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Vol. 47, No. 15
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JOURNAL @oakpark
After-action report identifies procedural and policy issues needing improvement By BILL DWYER
October 7, 2026
POWER OF THE PLAN:
FOCAL PROJECTS New developments continue coming to Austin
FOCAL PROJECTS CONTINUE TO MOVE THE PLAN FORWARD PAGE B3 FOCAL PROJECTS TAKE CENTER STAGE PAGE B4 COMMIT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD, AUSTIN PAGE B7 Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan l i
Special Section
of Oak Park and River Forest
Oak Park cops handled last Halloween’s teen take over well, says consultant
INSIDE
Feasibility study says new multi-unit development is unlikely Study also shows zoning change alone cannot create affordable housing
Staff Reporter
An after-action report assessing the Oak Park police department’s handling of an hours long teen takeover disturbance in downtown Oak Park last Halloween has been circulating among certain village staff for the past two months. Consultant Jensen Hughes states it was authorized to conduct an independent investigation into the “planning and response” to the Halloween 2025 events. The review was explicitly limited “to the actions of OPPD personnel, not personnel from other assisting police departments.” In conducting the investigation, Jensen Hughes reviewed various policies and protocols of the OPPD, reviewed operation plans and notes and reports related to the Oct 31 incident, and reviewed Computer Assisted Dispatch records and other electronic data, including body worn cameras and squad car dash camera video. They also interviewed numerous officers and police
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018. THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.
By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
recommendations. The village board is scheduled to meet the next night, though no agenda is yet available. In a cover letter, Debra Kirby of Jensen Hughes said the Oak Park police department “demonstrated strengths that can serve as a foundation to enhance its planning, preparedness, and response to simi-
The village of Oak Park released a new financial feasibility study on multi-unit developments under the proposed single-family zoning changes that found the scenarios to be unlikely, have significant financial gaps, and predicted high prices for rent. However, this may reflect the Shape Oak Park’s expectation of “incremental change” and a need for additional affordability tools. “The feasibility is important to acknowledge in that it’s a challenge, it’s going to be a challenge,” said Village Trustee James Taglia. The study, conducted by SB Friedman, looked at multiple scenarios for converting existing
See HALLOWEEN on page 16
See FEASIBILTY on page 18
PROVIDED BY EDWARD TORPY
Halloween night crowd last year. supervisory and command staff. The 30-page report, which has not yet been formally released, was obtained by Wednesday Journal through a Freedom of Information Act request. It was sent to Village Manager Kevin Jackson on Aug. 4. CPOC, the Citizens Police Oversight Committee, is scheduled to meet on Oct. 19, at which time it is expected they will discuss the Jensen Hughes report and its
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
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Investigation ongoing into mass car break-ins at Avenue Parking Garage Additional cars burglarized at UIC on the same night
W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
General Manager Max Reinsdorf Editorial & Audience Strategist Matthew Schwerha Staff Reporters Sydney Lovan, Hector Cervantes, Bill Dwyer, Jackie Pisano, Bob Skolnik, Gregg Voss
By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park’s Avenue Parking Garage was hit hard by car break-ins in early September, in connection with even more burglarized vehicles at the University of Illinois Chicago campus. Just after 3 a.m., on Sept 11, about 29 cars had their windows smashed in the garage on the 700 block of North Blvd. Just east of Oak Park Avenue, according to the Oak Park Police Department summary report. A public safety advisory put out by UIC stated campus police “documented that multiple burglaries to motor vehicles occurred at various locations on the East campus,” around 4:10 a.m. Oak Park officers saw the offending vehicle, described as a black Kia SUV in the garage, when they responded to the garage, but the car fled, according to the OPPD spokesperson. The car was reported stolen from Chicago. “It was later learned that the same vehicle had been reported to have been involved in vehicle burglaries at UIC,” wrote the OPPD spokesperson in an email. An owner of one of the cars burglarized told Wednesday Journal they returned from vacation to find their car windows smashed and car ransacked, although nothing was taken as they don’t keep anything in the vehicle. They said a note from the Oak Park Police Department was left on the car, and an officer responded to the garage once they called. They said they felt frustrated there was no other communication that the incident had occurred and have unanswered questions about security for the parking garage. “It’s kind of concerning that this is a big push to have people park there, but then this event happened,” said the car owner. “It’s something that the village needs to take a look at because if our parking garages are not safe, where is it safe to park? According to the Village of Oak Park, the garage is equipped with security cameras and there is security staff present from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Although there is no security staff specifically onsite overnight, the
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Sports Reporters Melvin Tate, Bill Stone Viewpoints Editor Ken Trainor Real Estate Editor Lacey Sikora Contributing Editor Donna Greene Columnists Marc Blesoff, Nicole Chavas, Jack Crowe, Vincent Gay, Mary Kay O’Grady, John Stanger, Josh VanderBerg Shrubtown Cartoonist Marc Stopeck Editorial & Digital Design Lead Javier Govea Design and Production Associate De Sergio Villalona Visual Designers Susan McKelvey, Darby Godman Sports Photographer Steve Johnston Senior Media Strategist Lourdes Nicholls Marketing & Advertising Associate Emma Cullnan Legal Notices Mary Ellen Nelligan Circulation Manager Jill Wagner Operations Associate Susan Liss Babin Social Media and Digital Coordinator Maribel Barrera Senior Advisor Dan Haley
H OW TO R E ACH US JAVIER GOVEA
The Avenue Parking Garage in Oak Park on Oct. 2. garage does receive patrol coverage. “The Village is continuously exploring additional options to further increase visibility and security presence during overnight hours,” wrote the village spokesperson in an email with information shared from the parking department. The village has also updated additional notification protocols for damaged property or criminal activity within a parking facility following this incident. To ensure permit holders are notified as soon as possible, village staff will send an email and one phone call or voicemail to those affected. Loyola University Medical Center in
Maywood was hit with a similar, but separate, incident on Sept. 1. Officers responded around 12:30 a.m. to the medical center, and there were 64 vehicles vandalized, some being burglarized in the multi-story parking garage, according to a statement from Cook County Sheriff ’s Department. NBC Chicago reported that a teen suspect was arrested on Sept. 22 for alleged involvement in this incident and has been charged with criminal damage to property and burglary of motor vehicles. The investigation for the Avenue Parking Garage incident is still ongoing according to OPPD.
P.O. Box 6670, River Forest, IL 60305 ■ PHONE (708) 613-3300 ■ EMAIL dhaley@newswellchicago.org ■ ONLINE www.OakPark.com
CIRCULATION Jill Wagner • jill@oakpark.com • (708) 613-3340 PRINT/DIGITAL ADVERTISING Lourdes Nicholls • lourdes@oakpark.com • Ext. 3329 Emma Cullnan • emma@oakpark.com • Ext. 3304 CALENDAR EVENTS calendar@wjinc.com Wednesday Journal is published weekly by NEWSWELL Chicago. Periodicals postage paid at Oak Park, IL (USPS No. 10138). Wednesday Journal NEWSWELL Chicago is located at 1011 Lake Street St 307, Oak Park IL 60301. The newspaper is available at newsstands for $2. Annual subscription rate in Cook County is $65 and $105 outside of Cook County. Advertising rates available by contacting our office. POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to Wednesday Journal, NEWSWELL Chicago P.O. Box 6670 River Forest IL, 60305. © 2026 NEWSWELL
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Concerned over tech, D97 parent group wants bolder limits use in the classroom. School board wants to find a ogyApproximately 40 members or supporters of Screen Sense Oak Park, most wearbetter balance ing blue shirts, attended the school board
By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter
While Oak Park Elementary School District 97 fine-tunes its policy on screen time in schools this year, the leaders of Screen Sense Oak Park, a parent group dedicated to reducing the amount of screen time in schools, are urging the district to take more decisive action by not giving each elementary school student an iPad and eliminating the one-to-one policy as the default in the district’s elementary schools. “I do not want one to one devices for K through 5,” said Brenna Connor, the co-director of Screen Sense Oak Park. “I’m not against, you know, a second grader having access to a device to, you know, use a piece of technology that enhances their learning experience. But I don’t think every child needs a device.” Lauren Johnson, who calls herself the accidental founder of Screen Sense Oak Park, made the formal ask in a public comment at the Sept. 22 meeting of the D97 school board. Johnson pointed to some large school districts across the country that are taking steps to limit screen time and do away with, at least in the lower grades, one-to-one devices. “District 97 has a chance to be known by that leadership and not lagging behind it,” said Johnson, the mother of two D97 students. Currently D97 issues iPads to elementary school students and Chromebooks to middle school students. Johnson said the default policy should be to not give a device to elementary school students although families could opt in if they wanted their child to have a school issued device. She also wants the district to eliminate digital homework unless families opt in, strengthen digital guardrails, pause access to artificial intelligence and provide clear guidance regarding technol-
meeting to show support. Another Screen Sense member, Emma Mercier Newton, also made a public comment at the school board meeting. Mercier Newton is an associate professor of curriculum at the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign and director of graduate programs for the college of education. She has a research interest in social interaction and the use of technology. Mercier Newton is the mother of a Holmes first grader and a stepmom to two OPRF students who attended D97 schools. Mercier Newton said research indicates that children’s excessive use of technology can impair brain development and impact socialization. “The kids that use more technology have reduced brain volumes and they show higher levels of socioemotional issues than those who use less technology,” Mercier Newton told the school board. Mercier Newton said she is not against the use of technology in schools but said it should be limited and carefully monitored. “I think we have to be really careful about how to use it and the impact those choices are having on our children,” Mercier Newton said. Mercier Newton said it is not so much the use of technology itself that is harmful but it’s what kids are not doing while they are on devices. They are not thinking independently or socializing with others. During the Sept. 22 meeting Michael Arensdorff, the district’s top tech leader, and Technology Officer Michael Arensdorff and Tawanda Lawrence, teaching and learning director, gave the school board an update on the district’s technology and device policies including changes made in response to concerns raised by the Screen Sense group earlier this year. Arensdorff said the district’s policy is evolving and will likely further evolve as
COURTESY OF LAUREN JOHNSON
Screen Sense Oak Park members wearing blue shirts at the Sept. 22 D97 school board meeting where leaders called for eliminating one-to-one devices in elementary schools.
Parents group hosts workshop on managing kids’ screen time
The parent group Screen Sense Oak Park is hosting a workshop for parents at Whittier School, 715 N. Harvey, Oak Park, on Wednesday Oct. 14 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The title of the workshop is “School Gave Your Child an iPad. Now What? – A Workshop for Parents, by Parents” “Join fellow parents for a hands-on workshop focused on kids and school devices,” says the email from Screen Sense Oak Park founder Lauren Johnson announcing the workshop. “We’ll talk about why screen use in and out of the classroom matters, then get practical: how to lock down the iPad, manage settings, limit distractions, and set boundaries that work for your family. “We’ll also share where Screen Sense Oak Park stands in our conversations on
tech usage in school with D97, and how you can help shape what comes next.” A representative from Oak Park Elementary School District 97, likely Chief Operations and Technology Michael Arensdorf, is expected to be at the workshop to provide information and answer questions. Food and childcare will be provided at the workshop. Screen Sense Oak Park was founded earlier this year by Johnson and other parents concerned that their children were getting too much screen time, especially in school. Johnson recently called for D97 to end its practice of giving every elementary school student an iPad.
he and district officials gather more information as to how devices are used in the district’s schools. This year the district has adopted a policy that student screen time be limited to no more than 30 minutes a day per subject. Arensdorff said that generally it seems as if devices are being used in classrooms much less than the 30 minutes per day per subject limit. “We haven’t seen that’s the amount of use that is happening,” Arensdorff said.
Kindergarteners through second graders are no longer expected to take their iPads home as their classrooms now all have device carts where the iPads can be stored when not in use and recharged overnight. Access to the school issued devices is turned off overnight, at 8 p.m. for elementary school students and at 10 p.m. for middle school students. Students can no longer
— Bob Skolnik
See D97 TECH on page 12
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Who likes the traffic diverters in Oak Park? The village wants to know
Recent traffic calming measures will be used to gather data and are temporary for now By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Traffic calming measures recently placed throughout Oak Park have raised mixed emotions from the community, but the village wants to hear those feelings to determine which measures might become permanent. In an effort to meet street safety goals set by the Vision Zero Action Plan and the Oak Park Bike Plan, 81 speed cushions and 17 street diverters have been placed throughout the village. They are meant to help lower traffic through Neighborhood Greenways and increase safety for those traveling without a car. Trustee Brian Straw said at the Sept. 29 village board meeting that there will be poles at individual intersections to gather traffic counts, speed and turning data. Residents are encouraged to also provide feedback on the Engage Oak Park website to share what they feel is working, not working or even other areas that may need more attention. The feedback is placed on a map, so users can be specific about location and see what others have said about the same area. “All of that engagement and data will be going back to the transportation commission over the winter, as all of those diverters, I believe, are coming out in November before snow falls, so that the transportation commission can make a recommendation as to which will become permanent and which will not, and whether there are any alterations made to those,” said Straw.
The feedback map has been collecting answers for about four months already and there are over 500 comments with a variety of positive, negative and neutral opinions, but just over 380 are labeled negative. The intersection of Thomas Street and Ridgeland Avenue has received a concentrated amount of comments sharing frustrations around street congestion making it more unsafe as some drivers go around the diverters, and residents now having to
FILE PHOOT
take a longer route to get to their homes. Other feedback highlights the safety some measures have brought to different areas. One recent comment said it was “inconvenient” to not be able to turn left onto Division Street from Marion Street but saw “several families on bikes with little kids” cross safely because of the traffic calming measures. There will be options for in-person community engagement once the data is collected, analyzed and presented in public meetings in the winter and spring according to the answers given by the village on the website.
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
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BILL DWYER
Cathy Adduci and Chris Welch during the O’Hare Flyer meeting in River Forest.
O’Hare Flyer gets earful from Adduci and Welch By BILL DWYER Staff Reporter
Last Saturday, Oct. 3, more than 60 River Forest residents gathered at the Community Center on Madison Street to voice their concerns regarding the proposed O’Hare Flyer express train. The meeting came two weeks after the village board unanimously passed a resolution opposing the high-speed rail plan. Among the concerns expressed Saturday were traffic backups, noise and vibration impacts, safety to children and animals, and what several people said was a very real likelihood that property values in the area could fall as much as 40% and make it all but impossible to sell their house. Those concerns, many said, are exacerbated by a lack of any specifics regarding how managers of the proposed rail project intend to address many problematic details.
Village President Cathy Adduci was joined by Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch, who, as 7th District State Rep. also represents a small section of River Forest. He also represents most of Forest Park and a small part of Melrose Park, where the existing rail line crosses 1st Avenue at grade just south of North Avenue. Adduci stressed that the village’s opposition to the express train proposal is not solely a River Forest issue. She and Welch said 11 communities have expressed similar concerns, as has the West Suburban Municipal Conference. Adduci criticized the lack of substance in the O’Hare Flyer concept as presented so far, saying, “We have a lot of marketing, a lot of hype, and I think, a bunch of guys that are trying to raise money, basically in my mind, on the back of us.” See O’HARE FLYER on page 17
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
O’HARE FLYER
River Forest beefs up PR, lobbying and legal to fight O’Hare Flyer Village backs up its vehement opposition to the project
By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter
The village of River Forest has staffed up, or rather contracted up, to ramp up its opposition to the proposed O’Hare Flyer project, a fast train service that would run through River Forest on its route between downtown Chicago and O’Hare airport. The project has generated vehement opposition from many River Forest residents and the village government which says the project would negatively impact village. At its Sept. 26 village board meeting the village board voted unanimously to hire the well known public relations firm JasculcaTerman to handle day to day communications work for the village as well as do extra work to oppose the O’Hare Flyer project. It also hired the Prescott Group, run by veteran public affairs consultant Jim Prescott, to do public affairs consulting, and a Washington, D.C. lawyer with railroad regulatory experience to do legal and lobbying work on the federal level to oppose the O’Hare Flyer project. Jasculca-Terman was founded in 1981 and is still led by long time River Forest resident Rick Jasculca. The 78-year-old Jasculca, who has lived in River Forest since 1975, has worked for two presidents, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. He said that it is an honor to work for the village that he lives in. “I’m proud that I have the opportunity not only to live here, but to do work for the community I love and be here with people I care about,” Jasculca said in a telephone interview with Wednesday Journal. Jasculca-Terman is replacing the Arlington Heights based communications firm Vicarious which has done the day-to-day communications work for the Village of River Forest since 2021. This summer Jasculca-Terman did communications work on a Madison Street development project for the village and will be paid $30,000 for three months of that work. In 2024 Jasculca-Terman organized the neighborhood dialogues project that was connected to the Madison-Ashland apartment project
YOUR
BEST
LIFE with w wi itith th Li L Lisa isa is sa Ca C Capone apon ap one ne Stay Healthy This Fall As temperatures dip and the air turns crisp, seniors need to take extra steps p to stay healthy and comfortable comfo f rtab fo ble through the colder months. Fall brings beautiful beautifu f l scenery fu but also an increase in flu f u and fl seasonal illnesses. Staying g healthy during colder months is all alll about a proactive approach p to wellness. Here are a few few simple tips to help fe keep you feeling f eling your best this fe season. First, consider scheduling a flu fu fl serious vaccine. The flu f u can pose fl p health h eallth risks, rii sk k s, especially especiiall ly for f or seniors, seniiors, and getting vaccinated d reduces your chances of severe illness.
RICK JASCULCA
JIM PRESCOTT
for the village. Jasculca-Terman will be paid $5,575 a month for day to day communications work and also be paid $5,000 a month for “critical issues strategy” work on the O’Hare Flyer issue. Vicarious was being paid $6,500 a month for the day to day communications work for the village. Jasculca-Terman will provide better analysis of the reach of the village’s communications outreach, said officials. “We’ll have a better reporting methodology with this new firm,” said River Forest Assistant Village Administrator Jessica Spencer. “So we’ll be able to keep track of what our actual impressions and how our social media outreach is actually reaching our audience.” The Oak Park based Prescott Group, which mostly consists of Jim Prescott, will focus on advocating for River Forest’s interests and positions working with state politicians and agencies. Prescott has done some past work for the Village of River Forest and has done work for the Village of Oak Park and the River Forest Civic Center Authority’s Board of Managers which has just been disbanded. “They work on a lot of state legislative advocacy,” said River Forest Village Administrator Matt Walsh of the Prescott Group. “We
worked with them on a specific goal to help free up some grant money that was owed to us. So they work directly with the Speaker of the House’s office and other state leadership on that initiative, and they also work with other municipalities in the area. I think their charge, in this respect, will be building, hopefully, expanding our coalition.” The Prescott Group will be paid $6,500 a month. While Prescott and Jasculca-Terman will work to build public opposition to the O’Hare Flyer proposal the village retained Washington, D.C. lawyer Daniel Elliott, a partner in the firm GKG Law, to work on federal legal aspects of the O’Hare Flyer. Elliott has expertise in railroad issues having served two terms on the federal Surface Transportation Board which regulates freight railroads. Ellliott’s hourly billing rate is $450. GKG’s pay is capped at $25,000. