Teresa Powell* James Prescott Marvin Price Paul Price Susan Purdie Susan Quinn The Quinn Pasin Family Philanthropic Fund Joan Radovich Brenda Rakers Shirley Redmond Vicky Rehill Ruth Reko Lisa Ridolfi Gayle Riedmann Susan Roberts George Rogers Katharine Roller Ron Roman Alice Rose

Support and donate here:

Diana Rosenbrock Barbara Rohm Rossa Jennifer Royer Mark Ruda Dolores Ruffolo Ann Marie Ryan The Sachem Company Silvana Santilli Marian & Bob Sassetti-Kent Steve Saylors Meredith Schacht Lynn Scheir Tyler Schofield Thomas Schouten Robert W. Schramek Janet Schroeder Jeff Schroeder Kathleen Schroer James Schwartz Laurie Schwartz Sylvie Schwartz Benjamin Sells Dorothy Seman Clancy Senechalle Louis Shorr Brendan Short Brooke Sievers Kimberly Silver Peggy Sinko Renee Slade Joan Slanina Helene Slowik Adrienne Smith Barbara Smith Leslie Smith Mike Smolarek Joan Soldwisch Sheila Solomon* Gisela Sonka Martha Spatz Susan Sporte* Rachel Stark Amy Stearns Michael Stefanik Jill O. Stewart Linda Stewart Laurie Stokes Isaac Stopeck Riverside Financial Strategies Kirsten Straughan Pamela Strauss Robert Streit Meghan & Doug Strubel Fran Sullivan* Michael Surratt Theodore Tamul

Christine Tanner Cheryl Terhorst Margaret Thayer The Conroy Family Roger Thomas Judy Thompson Cecelia Thornton Dana Todd Robert Trezevant* Rogene V. Tubman Beverly Tuck Robert Tucker Anne Kelly Turner Linda Valentine Doug Varn Donald & Mary Vogel* Sandy Vomacka Mary Sue Voth Walter Wahlfeldt William Wallace Margaret Walsh* Marietta Walsh Pam Walsh Joan Monica Wanat Steven Warkentin Barbara Watkins* Vicki Watts Rosemary Weber Mary Weiland Eric & Tina Weinheimer* Marc Weiss Nile Wendorf* Michele Wheeler Jonathan Wilder Dina Wilensky Timothy Wilson Mark & Randi Woodworth Nancy Woulfe Kathy Wyant Kevin Wyderka R. Johnilee Yankow Dean Yannias Victor Yipp Stephen Yogya Darek Yong Margaret Zak Karen Zaremba Julie Zeller Maureen Zinsmeister

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Crime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Classified . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Opinion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Obituaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Editor Erika Hobbs Staff Reporters Amina Sergazina, Amaris Rodriguez Digital Manager Stacy Coleman Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea Designer Susan McKelvey Sales and Marketing Representatives Lourdes Nicholls, Ben Stumpe Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner EMAIL jill@oakpark.com Publisher Dan Haley Special Projects Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chair Judy Greffin Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US ADDRESS 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 708-442-6739 ■ FAX 708-467-9066 E-MAIL buphues@rblandmark.com ONLINE www.RBLandmark.com The Landmark is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. The newspaper is available on newsstands for $1.00.

A one-year subscription costs $41 within Cook County and $51 outside the county. Advertising rates may be obtained by calling our office. Periodical rate postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS 0019-585). Postmaster send address corrections to Landmark, 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302. © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.

Where to see lights in Riverside, Brookfield, and North Riverside

From the zoo to neighborhood displays, check out these festive sites

By JESSICA MORDACQ Contributing Reporter

Many things, like caroling and making gingerbread houses, bring cheer over the holidays. But perhaps one of the most festive activities is taking in all the light displays that pop up around town during this time of year. Enjoy this season’s decorations in Brookfield and Riverside by visiting the following attractions.

Brookfield Zoo’s Holiday Magic Since 1982, Brookfield Zoo has put on Holiday Magic, the longest-running light festival in the Chicagoland area.

“The event was launched to attract new audiences and increase attendance to the zoo,” said Leah Rippe, vice president of marketing and communications at Brookfield Zoo. Every year, Holiday Magic includes new engaging elements that are up through the end of December.

This year, more than 2 million LED lights decorate 880 Christmas trees, two 300-foot-long tunnels and an immersive, three-dimensional gingerbread house. A 20-foot-tall orb and 41-foot-tall tree, covered in lights, twinkle in time to holiday music.

Once you’ve taken in all the sites, write a letter to Santa, stop by the Polar Plaza for a

JEANMARIE HAJER-O’CONNOR

North Riverside house showing the holiday spirit. dance party or watch juggling elves. Carolers circle the zoo singing and an ice carver creates sculptures at the Nature Stage.

“We want guests to come see the animals, enjoy the two million lights, and make memories with their families and friends,” Rippe said. “A visit to Brookfield Zoo helps support the care we give to over 3,400 animals and 500 species.”

For non-members of the zoo, Holiday Magic tickets are $29.95 for adults and $20.95 for children. The lights will be up on Dec. 14 through 17, Dec. 21 through 23 and 26 through 31.

Riverside water tower Riverside’s water tower, designed in 1869, has been a symbol of the village since its inception. Built next to the train station, the tower first supplied the village with water and, in recent decades, has been decorated for the holiday season.

We’re taking a break

By ERIKA HOBBS Editor

What better way to spend the holidays than with friends and family? We think so, too.

So this year, to thank our reporters, editors and staff, we’re taking a week off. We will not be publishing a print edition on Wednesday Dec. 27. Our of-

fices also will be closed from Monday Dec. 25 through Monday Jan.1. We’ll return Tuesday Jan. 2. Most of us will not be answering phones or email.

However, we know news never stops. If there is an emergency or breaking news, please email me, Erika Hobbs, at erika@ growing communitymedia.org.

Happy holidays from all of us at Growing Community Media!

This time of year, red and green lights on the ground shine up on the water tower, creating a Christmas spectacle at the center of town. The colored lights will remain on throughout the month of December.

North Riverside’s Village Hall and decorating contest At the start of the month, North Riverside lit up its tree for the ninth year in a row. It remains outside North Riverside Village Hall at 2401 South DesPlaines Avenue and will stay up through the first of the new year.

The village’s public works department decorates the tree, and the rest of village hall, over the course of a few days. This year, they hung around 2,000 lights on the Christmas tree, strung additional lights around parts of the building and installed giant, lit-up snowflakes and reindeers in the front lawn.

After stopping by village hall, check out the houses that are a part of North Riverside’s home decorating contest. Registered addresses or blocks will be posted on the village’s Facebook page after Dec. 15 – the last day to register your house by calling 708-442-5515.

From 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 21, North Riverside’s parks and recreation staff will visit the houses and award yard signs to those with the top three best decorations.

Jeanmarie Hajer-O’Connor, North Riverside Parks and Recreation’s recreation coordinator, said, “I hope that the community comes out and has a nice time going around seeing all the great decorations this year.”

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

BIG WEEK

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Acoustic Fireside Performance Thursday, Dec. 14, 8 p.m., Ryan’s Public House Visit Ryan’s Public House for a silent night with The Pigs Unplugged. The two invite everyone to sit fireside with them and rock to your favorite music. The Pigs are a cover band but not just any other cover band. They deliver your favorite songs but with a unique and fun twist. Ryan’s Public House is the “coziest pub” in Brookfield, and they would love for you to come to support The Pigs while eating and drinking their Irish goods. 8942 Ogden Ave.

December 13-20 Pajama Party Storytime Friday, Dec. 15, 5 p.m.-6 p.m., Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians Kids ages 3-7: slip on your favorite sleepy-time jammies and attend Brookfield Academy for Mini Musicians’ pajama party storytime this Friday! This pajama party will be a winter-themed Mini Musicians class that will allow participants to relax to the sounds of the violin and cello during their interactive storytime. Parents are welcome to have a little fun as well while attending with their child.

Stop by for some winter-time fun! For more information, visit Sawyer.com. 9213 Broadway Ave.

Piping Plover Pale Ale Comeback

Festive Tree Napkin Kit

Monday, Dec. 18, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., North Riverside Public Library Come to North Riverside Library to pick up your sewing kit of the month! This month’s sewing kit is to make your own festive Christmas tree napkins! If you are hosting or even attending any Christmas parties, tree napkins would be the cutest, most festive decoration on your dining room table! Picture this: you are hosting a Christmas Eve dinner party, you have your home all decorated, and the “icing on the cake,” or should I say “star on top of the tree,” are your cute tree napkins! Make this picture come to life and get your kit on Dec. 18! Registration is required, so visit the North Riverside Public Library website. 2400 Des Plaines Ave.

Christmas Stories in the Park Saturday, Dec. 16, 10 a.m.-10:45 a.m., North Riverside Public Library North Riverside Library is teaming up with Party Like a Princess this Saturday to celebrate the Christmas season by hosting a storytime. However, get this: the storytime will be hosted by no one other than Mrs. Claus herself! Mrs. Claus realizes how her husband is always at the forefront of the winter season, so she is making more efforts to bring even more cheer to Christmas herself. She hopes that the little kids of Brookfield and Riverside come to her storytime with their listening ears!

Registration is free but required and there is limited capacity. Call the library at 708-447-0869 or visit their website North Riverside Public Library to register. 2400 Des Plaines Ave.

Cliff Tartaglia as Rod Stewart.

The Rod Stewart Experience Friday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., Chef Shangri La On Friday, Cliff Tartaglia will be performing as Rod Stewart at the Chef Shangri La in North Riverside. For those who may not know, Rod Stewart is a rock and pop singer and songwriter and rose to fame during his time with The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces. He debuted his debut solo album in 1969, titled An Old Raincoat Won’t Ever Let You Down. Eat some fine Cantonese cuisine, drink at the full-service bar, and listen to Stewart’s greatest hits! 7930 W. 26th St.

Sunday, Dec. 17, 12 p.m.-8 p.m., Imperial Oak Brewing After some time off the menu, Piping Plover Pale Ale is making its third comeback this season. Piping Plover Pale Ale is a tribute to the beloved Piping Plovers named Monty, Rose, and Imani, along with many others that call the shorelines of Chicago their home. This pale ale is brewed with highquality El Dorado hops and fresh cactus pear juice. Cactus pear juice is included due to the native plant, the Eastern Prickly Pear Cactus, that is found in the dunes where plovers live. A percentage of the ale’s proceeds will be donated to the Chicago Ornithological Society’s mission to protect and restore plovers’ habitats. 9526 Ogden Ave.

Compiled by Grace Harty Contributing Reporter

CALENDAR EVENTS ■ If you would like your event to be featured here,

please send a photo and details by noon of the Wednesday before it needs to be published.

We can’t publish everything, but we’ll do our best to feature the week’s highlights.

Email calendar@wjinc.com.

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

New cafeteria and music wing coming to LTHS South Campus School sells first batch of bonds to finance major facility improvements

DLA ARCHITECTS

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

A new cafeteria and common space, as well as a new music wing, will be built next summer at the freshman-sophomore South Campus of Lyons Township High School.

Those are the two biggest parts of a roughly $21.7 million to $24.1 million facilities upgrade planned for South Campus.

In 2025, school officials plan to spend between $10 million to $15 million to modernize and add air conditioning to 64 classrooms at North Campus. Actual costs will not be known until the projects go out to bid.

The cost estimates for the projects have increased since first discussed earlier in the year.

“The scope of this project has grown,” said LTHS Director of Business Services Brian Stachacz.

DLA Architects outlined the most recent iteration of the plans at the LTHS school board’s Dec. 4 Committee of the

Rendering of the LT south campus.

Rendering of the proposed cafeteria.

Whole Meeting. They plan to build a new two-story combination cafeteria and common area in the area that is now a courtyard and build a new music wing where the existing South Campus cafeteria is.

The new cafeteria and common space would replace the rather dark and cramped current cafeteria, which hasn’t been significantly upgraded since the South Campus building was built in 1956. The cost of the new cafeteria and common space alone is expected to be between $11.5 million and $12.5 million. Bids are expected to go out in January. The school board is likely vote to accept bids at their March 4, 2024, meeting and work could start as soon as April.

The new cafeteria will be more efficient and have multiple serving stations and should reduce the time students spend standing in line, which should lead to a less rushed lunch. Students at South Campus often spend most of their 20-minute lunch period waiting in line to get food. The common area will include a second-floor drop-in help center to replace the subject-specific help centers that are now scattered throughout the building.

The new music wing is expected to cost between $6 million and $6.5 million and will include three new flex classrooms. Air conditioning chillers on the top of the existing cafeteria will also be replaced.

Some exterior and interior doors will also be replaced at both North and South Campus to bring them up to modern standards. The current metal halide lights at the South Campus Fieldhouse DLA ARCHITECTS will be replaced with energy efficient LED lighting at an estimated cost of

$350,000 to $425,000.

And 24 unit vents in the E wing at South Campus will be replaced at an estimated cost of $750,000 to $1 million. The portion of the courtyard that will remain after the new cafeteria is built will be renovated at a cost of $300,000 to $500,000.

Two alternate add-ons are also expected to be part of the bid package. New accessible bathrooms could replace existing bathrooms throughout much of South Campus building at estimated cost of between $1.65 million to $1.9 million. And the school board might decide to build two ticket booths for Bennett Field at an estimated cost of $90,000 to $100,000.

LTHS plans to pay for the facility improvements by issuing approximately $26 million in bonds and using cash reserves for the rest. LTHS has about $57.7 million in cash reserves.

“The district is in great financial shape and I think we’ll remain there going forward,” Stachacz said.

LTHS routinely issues general obligation bonds every 10 years as the old bond issue is paid off. LTHS is selling bonds in two batches. The first batch of about $14.4 million worth of bonds were sold on Oct. 17 at an interest rate of 3.875%, not including the cost of issuance. The all-in true interest cost is 4.13%. LTHS plans to sell a second batch of about $12 million worth of bonds in January.

Stachacz told the school board that he was happy with the way the first bond sale went. LTHS maintained its AAA rating from the Standard & Poor’s credit rating agency, enabling it to get a very competitive interest. Mesirow Financial purchased the entire batch of bonds. Mesirow was one of six bidders.

Construction work is expected to begin in April. The new cafeteria and music wing is expected to be completed

by August 2025. Next year, students at South Campus will have to eat lunch in the gym.

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Thank you

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EVENT ATTRACTION PLATINUM SPONSORS

TO OUR WONDERFUL

SPONSORS

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SILVER SPONSORS SUPPORT BROOKFIELD! SHOP LOCAL!

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Increased Brookfield spending comes from major infrastructure projects The three projects account for more than $16.6 million in the 2024 budget

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff reporter

The Village of Brookfield has approved its 2024 annual budget of $63,931,887, up $18,656,452 from the year before.

The budget increase primarily comes from three infrastructure projects: the Burlington Avenue road and sewer rehab project, the water main replacement project and the lead service line replacement project.

Together, the projects account for more than $16.6 million of the budget increase.

They are funded by a combination of federal and state grants, low-interest loans and contingency funding.

The village expects to receive more than $1.3 million in grants from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The village also secured a low-interest loan from the IEPA with an expected interest rate of less than 2% interest rate, officials said. The rest of the funding will come from the village’s own sources, such as the infrastructure project fund and the water and sewer fund.

In July 2021, the village’s water tax was increased by 18.5%, from $11.68 per 1,000 gallons to $13.84 per 1,000 gallons to pay for these water infrastructure upgrades.

The Burlington Avenue project includes making improvements to portions of the Fairview, Madison and Morton avenues. The project will include pavement resurfacing, curb and gutter replacement, storm sewer installation, water main replacement and sanitary sewer lining. The project will enhance the safety, appearance and functionality of the road and sewer network, as well as reduce the risk of flooding and water contamination, officials said. The project is estimated to cost $5.3 million.

The water main project is designed to replace aging and deteriorating water mains throughout the village that are about 100

years old. The project will replace about 10 miles of water mains, or 20% of the village’s water distribution system, with new ductile iron pipes that are more durable and resistant to corrosion and leaks. The project will improve the reliability and quality of the water supply, as well as reduce water loss and maintenance costs. The project is estimated to cost $7.3 million.

The lead service line project is combined with the water service portion. The lead lines will be replaced rather than repaired to avert lead contaminating water lines. The project is estimated to cost $4 million.

Village officials will use various revenue sources to finance the 2024 budget, including property taxes, local and state taxes, service charges, government grants and loan programs, licenses, permits and fees, fines and other sources.

Brookfield received additional funds from the federal government of more than $1 million, to support its public safety activities.

The village’s financial position has rebounded since the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost 30% of the general fund coming from sales and income tax revenue streams, officials said. The total general fund budget for 2024 is $22,967,197, which represents an increase of $974,529 over the previous year. The increase is mainly attributed to increases in personnel costs, workers’ compensation costs, and capital items, such as two, one-ton dump trucks and a village-wide camera system.

The village also created new staff positions and initiatives to enhance its operations and services. The new positions include a business development specialist, a communications manager, a full-time community service officer, and a part-time building inspector.

C O R R E C T I O N

Because of an editing error, a story called “Policy change means some porches could get a little bigger in Riverside” that ran in the newspaper Dec. 6 misstated the name of the village. It is Riverside. We regret the error.

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Two Chicagoans file to oppose Rashid in March primary Rashid supporters are attempting to knock the challengers off the ballot

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing Reporter

Two challengers have filed nominating petitions to run against first-term Democratic State Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid (D-Bridgeview) in the March primary, but Rashid allies are challenging the nominating petitions of the two, Matthew Synowiecki and Vidal Vasquez, in an attempt to knock the challengers off the primary ballot.

“They are supporters who believe that candidates have to meet the requirements of the law to appear on the ballot,” said Clem Balanoff, a senior advisor to the Rashid campaign and the chairman of Rashid’s campaign committee.

“And one thing we do know is that Abdelnasser Rashid’s campaign and Abdelnasser Rashid will be on the ballot because we followed the law, but we’re not sure about the others.”

The Rashid campaign filed he couldn’t talk then. When the the maximum number of signaLandmark called Synowiecki tures, 1,500, allowed on nominatMonday evening, no one aning petitions, while Synowiecki swered and the phone call wasn’t and Vasquez each filed about returned by deadline.

650 signatures. A minimum of It is not clear why Synowiecki 500 valid signatures are needed. is running in the Democratic The challengers to the nominatprimary. According to voting reing petitions include former Bercords obtained in a Freedom of wyn mayoral candidate Brendan Information Act request, SynowO’Connor. The petition chal- ABDELNASSER RASHID iecki voted in Republican primalenges will be heard by a hearing ries in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and officer appointed by the Illinois 2020. He last voted in a DemoState Board of Elections. cratic primary in 2010.

Rashid represents the 21st District, This year, Synowiecki, 34, has contribwhich includes most of Riverside and the uted a total of $700 in a series of contrisouthern portion of Brookfield. Both Syn- butions to the political education fund of owiecki and Vasques live on the south- Local 399 of the International Union of west side of Chicago. No one filed to run Operating Engineers. According to Balain the Republican primary. noff, Synowiecki is the brother-in-law of The Landmark called Synowiecki Mon- Meaghan Synowiecki, a former aide to day afternoon, but Synowiecki said that former Chicago Ald. Ed Burke.

Vasquez, 62, appears to be a retired Chicago police officer. He could not be reached for comment. According to state records, the only political contribution Vasquez has made was a $600 contribution in 2008 to the Cicero Equality Committee, a campaign committee created to support candidates in Cicero.

Vasquez has consistently voted in Democratic primaries since 1998.

Rashid, who defeated former State Rep. Mike Zalewski in the Democratic primary two years ago, had just over $247,000 in his campaign committee as of Sept. 30 and has reported raising at least $34,500 since then, according to records kept by the Illinois State Board of Elections.

“We take all challenges very seriously and we will put on a full robust campaign of knocking on doors and meeting with voters and talking with voters across the 21st District,” Balanoff said.

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

11

RBHS school board member Laura Hruska YOUR BEST files to run for state representative LIFE She faces uphill battle against Lisa Hernandez

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing reporter

Laura Hruska has never been one to avoid a challenge. But the longtime Riverside Brookfield High School District 208 school board member is taking on a big one in the upcoming year.

Hruska, a longtime resident of Brookfield, is running for state representative, challenging 2nd District incumbent Democrat Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, who is an assistant majority leader in the Illinois House of Representatives and the chairwoman of the Illinois Democratic Party. NeiLAURA HRUSKA ther Hruska nor Hernandez has a primary opponent, so Hruska is guaranteed to face Hernandez in the November general election.

Hruska knows that she has little chance of winning in the district that includes most of Brookfield north of Shields Avenue and the portion of Riverside south of the railroad tracks and runs east into Berwyn and Cicero. The district is heavily Hispanic and Democratic. Hernandez was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2006 and has only had two Republican opponents. She won her last contested race in 2016 in a landslide, winning approximately 76% of the vote.

Hruska told the Landmark that Dan Patlak, the director of advocacy for the Illinois Policy Institute, a free marketorientated conservative organization that describes itself as an advocate for taxpayers, asked her if she would be willing to run against Hernandez.

“He said that in the redistricting of the state many districts are going uncontested and so there’s no dialogue, there’s no debate, there’s not even meaningful conversations on issues that matter,” Hruska said.

Hruska said that she plans to make taxes,

especially property taxes, a major issue in her campaign.

“We are drowning in property tax and citizens have no recourse,” Hruska said, noting that she is appealing what she considers an incorrect reassessment of her own home.

Hruska said that many people who are retired can’t afford to live in Illinois because of the high taxes.

“It’s becoming oppressive,” Hruska said. “You know we have high taxes on utilities, we have the highest shopping (sales) tax.

Let’s say you go to Target, I think I’m off $10, nope that’s your tax.”

LISA HERNANDEZ Hruska, 60, said that she is thinking about whether to stay in Illinois herself when she retires.

“My children are grown and I’m starting to think about where do I spend my last season,” Hruska said. “I’ve got a daughter in Iowa graduating nursing school. Do I relocate and build a new life in Iowa or do I stay where my church, my community, my friends are, family and fight for something better?”

On the RBHS school board, Hruska has a reputation as an independent thinker who marches to the beat of her own drum.

Last year, she cast the only vote against the new teachers contract, saying that it was too expensive. In the fall of 2020, she was critical of teachers who opposed returning to in person learning during the COVID pandemic. She has advocated for District 208 to consider the possibility of merging with its feeder districts to cut costs and has pushed for relaxing graduation requirements to allow more students to graduate early. Hruska, who mostly grew up in Berwyn and Cicero, graduated from Morton West High School in three years. She has lived in Brookfield for the past 21 years and has also served on the

Brookfield Conservation Commission.

Hruska is in her 17th year on the RBHS school board. She was first elected to the RBHS school board in 2005, lost a race for reelection in 2009, then ran again and won in 2011 and was reelected in 2015, 2019, and 2023. In all her years on the RBHS school board, she has never served as board president or vice-president.

Hruska spent the bulk of her career working in the field of medical education and certification working for professional organizations such as the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Osteopathic Physicians in the areas of testing, evaluation, and continuing education. After she was laid off, she has worked for the past eight years on the overnight shift at UPS, now working in dispatch. She also does some substitute teaching and occasionally drives for Lyft.

Hruska earned two bachelor’s degrees, one from Moody Bible Institute, where she majored in Jewish studies, and another from UIC, where she majored in psychology and minored in math. She also earned a master’s in educational leadership from UIC. She said she knows that she has little chance of defeating Hernandez.

“It’s a blue state so I’m not delusional to think that I’m going to change anything,” Hruska said.

But Hruska said that she is qualified for the job.

“Would I like to win, yeah I would like to win, I think I could do a good job,” Hruska said. “I think I’m invested in my neighborhood, but do I have the deep support than my opponent has. No.” Hruska can expect little support from the Illinois Republican Party in what looks to be a hopeless campaign, but she hopes that frustration with the status quo can give her traction against an insider like Hernandez.

“The Illinois Republican Party is weak, but people are feeling the weight of the taxes and the Democratic Party is not hearing them,” Hruska said. “It doesn’t have to be me. Maybe somebody starting to challenge them maybe they’ll wake up and do something.”

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

APARTMENT A Riverside first from page 1

VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE/ STUDIO 222 ARCHITECTS

SHE SNORES MORE SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUTSHE I STILL SHE SNORES MORE SNORES MORE SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN. SHE SNORES MORE SHE SNORES MORE THAN I DO, BUT I STILL THAN I DO, BUT I STILL THAN I DO, BUT I STILL SHE SNORES MORE SHE SNORES MORE LOVE MY HUMAN. —IMY BANDIT THAN DO,HUMAN. BUTITHAN ITHAN STILL LOVE I DO, BUT I STILL LOVE MY HUMAN. adoptedBUT 11-26-09 LOVE MY HUMAN. THAN I DO, STILL I DO, BUT I STILL — BANDIT — BANDIT MY HUMAN. LOVE adopted 11-26-09 LOVE MY HUMAN. — BANDIT LOVE MY HUMAN.LOVE adopted 11-26-09 MY— BANDIT HUMAN.

adopted 11-26-09 adopted 11-26-09 —— BANDIT BANDIT — BANDIT — BANDIT adopted11-26-09 11-26-09 adopted 11-26-09 adopted adopted 11-26-09

The live-work units will allow residents to operate a business in the front and live in the back of the apartment.

The building will also feature green infrastructure, such as a green roof, permeable pavers and high-efficiency appliances, and other sustainable elements that go beyond the minimum code requirements.

The project is a first of its kind in Riverside and falls under village’s transit-oriented development strategy, which aims to encourage more people to use the train station and reduce car dependency.

“It’ll bring in more living options for residents, but it’s also an attractive market for young professionals,” said village president Douglas Pollock.

Several Riverside residents spoke up in support of the new building, showing interest in downsizing themselves or as an option for their children.

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Revenue for street maintenance The board also discussed the possibility of renewing bonds or creating a separate revenue source for more than $2 millions-worth of street maintenance projects. The village borrowed money in 2004 and 2014 to fund street repairs, which resulted in additional property taxes and interest payments.

Pollock said that over these years, the village paid more than a quarter of a million dollars in interest and called it a waste of taxpayer’s money. He said he favors an ongoing tax levy for street maintenance, rather than borrowing money again.

“Street maintenance is something that we have to do forever, it’s not a one-time expense,” Pollock said.

The board is facing a decision on how to fund the street improvement projects for the next decade. In the past, the village used referendum debt to finance these projects, but the current debt will expire in 2024.

If they decide to get another bond, the board has two options for the size and duration of the new debt. Option one would

keep the property tax rate for debt service unchanged, but would limit the amount of debt to $2.25 million for 10 years, or $3.05 million for 15 years.

Option two would increase the property tax rate slightly to account for inflation, and would allow the board to issue $2.65 million for 10 years of debt.

If they adjust for inflation, properties with a value of $300,000 will see a tax increase of $12, $400,000 house will see a $16 increase, and half-million dollar house will receive a $24 increase.

However, with the permanent tax levy, there would be no tax increase, officials said.

The village has other sources of revenue for street projects, such as sales tax, fuel tax, and grants, but they are either limited, uncertain, or insufficient, officials said.

The sales tax revenue depends on the performance of local businesses, the fuel tax revenue may decline due to the rise of electric vehicles, and the grants are competitive and not guaranteed, they added.

The village’s capital plan shows the need for additional funding to maintain and improve the street infrastructure.

The discussion is ongoing.

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VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE/ STUDIO 222 ARCHITECTS

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

PUBLIC NOTICE

STATE OF ILLINOIS, VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD Notice of Public Hearing Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission • December 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM NOTICE is hereby given that a public hearing will be held by the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Brookfield on Thursday, December 28, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, Illinois to consider an application from the Village of Brookfield for map amendments from 1) A-1 Single-Family Residence District zoning to S-2 Restricted Planned Open Space District zoning for portions of Ehlert Park, and 2) from A-1 Single-Family Residence District zoning to S-1 General Open Space District zoning for Candy Cane Park, for Harrison Park, for Madison Tot Lot, for Madlin Park, for Maple Park South and for Veterans Memorial Park, and 3) from B Multiple-Family Residence District zoning to S-1 General Open Space District zoning for Creekside Park, and 4) from A Single-Family Residence District zoning and SA-6 Residential Multi-Unit District Zoning to S-1 General Open Space District zoning for Maple Park North. The application pertains to the following PINs and Legal Descriptions: Portions of Ehlert Park 18-03-400-001-0000 18-03-400-002-0000 18-03-400-003-0000 18-03-400-004-0000 18-03-400-005-0000 18-03-400-006-0000 18-03-400-007-0000 18-03-400-008-0000 18-03-400-009-0000 18-03-400-010-0000 18-03-400-011-0000 18-03-400-012-0000 18-03-400-013-0000 18-03-400-014-0000 18-03-400-015-0000 18-03-400-016-0000 18-03-400-017-0000 18-03-400-018-0000 18-03-400-019-0000 18-03-400-020-0000 18-03-401-001-0000 18-03-401-002-0000 18-03-401-003-0000 18-03-401-011-0000 18-03-401-032-0000 18-03-401-034-0000 18-03-401-035-0000 18-03-401-036-0000 18-03-401-037-0000 18-03-401-038-0000 18-03-401-043-0000 18-03-406-001-0000 18-03-406-002-0000 18-03-406-003-0000 18-03-406-004-0000 18-03-406-005-0000 18-03-406-006-0000 18-03-406-007-0000 18-03-406-008-0000 18-03-406-009-0000 18-03-406-010-0000 18-03-406-011-0000 18-03-406-012-0000 18-03-406-013-0000 18-03-406-014-0000 18-03-406-015-0000 18-03-406-016-0000 18-03-406-017-0000 18-03-406-018-0000 18-03-406-019-0000 18-03-406-020-0000 PARCEL 5: ALL THAT PART OF VACATED PARK AVENUE LYING EAST OF AND ADJOINING PARCELS 10 AND 11 AND WEST OF PARCEL 6 AND NORTH OF THE SOUTH LINE OF LOT 21 (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 5 FEET THEREOF) IN PARCEL 11 AND SOUTH OF THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 40 IN PARCEL 10.

ALL THAT PART OF THE NORTH SOUTH 16 FOOT WIDE VACATED ALLEY LYING EAST OF AND ADJOINING LOTS 1 THROUGH 10 IN PARCEL 10 AND LOTS 11 THROUGH 20 IN PARCEL 11 AND WEST OF LOTS 31 THROUGH 40 IN PARCEL 10 AND LOTS 21 THROUGH 30 IN PARCEL 11.

PARCEL 6: THE EAST 8.2128 ACRES OF THE NORTH ½ OF THE WEST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ AND THE WEST 3.9954 ACRES OF THE NORTH ½ OF THE EAST ½ OF THE WEST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 33 FEET OF SAID PARCEL DEDICATED FOR STREET BY DOCUMENT 21054161, RECORDED JANUARY 9, 1970) IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 7: THE WEST 12.2082 ACRES OF THE NORTHWEST QUARTER OF THE SOUTHEAST QUARTER OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN (EXCEPT THE WEST 364 FEET THEREOF) (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 33 FEET OF SAID PARCEL DEDICATED FOR STREET BY DOCUMENT 21054161, RECORDED JANUARY 9, 1970) IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 8: LOTS 1, 2 AND 3 IN BLOCK “A” IN EARL J. SNYDER’S RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 1 AND 3 IN “SCHNEIDER’S ADDITION TO BROOKFIELD” BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 12.2082 ACRES OF THE WEST 16.2036 ACRES OF THE NORTH ½ OF THE EAST, OF THE WEST, OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN. LOT 2 (EXCEPT THE E. 158.7 FEET THEREOF) IN SCHNEIDER’S ADDITION OF BROOKFIELD, BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 12.2082 ACRES OF THE WEST 16.2036 ACRES OF THE NORTH ½ OF THE EAST ½ OF THE WEST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION THREE TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN. LOTS 1, 2 AND 3 IN BLOCK “C” IN EARL J. SNYDER’S RESUBDIVISION OF LOTS 1 AND 3 IN “SCHNEIDER’S ADDITION TO BROOKFIELD” BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 12.2082 ACRES OF THE WEST 16.2036 ACRES OF THE NORTH ½ OF THE EAST ½ OF THE WEST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN. PARCEL 9: THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF LOT 4 IN SCHNEIDER’S ADDITION TO BROOKFIELD BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 12.2082 ACRES OF THE WEST 16.2036 ACRES OF THE NORTH ½ OF

THE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY ILLINOIS. THE WEST ½ OF LOT 5 AND THE WEST 158.7 FEET OF LOT 6 IN SCHNEIDER’S ADDITION TO BROOKFIELD BEING A SUBDIVISION OF THE EAST 12.2082 ACRES OF THE WEST 16.2036 ACRES OF THE NORTH ½ OF THE EAST ½ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12, EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 33 FEET OF SAID LOT 6 DEDICATED FOR STREET BY DOCUMENT 21054161, RECORDED JANUARY 9, 1970) IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 10: LOTS 1 THROUGH 10, AND LOTS 31 THROUGH 40, IN AUSPITZ AND OAKES BROOKFIELD PARK ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST 364 FEET OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN RECORDED APRIL 27, 1925 AS DOCUMENT NO. 8882206 IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. PARCEL 11: LOTS 11 THROUGH 30 (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 5 FEET OF LOTS 20 AND 21 DEDICATED FOR STREET BY DOCMENT 21318485, RECORDED NOVEMBER 16, 1970) IN AUSPITZ AND OAKES BROOKFIELD PARK ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION OF THE WEST 364 FEET OF THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 3, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN RECORDED APRIL 27, 1925 AS DOCUMENT NUMBER 8882208 IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Candy Cane Park 15-27-406-039-0000 15-27-406-040-0000 LOTS 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 AND THE SOUTH ½ OF VACATED PUBLIC ALLEY LYING NORTH OF SAID LOTS, ALSO LOTS 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 AND THE NORTH ½ OF VACATED PUBLIC ALLEY LYING SOUTH OF SAID LOTS IN BLOCK 4 IN TALMAN AND THIELE’S EDGEWOOD SUBDIVISION, BEING A SUBDIVSION IN THE NORTHWEST ¼ OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 27, TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Harrison Park 15-34-112-053-0000 LOT 32 (EXCEPT THE SOUTH 5 FEET), AND ALL OF LOTS 33 AND 34 IN BLOCK 42 IN S.E. GROSS’ FIRST ADDITION TO GROSSDALE, A SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN

COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Madison Tot Lot 18-03-110-035-0000 LOTS 22 THROUGH 24 IN BLOCK 78 IN S.E. GROSS’ THIRD ADDITION TO GROSSDALE, A SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Madlin Park 15-34-305-036-0000 LOTS 5 THROUGH 14 IN BLOCK 3 IN PORTIA MANOR, BEING FREDERICK H. BARTLETT’S SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Maple Park South 18-03-108-011-0000 18-03-108-012-0000 18-03-108-013-0000 LOTS 11, 12, AND 13 IN BLOCK 73 IN S.E. GROSS’ THIRD ADDITION TO GROSSDALE, A SUBDIVISION IN SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 38 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Veterans Memorial Park 15-34-411-047-0000 LOTS 17 THROUGH 19 IN BLOCK 12 IN GROSSDALE, A SUBDIVISION OF THE SOUTHEAST ¼ OF SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Creekside Park 15-35-300-003-0000 THE SOUTH 89.8 FEET OF LOT 1 (EXCEPT STREET) IN RICKER’S SECOND ADDITION TO BROOKFIELD IN SECTION 35 TOWNSHIP 39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS. Maple Park North 15-34-331-022-0000 15-34-331-021-0000 15-34-331-024-0000 LOT 5 (EXCEPT THE NORTH 15 FEET THEREOF), LOT 6, LOT 7, AND LOT 8 IN BLOCK 32 PORTIA MANOR, BEING FREDERICK H. BARTLETT’S SUBDIVISION IN THE SOUTHWEST ¼ OF SECTION 34 TOWNSHIP39 NORTH, RANGE 12 EAST OF THE THIRD PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN, IN COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS.

The public is invited to attend the public hearing and present oral and/or written comments. Written comments may be provided prior to 4:00 PM on the day of the meeting to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Kate Portillo, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, kportillo@brookfieldil.gov, or 708-485-1445. Oral or written public testimony may be given during the public hearing.

The application may be viewed at the Village of Brookfield Village Hall during normal business hours. Please reference PZC Case 23-15. Public hearings may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodation to participate in any meeting may contact the Village of Brookfield at (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front and side (south and east) entrances of Village Hall.

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

17

Brookfield approves 6.4% tax levy Residents also raised concerns about high property taxes

By AMINA SERGAZINA Staff reporter

The Brookfield Village Board of Trustees Monday approved the 2023 tax levy.

The 2023 tax levy was approved for $15,740,975 for both village and library levies. The total levy is estimated to increase to 6.4%, or $946,396.

Although the village seeks that extension, it may not collect the full amount because of the state’s tax cap law for non-home rule municipalities such as Brookfield.

The law limits tax levy increases for nonhome rule communities to 5%, or the level of the consumer price index, whichever is less. The CPI for 2023 is 6.5%.

During a public hearing, residents spoke up about their concern about property taxes. Java Tussock, a Brookfield zoo worker and village resident of over 20 years, said high taxes are pushing people away.

“Our property taxes are over $1,000 a month for my house and I just can’t afford it,” he said. “I would love to stay [in Brookfield], but every time you ask for a nickel or dime or dollar you’re just putting a little bit more burden on everybody.”

Michael Garvey, village president, said that the board is aware of the issue and are themselves residents of the village who are affected.

“We all have property tax bills that we pay and we have families that live here, but we also have the responsibility to provide the essential services,” Garvey said. “The employees have increased in salary and benefits, and the cost of equipment, and vehicles, and police, and fire services and pensions go up. We have to meet those obligations”

Parking lots improvement Trustees also approved improving two

of its parking lots with green infrastructure features that will enhance stormwater management, aesthetics, and sustainability. The parking lots are located at 9100 W. 31st St. and 3840 Maple Ave., and will serve the businesses along the 31st Street corridor.

The village acquired the parking lot at 9100 W. 31st St. in late 2023 through a donation, and decided to construct it to be an example of a high-quality parking lot that meets the village’s design guidelines.

The parking lot at 3840 Maple Ave., which predates 2007, is in need of improvement and will be reconstructed as a green infrastructure project.

The village has hired Hancock Engineering, a local firm with expertise in civil engineering and environmental design, to design and oversee the parking lot improvements.

Hancock Engineering was also approved to apply for the Metropolitan Wa-

ter Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Green Infrastructure Partnership Program, which provides partial funding for green infrastructure projects on public property.

The MWRD program aims to reduce stormwater runoff and improve water quality by supporting projects that incorporate stormwater control measures, such as permeable pavement, rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs.

The total construction costs for the two parking lots are estimated at $890,000, of which the MWRD program could cover up to $290,000, depending on the eligibility and cost-sharing level. The village will fund the remaining $600,000, as well as the engineering, construction management, permitting, right-of-way acquisition, administration costs, and non-green infrastructure components, such as lighting and demolition.

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Brookfield Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight

Beyond the Facade: The Hidden Transformation of Brookfield Dental Studio : A 300-Day Odyssey

“A Brookfield.

mazing!” exclaimed a resident, captivated by the transformation that has taken place on 8 Corners in

Dr. Shikha Kapoor, her dream finally realized, smiled. Years of nomadic practice were over. This haven of comfort and modern design was now her home, ready to welcome patients like family.

Fondly known as Sara by her patients, Dr. Kapoor, a third-generation dentist, had found the perfect canvas for her vision when she visited a colleague last year who was ready to transition.

The building, reminiscent of NYC’s Flatiron building—a landmark close to her alma mater, NYU’s College of Dentistry—felt like a harmonious blend of her professional journey and personal aspirations.

Embracing this serendipitous calling, Dr. Kapoor shares. “We reimagined everything, transforming our waiting room with comfortable couches, lounge chairs, and refreshments, all creating an

ambiance of tranquility and healing.”

While the upgraded facade and welcoming waiting room are evident, Dr. Kapoor reveals a deeper transformation. “We wanted to elevate the patient experience, making it our key differentiator” she explains. “To achieve this, we invested heavily in modern dental equipment, including the latest 3D Invisalign iTero scanner, ergonomic chairs, and whisper-quiet electric instruments, to give our patients a more soothing dental experience and enable them to make more informed oral care decisions—at no additional cost.”

Her ambition transcended the tangible.

“Transforming from paper to digital was just the beginning of the internal rehaul . Every process, every interaction, is infused with empathy and understanding. Our doors open to a journey where patients feel heard, seen, and valued.”

“The heart of our clinic beats with the rhythm of the community. From local business owners

Brookfield Dental Studio @8 Corners, 9201 Broadway Ave, Brookfield, IL 60513 708-DENTIST | 708-387-2020 | www.BrookfieldDentalStudio.com

to the enchanting visit by Mrs. Claus at our grand opening - Brookfield has embraced us.” The positive feedback on Google Reviews shows that the patients have appreciated the changes in the clinic’s environment.

“As we integrate into Brookfield,” Dr. Kapoor smiles, “patient convenience reigns supreme.

We prioritize minimal wait times, swift check-ins, and pre-visit forms for a seamless experience.

Additionally, we are now partnered with most major PPOs, ensuring a range of insurance options to access our services. The transition from the previous New Smile Center has been smooth, with all patient records meticulously transferred. Our new number is easy to remember: 708-DENTIST.” What’s Next: Our website will be fully launched on Jan 1st. This summer will bring a new kind of patient’s chair-time experience. We invite you to experience the difference at Brookfield Dental Studio

18

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Man arrested for battery after Uber dispute with ex-girlfriend A man kicked and punched her over $20 Uber ride cost, police said

A man was arrested for domestic battery after he kicked and punched his ex-girlfriend over an Uber dispute Monday at an apartment on Cermak Rd. According to North Riverside police, the man left the apartment wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt and jeans.

He was confronted by the police in the courtyard of the apartment complex, where he claimed that he and his exgirlfriend had an argument over an Uber ride. He denied any physical contact between them.

The police then contacted the victim, who was crying and appeared upset.

She told the police that the man had been abusing her for a long time and that he had kicked her in the abdomen and punched her in the face on that day and showed the injuries.

The woman said that she wanted to press charges against her ex-boyfriend.

The police arrested him, and took him to the police station, where he waived his Mi-

She then ordered the Uber, but cancelled it as soon as he got in. He got out and tried to talk to her, but was stopped by the police.

The man was charged with one count of misdemeanor battery.

Phone scam costs man more than $2,000 in fraudulent charges randa rights and gave a statement.

He said that he had gone to the woman’s residence at about 3 a.m. after she sent him an Uber to pick him up.

He said that they hung out for several hours and talked about their relationship, but he decided to end it.

He asked her to order him another Uber to go home, but she demanded money for both rides.

He agreed to pay her $20 for the ride home, but not for the ride to her place.

According to Brookfield police, a man fell victim to a phone scam that cost him more than $2,000 in fraudulent charges.

The man received a call from someone claiming to be from Chase Bank, who asked for his debit card PIN to fix a problem.

The man gave his PIN, thinking there was an issue with his Chase app.

He later discovered that his card was used to withdraw $400 from an ATM and to buy an Apple product worth $1,762.90.

The man contacted Chase Bank, who refunded the ATM withdrawal, but not the

Apple purchase.

He also contacted Apple, who agreed to refund the purchase if he obtained a police report.

The man filed a police report, an police advised him to inform the credit bureaus of the fraud.

An investigation is ongoing.

These items were obtained from the Brookfield Police Department and North Riverside Police Department reports dated Nov. 28 – Dec. 4 and represent a portion of the incidents to which police responded. Anyone named in these reports has only been charged with a crime and cases have not yet been adjudicated. We report the race of a suspect only when a serious crime has been committed, the suspect is still at large, and police have provided us with a detailed physical description of the suspect as they seek the public’s help in making an arrest.

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

19

District 96 looks to hire bilingual teachers The Riverside district has had increase in non-native English-speaking students

By BOB SKOLNIK Contributing reporter

To deal with an increase of more than 50 non-native English-speaking students, including a number of recent migrants from Venezuela, Riverside Elementary School District 96 is moving quickly to hire as many as three new bilingual teachers.

The district intends to beef up its English Language Learner program to accommodate those who have enrolled since the beginning of the year.

At its Dec. 6 Committee of Whole Meeting, the District 96 school board heard from Director of teaching and learning Angela Dolezal and ELL teacher and coordinator Alejandra Govea-Lopez. Figures show that 51 non-native English-speaking students have enrolled in District 96 schools, bringing the total number to 140 as of Dec. 8.

Last year, District 96 had 125 ELL students.

Officials said 18 of the district’s ELL stu-

dents this year are newcomers to the United States and 10 of those students enrolled after the school year began. Students new to the United States are enrolled in all District 96 schools except for Hollywood School.

“Most of our new registrations have been children new to the country, non-English speaking, in need of support,” said

District 96 Superintendent Martha RyanToye, adding that most of these students are from Venezuela.

Initially, the administration was asking the school board to authorize one new ELL teaching position for this year and as many as two more positions for next year. But after getting an enthusiastic response from school board members, Ryan-Toye and the school board decided to post openings for three new positions immediately and see what happens.

It could be a challenge to hire any new ELL teachers in the middle of the school year because state regulations bar a school district from hiring a teacher currently working at another school district during the school year. ELL-certified teachers are also in short supply because they are in high demand.

“There is no guarantee that we find someone in two weeks,” Ryan-Toye said.

When informed of the need for addition-

al staff to serve the new students, the District 96 school board did not hesitate to give tentative approval to the new positions.

“We have to do this,” said school board member David Barsotti.

Board president Wesley Muirheid agreed.

“We need to meet the needs of the students,” Muirheid said.

Board member Selena Clapps was also in favor of moving as quickly as possible to add new ELL staff.

“It feels like we’re behind,” Clapps said.

Dolezal said that the new staff is sorely needed to help current ELL teachers who are struggling to keep up with the demand for their services.

“We’re hurting this year,” Dolezal told the school board. “It’s been a struggle for staff.”

The superintendents at Brookfield LaGrange Park School District 95 and Komarek District 94 said that they are not aware of any recent migrants from Venezuela enrolling at their schools this year.

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Opinion THE LANDMARK VIEW

R

Good choice on Burlington

iverside continues to make smart choices about new development in the downtown area. Last week, the village board approved a special use permit for a 22-unit apartment building on Burlington Street.

There’s a lot to like about this project. It adds density precisely where the village government has deemed it appropriate – along the Metra line where transit-oriented development is so natural. The project will bring the first two live-work units to its first floor. This is a great, and somewhat old school, concept allowing an apartment to front a commercial workspace toward the street while there is apartment living in the back.

This building, from developer Patrick Leone, also takes substantial steps toward green construction. It will include a green roof, high-efficiency appliances and permeable pavers, all worthy efforts that exceed current zoning requirements.

It was good to see multiple Riverside residents speak in favor of this project, a counterbalance to the usual NIMBY objections.

As always, Riverside has an interesting balance to strike between preserving its remarkable built heritage while avoiding vacuum-sealing the village in a past century. This project threads the needle well. We look forward to other projects that offer such balance.

Improvements at LTHS

Well, 1956 was a long time ago. And public spaces built in that era are certainly going to need new thinking and substantial upgrades. So it is good to see Lyons Township High School actively investing in its campuses.

On the freshman-sophomore South Campus, the dank and rank cafeteria will be moved to a new building that will include an added common space for students. New music classrooms will be constructed on the site of the old cafeteria space. A batch of other updates – lighting, accessible bathrooms, AC – will be added at both campuses.

Bonds have been let for some of the work and construction could begin as early as next spring. Other aspects of the costly work will be put out to bid in the months to come.

Overall, this is a comprehensive and thoughtful update of these school buildings. Funding sources – both bonds and cash reserves – are a reasonable way to fund construction.

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

21

LETTERS

What we need from the LT Special thanks to Landmark for recognizing LTHS’ ill-fated land sale effort, and printing what has been known all along. This land is correctly zoned, with no place for industrial.

We now approach the 1-year anniversary of LT’s first public consideration to sell and then execute a very questionable sealed bid process, all from just mid-December 2022 to mid-January 2023, while hoping few would notice over the holidays.

For eight months prior, illegal meetings were headed by Supt. Waterman and Ex-BOE president Kari Dillon (somehow both still representing LT) that concentrated on one industrial buyer.

After phenomenal community efforts to uncover and push back on this egregious behavior, we only have a comment by the BOE vice president that LT will be more engaging next time.

We still do not have: 1) A statement from LT promising they will not entertain industrial bids.

2) A public apology from Waterman, Dillon, Stachacz, or the BOE in general. Without this they will never escape this public shame.

3) A respectable leader in the superintendent position who can admit mistakes, and set an honest and honorable example for the 4,000 kids at LT. However, what has come out of this is a stronger, cohesive community, aligned with all the surrounding towns, that are more than willing to stand up and fight to protect this wonderful community.

We also owe a special thanks to the Willow Springs mayor and board for being the fortified bulwark they are.

Fred Whiting

OBITUARIES

Richard Ray, 86 Mainstay in Riverside governance Richard Thomas Ray, 86, of Riverside, died on Dec. 7, 2023. He was a mainstay on the village of Riverside advisory commissions since 1974, a member of the Riverside Preservation Commission, on which he served since its inception in 1992. He served as the commission’s chairman, vice chairman and recording secretary during those years and contributed not only his expertise as an architect but his vast institutional knowledge of Riverside and its history. A fixture in Riverside government and commissions for almost 50 years, he mentored countless people.

He and his late wife, Juanita, moved to Riverside in 1973 and joined the Riverside Plan Commission the following year, serving there until 1999. He also served on the Zoning Board of Appeals from 1994-2000, and added a third commission to his plate in 1992 when the Preservation Commission was founded.

In 2008, the Riverside Township Lions Club presented him with their highest honor, the Bill Jansky Distinguished Citizen Award. He was instrumental in providing designation certificates to owners of landmarked properties, and assisted in the development of a published brochure on Riverside’s first land-

marked structures.

He was the husband of the late Juanita and the brother of Mary Ray. He will be buried at Beverly Cemetery alongside his wife.

Funeral info: 708-447-2261 or www.moravecek.com.

Anita Horak, 88

Anita Louise Horak (nee Duczman), 88, of Hanover Park, formerly of Berwyn, died on Dec. 2, 2023. A homemaker, she attended church in Riverside.

She was the wife of the late Milan John Horak Sr; the mother of Karen Lynn (Mario) Maiorano, Milan John (Brenda) Horak Jr., Louis Dale (Deborah) Horak, Brian Michael Horak, Garry Todd (Mary Beth) Horak, and the late David Mark Horak; grandmother of Michael (Chloe) Maiorano, Scott (Holly) Maiorano, Amy (Michael) DeLance, and Garry Todd Horak Jr.; great-grandmother of Pearl Maiorano, Hazel Maiorano and Logan DeLance; sister of Milan “James” (the late Eleanor) Duczman, the late Louis “George” Duczman, and Steve Duczman; and the aunt of many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 15 from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16, from 9:30 a.m. to time of See OBITUARIES on page 22

22

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

OBITUARIES continued from page 22 service, 10 a.m., at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield, followed by interment at Fairmount Hills Memorial Park Cemetery, Willow Springs.

Memorials are appreciated to Sts. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church, 250 Woodside Road, Riverside, IL 60546.

Jacob Curtin, 31 Stagehand Jacob Anthony Curtin, 31, of Brookfield, died on Nov. 24, 2023 in Torrance, California.

Born on Aug. 17, 1992 in Hinsdale, he was a union stagehand who worked in liveevent construction.

Jacob was the son of Michael and Deborah (nee Marzec) Curtin; the brother of Mary Curtin, Michael Curtin, Lauren (Karen) Patel, Jackie (Adam) Grzych, Vicky CurJACOB CURTIN tin and Daniel Curtin; the uncle of Molly Curtin, Delilah and Davey Patel and Hailey and Jaxson Grzych; and the nephew, cousin and friend of many.

Visitation will be held on Friday, Dec. 15, from 2 till 8 p.m. at Johnson-Nosek Funeral Home, 3847 Prairie Ave., Brookfield. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 16th, 10:30 a.m. at St. Barbara Church, Brookfield. Family and friends are asked to meet at St. Barbara Church by 10:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Deborah Curtin would be appreciated. An art scholarship has been established to ensure Jacob’s love of art lives on.

Lynette Papadogianis, 56 Shrine Club goddess Lynette M. Papadogianis, 56, died on Nov. 21, 2023. Born on Feb. 5, 1967, she was a soopermom to Dean, wife extraordinaire to Petey, West Suburban Shrine Club goddess, Boy Scout LYNETTE mom to Eagles PAPADOGIANIS Deanie, David, & Frankie, and DeMolay Cross of Honor mom to many. Her touch will be missed by her family and friends She was preceded by Casimir, Virginia (Sugar) & Albert Lis. The world has lost our mother, wife, & goddess.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Dec. 29 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Riverside Lodge, 40 Forest Ave., in Riverside.

Nancy Schulze, 68 Registered Nurse Nancy Ellen Schulze (nee Marble), 68, of Riverside, died on Dec. 8, 2023. A registered nurse, she was the wife of Scott W. Schulze; mom to Freeloader and Snuffles; and caregiver and friend to many.

Service times are currently pending.

Information: 708-485-2000 or wwwHitzemanFuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are ap-

Growing Community Media a non-profit newsroom

preciated to Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st St., Brookfield, IL 60513 Nancy, You entered my life 47 years ago as my caregiver. I watched your pediatric nursing career grow into a lifetime of caregiving and volunteer service. You were “all in” on anything you did. You became an expert in taking care of children with disabilities and special needs. Your work at Children’s Memorial and Hinsdale Pediatrics touched many patients’ lives for the better.

Your volunteer work as a docent at Brookfield Zoo and Play Partner at the Hamill Family Play Zoo was phenomenal. You volunteered as often as you could and many years you exceeded over 500 hours of service. Your 2016 Twiga Award as the top volunteer at the zoo was an incredible accomplishment. The number of people, connections, and friends you made during those 28 years were uncountable and extremely valuable. Everyone valued your input and opinions.

Our life in Riverside was amazing. We traveled the world together to explore different places. You also enjoyed being at home going to the Loyola Fitness Club for exercise classes six days a week where you made many friends and inspired your classmates. You enjoyed taking nature walks, reading, and watching all kinds of sports events. Cubs all the way.

Your battle with many health issues in your final 100 days was fought with intensity and positive thoughts every step of the way. I am so proud of you for your courage and bravery. You will be remembered by all who had the good fortune to know you. You were loved and will be greatly missed here.

Nancy, you were the most dedicated and greatest life partner that I could have ever hoped for in my lifetime. You will never leave my heart, and your positive spirit will be with me forever.

Scott

Barbara A. Shereck Homemaker Barbara A. Shereck, nee Feeney, age 80 of Brookfield, died on Dec. 4, 2023.

Beloved wife of Michael W. Shereck, devoted mother of Kelly Shereck, Erin (Brian) Keohane, Daniel (Alicia) Shereck, Maureen BARBARA A. SHERECK (Mark) Wunderlich and the late Kathleen Mary Shereck; loving grandmother of Margaret, Brian Jr., Kathleen Mary, Maeve, Bridget, Seamus, Liam, Molly and Gavin; sister of Michael (Susan) Feeney, Brian (Karen) Feeney, Mary Louise (Randy) Jones, Kevin (the late Linda) Feeney, Patrick Feeney, and the late John G. Feeney and Dennis (the late Nicolette) Feeney; aunt, great aunt and cousin to many.

Visitation Friday, December 8, 2023, from 3 to 8 p.m. at Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 W. 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. Additional visitation will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at St. Louise de Marillac Church, LaGrange Park, Mass 11 a.m.

Interment will be held at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside.

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

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The Landmark, December 13, 2023

Sports

Pajauskas, Lions work overtime, outlast OPRF

LTHS girls improve to 3-0 in West Suburban Silver

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

Senior point guard Jimmy Pajauskas received his first start with the Lyons Township boys basketball team, Dec. 6, as senior teammate Caleb Greer battled illness.

His first finish was even better.

With 5.8 seconds left in regulation, Pajauskas sank two free throws to send the game into overtime. Then he and the Lions took command for a 74-64 victory over Oak Park and River Forest in their West Suburban Conference Silver Division opener in La Grange.

“Probably [our best game so far],” LTHS coach Tom Sloan said.

“We played very hard, handled the ball very well. It was a tight game all the way through. We had five guys in double figures and shot it the best we have all year. It was a fun, competitive game.”

Senior Brady Chambers (19 points, 13 rebounds) had an impressive double-double to lead the Lions (2-4, 1-1 in Silver). Other contributors were Liam Taylor (15 points, 8 rebounds), Pajauskas (13 points, 4 assists), and Michael Reilly and Max Hoffmann (11 points each).

Pajauskas sent the game into overtime tied at 59 after OPRF (4-3, 0-1) led 53-48 with 4:30 left.

In overtime, the Lions scored the first 11 points to roar to a 70-59 lead and scored on all of their possessions until the final seconds.

Chambers opened the OT with a three and hit one of two free throws. Pajauskas then drove right of the lane and completed a conventional 3-point play for a 66-59 advantage.

Taylor scored inside and Pajauskas and Reilly made free throws.

Taylor blocked three OPRF shots in overtime.

“We did a good job to limit Oak Park’s opportunities and rebounded pretty well,” Sloan said.

Pajauskas made his regulation free throws after OPRF’s Max Johnson missed the second of two free throws with 23.5 seconds. Reilly’s right-corner three with 1:47 left had put LTHS ahead 57-56 but Johnson scored inside with 1:26 to go.

On Saturday, the Lions dug an early hole and lost to visiting Glenbard West 54-34.

The Hilltoppers (4-4, 2-0) grabbed a 16-5 lead after one quarter behind four of their nine 3s. Back-to-back threes by Taylor at the end of the second quarter and by Reilly early in the third quarter kept the Lions in contention before the Hilltoppers closed the third quarter with an 8-0 run to lead 44-22.

Taylor (12 points, 5 rebounds), Reilly (9 points with 3 threes) and Hoffmann (6

STEVE JOHNSTON

Lyons Township’s Ian Polonowski (35) lays in a basket past Oak Park and River Forest’s Jerome Delaney (11) during a West Suburban Conference game Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2023 in La Grange. points, 3 assists) led LTHS. The Lions again were without Greer and also Chambers, who was on his official baseball recruiting visit to Michigan State, where he has verbally committed.

“In our league, you can’t have too many clunkers and expect to have a chance to win,” Sloan said. “Our guys battled, but Glenbard played well and we didn’t necessarily play very well or up to the level that we needed.”

LTHS girls basketball The Lions (7-3, 3-0 in Silver) delivered two more conference victories, prevailing

70-53 at Hinsdale Central, Saturday, and 5514 over OPRF, Dec. 5, in La Grange.

Nora Ezike had 22 points against Hinsdale Central (3-6, 0-3). Sophomore Emma O’Brien (18 points) and senior Elin O’Brien (15 points) also reached double figures. Ryan Sasis began last week as Hinsdale Central’s interim varsity head coach after the unexpected resignations of former head coach Erin Navolio and two assistant coaches.

Ezike (13 points, 5 rebounds), Harper Carroll (10 points) and Avery Mezan (5 steals) led the victory over OPRF (0-9, 0-4).

RBHS girls basketball come out on top this time RBHS boys extend winning streak to four, improve to 7-1

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

After losing three games by a combined six points, senior Emily Organ and her Riverside Brookfield High School girls basketball teammates were ready to change their fortunes.

This time, the Bulldogs enjoyed a tight victory, Dec. 6, by beating Proviso East 5148. The Bulldogs (3-7) then opened Metro

Suburban Conference play with a 57-41 victory at Elmwood Park on Friday.

“It’s definitely been hard coming up short, just not being able to finish the game like we’ve wanted to,” said Organ, who had team highs of 19 points and eight rebounds against the Pirates.

“Proviso East was a good example. It was

still pretty close and we came out on the other side. It was really a confidence boosting game for us as a whole.”

Mayan Covarrubias (12 points with 2 threes, 4 rebounds, 4 steals, 3 assists) and Alyssa Morris (11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 deflections) also scored in double figures against Proviso East. Amanda

S P O R T S

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

25

RB swimmer Rosa seeks state return with teammates Adler, Smith, Dillon bring state experience for eager Lions

By BILL STONE Contributing Reporter

With this year’s new format at the boys swimming and diving state meet, Riverside Brookfield High School senior Drew Rosa would have reached the finals in both of his 2023 qualifying events.

There now are 16 finalists per event, based on times from the first day’s preliminaries, instead of only 12.

Rosa was 14th in the 100-yard butterfly (50.73) and 15th in the 100 breaststroke (57.53).

“It’s definitely DREW ROSA nice to know finals are top 16 now, but I think I aim to be a lot higher than that anyway,” Rosa said. “I just want to get out there and go fast. I’m not going to try and think too hard before the meet about where I’m placing. I’m just going to go there and do my best and hopefully it’ll work out well.”

Besides making the finals, Rosa could have another new experience in what would be his third trip to state. He very well Buckley (8 points, 5 steals) also contributed in her full-time return to the lineup.

The Bulldogs were coming off perhaps their toughest loss, 43-42 to Westinghouse, Dec. 2. The Warriors scored the winning basket with four seconds left.

At Hinsdale South’s Brenda Whitesell Tournament, the Bulldogs lost to Plainfield South 74-72, Nov. 20, and Yorkville 57-54, Nov. 18.

“At that tournament, we played some competitive and good teams and we played hard but didn’t get the outcomes we really wanted,” Organ said. “That Proviso East game turned things around. It was a good win for us. It wasn’t an easy win and we got it done.”

The Bulldogs opened the Oak Lawn Tournament, Saturday, by losing to defending champion Thornton Fractional South 49-42 and Romeoville 55-37 in pool play. Organ, an all-tournament selection

could have teammates with him. At last year’s sectional, the third-place 200 medley relay with Rosa and seniors Cooper Marrs, Alex Jacobs and Hayden Marrs (1:37.47) and third-place 200 free relay with Rosa, senior Lucas Hedrich, junior Aiden Pankros and Hayden Marrs (1:27.99) just missed the respective 1:37.02 and 1:27.29 state-qualifying cuts. This year’s state-qualifying cuts are 1:36.87 and 1:27.40.

Junior diver Nate Kissel was seventh at sectionals (380.40 points) under diving coach Amy Phillips. Other key contributors include seniors Will AIDEN PANKROS Kallas and sophomores Jake Kocourek and Henry Manning from the 2023 sectional lineup, junior Avi Ponnappan and seniors Will Ptak, Patrick Hart, Evan McMullen, Jack O’Brien and Gabe Wiginton.

“We would like to get a couple of individuals qualified this year, as well as the relays. We are in a pretty good place coming back, if we can just hit the times at sectionals,” RBHS swim coach Mike Laurich said.

“Drew had a really good fall with his

club team so he has some high goals for the season.”

Rosa said he plans to focus on the same two individual events and the free relays.

Last season, he made nice strides from qualifying for 2022 state in the 200 individual medley and taking 25th in a sophomore school-record 1:56.30.

This past club season with FMC Aquatics in Westmont, Rosa swam a personalbest 56.27 in the 100 breast, already faster than older brother Michael’s RBHS schoolrecord 57.14 from 2018.

“I think the same thing goes with all of the other guys on our team. Most of them are athletes, so they’ve been working out.

They’re in shape so now we’ve just got to get them into swimming shape,” Rosa said.

“Just working on all of the small things in practice, just technical stuff and small stuff. I think that just paying attention to all of the small details is definitely going to help us this year.”

With senior diver Matt Adler and seniors Jack Dillon and Peter Smith the only returnees from last year’s state qualifiers, in many ways it’s a clean slate for the Lions this season.

“The boys were aware of what this sea-

son would look like. They worked extremely hard in the offseason and we’ve seen a hunger for these lineup spots that we haven’t seen in the past,” LTHS coach Erin Rodriguez responded.

“They want to rise to the standard of LT swimming that has been built throughout the years. That’s their motivation.”

Dillon and Smith return with state finals experience. Dillon was part of the 200 medley relay that tied for 11th (1:34.86). Smith was part of the 12th-place 400 free relay (3:08.69).

Adler has been to state twice. He finished 15th in last season’s semifinals (302.70 points) after taking 23rd (203.30) in his 2022 debut season. This year’s state format has 16 entries advancing to finals instead of 12.

CJ Bass, Matthew Ferguson, Lachlan Gantt, Brody Robison and Colin Schertz also were part of the 2023 sectional lineup.

Other contributors include Jake Thorell and varsity newcomers Jack Hannon and Declan Vahey.

The Lions’ free relays already are faster than last season. Six to seven athletes are fighting for the spots.

“They are a group that has a ton of fun and they enjoy doing the hard work together,” Rodriguez said. “There’s a sense of a singular purpose and everyone doing their job to fulfill that purpose.”

in 2022, left the Romeoville game in the opening minutes with an ankle injury.

six steals and five rebounds. Stefan Cicic and Danny Loftus each had 11 points and seven rebounds, followed by Mehki Austin (8 points) and Sam Shelven (6 points).

The Bulldogs delivered one of their best quarters of the season, outscoring the Meteors 18-4 in the second quarter to take the lead for good after trailing 14-9 following one quarter. They played without starting senior point guard Steven Brown.

“TF North did a great job defensively and really controlled the tempo. We had some stretches where we struggled handling the ball against their pressure without [Brown],” Reingruber said. “But guys like Mehki, Cam, Danny, Sam, Vince [Dockendorf] and Joey [Garvey] all gave solid minutes. We are fortunate to have played really solid defense and made enough plays on the offensive end to win.”

On Friday, the Bulldogs opened Metro Suburban Conference play with a domi-

nating 69-31 home victory over Elmwood Park. RBHS led 27-8 after one quarter and 40-14 at halftime.

Loftus, who collected a varsity-best 18 points by making 6 of 7 shots and 6 of 8 free throws, Cicic (15 points, 9 rebounds) and Brown (10 points) reached double figures. Austin (8 points, 4 rebounds), Mercer (6 points on 2 threes) and Shelven (4 assists, 4 rebounds) also contributed.

The Bulldogs shot 61 percent from the field in the 79-47 victory over Latin, Dec. 5, making 25 of 34 shots with six 3s.

Cicic (19 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks), Brown (16 points, 3 assists), Austin (13 points), Mercer (10 points with 2 threes) and Loftus (7 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) led the 10 Bulldogs who scored.

An 18-7 second quarter opened a 41-22 halftime cushion.

Garvey was named defensive MVP after taking two charges.

RBHS boys basketball The Bulldogs (7-1) keep finding new faces to continue their winning ways.

Sophomore guard Cameron Mercer came through with the big game Saturday, collecting 21 points and being named the team’s defensive MVP in the 57-48 victory over Thornton Fractional North at the Team Rose Classic at Mt. Carmel.

“Cameron really brought a lot of energy in the second quarter and turned the game around with his play at the top of our 1-3-1 (zone defense). He forced numerous turnovers and capitalized in transition,” RBHS coach Mike Reingruber responded.

Mercer hit 6 of 13 shots with one 3-pointer and 8 of 9 free throws and added

LTHS boys swimming and diving

26 The Landmark, December 13, 2023 Deadline is Monday at 5:00 p.m.

BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 | BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI

HELP WANTED

GENERAL WAREHOUSE WORKER

General Warehouse worker. Some assembly and build projects. Some other job duties may include but are not limited to general building upkeep, painting, light cleaning, lifting 50lbs+, driving company vehicles on occasion, operating forklifts and scissor lift, assisting in other warehouse tasks such as loading and unloading trucks, shipping and receiving.

Send Resume to Michelle@sievertelectric.com Job Type: Full-time Benefits Salary: $16.00 - $18.00 per hour Schedule: 8 hour shift Monday to Friday

DCC Youth and Young Adult Ministry Pastor to develop youth/young adult ministry. Min Req: 1) Masters of Theology or rel; 2) Certificate of License

by ECWA; 3) 24 mos exp. Telecommuting permitted. Mail resumes to job location/HQ: ECWA USA, 5644 S. Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60636 Director of Intergenerational Ministries to develop Christian educ. programs/activities. Min Req: 1) Master’s in Theology, Christian Ed, or Educational Studies; 2) 24 mos teaching exp (part-time acceptable) in Christian Ed setting. Mail resumes to job location: ECWA USA, 5644 S. Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60636

ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN

Civil Engineers II sought by APS Consulting, Inc. in Chicago, IL to provide civil engg dsgn services for dsgn of various public infrastructure projects. Reqs: Master’s Deg in Civil Engg, Community & Regional Planning or rltd field. Must also possess exp w/dsgn s/ware incl Microstation & Civil 3D for prep of CAD drawings; official planning publications rltd to layout for sites, subdivisions, & municipal projects; & etc. 20% domestic travel req. Please email your resume to careers@apsae.com; Ref. 101.

The Village of Oak Park is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Engineering Technician II in the Public Works Department. The employee performs layout, draft and design drawings from field survey information and field notes for various engineering and planning projects including existing improvements, right-of-way and various utilities and performs a variety of field inspections. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Village of Oak Park’s website http://www.oak-park.us/jobs.

Interested and qualified applicants must complete a Village of Oak Park application.

MARKETPLACE

WANTED TO BUY WANTED MILITARY ITEMS:

Helmets, medals, patches, uniforms, weapons, flags, photos, paperwork, Also toy soldiers – lead, plastic – other misc. toys.

CALL UNCLE GARY 708-522-3400

HOME SERVICES

ELECTRICAL

ELECTRICAL

A&A ELECTRIC

Ceiling Fans Let an American Veteran do your work Installed We install plugs for battery-operated vehicles We fix any electrical problem and do small jobs We install Surge Protectors • Home Re-wiring • New Plugs & Switches Added • New circuit breaker boxes • Code violations corrected Service upgrades,100-200 amp • Garage & A/C lines installed Fast Emergency Service | Residential • Commercial • Industrial Free Home Evaluations | Lic. • Bonded • Ins. • Low Rates • Free Est.

708-409-0988 • 708-738-3848 Sr. Discounts • 30 Yrs. Exp. Servicing Oak Park • All surrounding suburbs • Chicago area

PAINTING

FLOORS KLIS FLOORING INC.

New hardwood flooring installation & pergo. Sanding, re-finishing, staining. Low prices, insured.

Call: 773-671-4996 www.klisflooring.com

CLASSIC PAINTING Fast & Neat Painting/Taping/Plaster Repair

Low Cost •708.749.0011

HANDYMAN Mike’s Home Repair Drywall H Painting H Tile Plumbing H Electric H Floors Windows H Doors H Siding Ask Us What We Don’t Do

R E A L E S TAT E

Trundle Day Bed w/ 2 Mattresses & Bedding, Solid Wood Armoire w/3 Large Drawers, Computer Table w/ Swivel Chair, Walter E. Smithe Contemporary Stye Leather Love Seat

712 S. KENILWORTH AVE OAK PARK

FOR PHOTOS & PRICES CALL 708-613-1106

$789,000 5-BED // 2.5-BATH

S U B U R B A N R E N TA L S

3 stories of living space (about 2600 sq ft), plus 600 sq ft basement. The 50’x150’ lot has a spacious backyard.

Come take a look!

Text Duane Binns 630-926-6833 with your email for a brochure and to request a private viewing.

STUDIOS, 1, 2 & 3 BR Best Selection & Service

OAK PARK & FOREST PARK

708-386-7355

MMpropMgmt.com BERWYN 2 BR & 1BR

2 BR,gorgeous Apt w/ granite kitchen countr top. All appls. HT/WTR inc.

Security cams. $1300 + $1500 sec. Close to Shpng Mall.

1 BR,gorgeous Apt w/ granite kitchen countr top. All appls. HT/WTR inc.

Security cams. $1000 + $1500 sec. Close to Shpng Mall 708-699-8916

STATE OF ILLINOIS) COUNTY OF COOK )ss Circuit Court of Cook County, County Department, Domestic Relations Division.

In re ALLOCATION OF GLORIA RESENDIZ, Petitioner and ISAAC SANTACRUZ, Respondent, Case No. 2021d450036.

The requisite affidavit for publication having been filed, notice is hereby given to you, the above named Respondent, that a Petition has been filed in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, by the Petitioner, for temporary and permanent sole allocation of parental responsibilities, child support, contribution to child-related expenses and for otherrelief; and that said suit is now pending.

Now, therefore, unless you, the said Respondent, file your response to said Petition or otherwise make your appearance therein, in the Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County, Illinois, Room 802, Richard J. Daley Center, 50 West Washington Street, in the City of Chicago, Illinois, on or before January 8, 2024, default may be Entered against you at any time after That day, and a judgment entered in Accordance with the prayer of said Petition.

PUBLIC NOTICE Notice is hereby given, pursuant to “An Act in relation to the use of an Assumed Business Name in the conduct or transaction of Business in the State,” as amended, that a certification was registered by the undersigned with the County Clerk of Cook County. Registration Number: Y23011210 on November 21, 2023 Under the Assumed Business Name of TONIC CONSULTING GROUP with the business located at: 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302. The true and real full name(s) and residence address of the owner(s)/partner(s) is: WILLIAM B. BUNKERS 1017 N GROVE AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302, USA

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Published in Wednesday Journal November 29, December 6, 13, 2023

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin, or intention to make any such preferences, limitations or discrimination.

The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental or advertising of real estate based on factors in addition to those protected under federal law.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Restrictions or prohibitions of pets do not apply to service animals.

To complain of discrimination, call HUD toll free at: 1-800-669-9777.

GROWING COMMUNITY MEDIA

Notice is hereby given by the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest, Cook County, Illinois, that sealed bids will be accepted for: 2024 Pavement Crack Sealing Project The Work consists of the application of approximately 32,500 pounds of Fiber-Modified Crack Sealing to various asphalt public roadways.

The bidding documents are available for download starting Friday, December 15, 2023 at: www.vrf.us/bids Bids must be submitted by Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at: Public Works Department, 2nd Floor Village of River Forest 400 Park Avenue River Forest, IL 60305 The bid proposals will be publicly opened and read at that time. Proposals will be considered not only on the basis of cost, but also on past performance, experience and ability to perform the work.

No bid shall be withdrawn after the opening of the Proposals without the consent of the President and Board of Trustees of the Village of River Forest for a period of thirty (30) days after the scheduled time of the bid opening.

The Village of River Forest reserves the right in receiving these bids to waive technicalities and reject any or all bids. ++ Published in Wednesday Journal December 13, 2023

Published in Wednesday Journal December 6, 13, 20, 2023

708-296-2060

OAK PARK HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER

DOWNSIZING SALE

PUBLIC NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICES

DOROTHY A. BROWN, Clerk.

SUBURBAN HOME FOR SALE

ITEMS FOR SALE

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Education of Proviso Township High SchooL District 209, Cook County, Illinois, 8601 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60301, that the District will be applying for the following Application Waiver: Application for Waiver/Modification of State Board Rules and/or School Code Mandates of the Illinois School Code Section 27-24 (105 ILCS5/2724.3). We are applying for this waiver to allow 12 hours of practice driving in a simulator system in lieu of 3 hours of dual controlled car instruction. This request is based upon fulfilling the intent of the Driver Education Mandate in a safer, efficient and innovative way for our student drivers, as well as improving student performance in a time-efficient manner that allows our students to become legally licensed on time.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a public hearing on said waiver application will be held withing the Regular Board of Education Meeting beginning approximately at 7:30pm immediately following closed session on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at Proviso Math & Science Academy Auditorium at 8601 Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60301.

Published in Forest Park Review December 13, 2023

Let the sun shine in...

Public Notice:

Your right to know...In print • Online Available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year OakPark.com•RBLandmark.com ForestParkReview.com•AustinWeeklyNews.com

PublicNoticeIllinois.com

The Landmark, December 13, 2023 27

CLASSIFIED BY PHONE: (708) 613-3333 BY FAX: (708) 467-9066 BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG PUBLIC NOTICES

PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CALENDAR NUMBER: 01-24-Z HEARING 2024

DATE:

January

3,

TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, David Hyde, seeking a variance from Section 4.3 (Table 4-1: Residential Districts Dimensional Standards) of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance requiring a 20’ front yard setback to permit construction of a front yard addition with a proposed 6.07’ setback, to an existing dwelling unit with a nonconforming front yard setback of 9.83’, at the premises commonly known as 802 Home Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois, Property Index Number 16-18-130-001-0000 (“Subject

Property”), in the R-3-35 SingleFamily Zoning District.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oakpark.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, December 13, 2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF OAK PARK ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS CALENDAR NUMBER: 20-23-Z HEARING DATE: January 3, 2023 TIME: 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the Agenda permits LOCATION OF HEARING: Room 201 (Council Chambers), Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois, 60302 APPLICATION: The Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”) will conduct a public hearing on an application filed by the Applicant, Murphy Dental Group, PLLC, seeking a variance from the following sections of the Oak Park Zoning Ordinance for the property commonly known as 100 S. Kenilworth Avenue, Oak Park, IL Property index Number 16-07305-001-0000 in the DT-2 SubDistrict of Downtown.

1. Section 8.3 (Table 8-1: Use Matrix) prohibits dental clinics from being located within the first 50 feet of the street lot line at grade level or on the ground floor of any building within the DT-1 and DT-2 Sub-Districts of Downtown. Murphy Dental Group, PLLC, a dental clinic, plans to operate on the ground floor (and add a 2600 square foot ground-floor addition) within 50 feet of the South Boulevard street line; and

2. Section 11.8 (Buffer Yard Requirements) (A)(2) (a-d) requires a seven (7) foot wide interior Buffer Yard for the addition along the south lot line; and the proposal features a 2600 sf addition that continues a zero (0’) foot existing building line along the south lot line.

A copy of the application and applicable documents are on file and are available for inspection at Village Hall, Development Customer Services Department, 123 Madison Street, Oak Park, Illinois 60302, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at the public hearing. Interested persons may also sign up to participate in-person in the hearing to cross examine the applicant and its witnesses by submitting a cross-examination form or by emailing Zoning@oakpark.us before 5:00 PM on the day prior to the public hearing.

The public hearing may be adjourned by the Board to another date without further notice by public announcement at the hearing setting forth the time and place thereof.

Published in Wednesday Journal, December 13, 2023

Season’s Greetings

28

The Landmark, December 13, 2023

2 1 E . B U R L I N GTO N R OA D, R I V E R S I D E | 70 8 . 4 47.72 07 D OL S ST JU

D OL S ST JU

380 Herrick Rd, Riverside $375,000

125 Woodside Rd, Riverside $590,000

D OL S ST JU

717 S 6th Ave, LaGrange $710,000

NG MI O C

ON SO

2321 Scoville Ave, Berwyn $380,000

1425 Ashland Ave, River Forest $1,125,000 AL CI R E MM O C

302-306 River Oaks Dr, Calumet City $300,000

1347 Cuyler Ave, Berwyn $425,000

116 E Quincy St, Riverside $425,000

69 Longcommon Rd, Riverside $189,900

7722 Madison St, River Forest $18/sq ft

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EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY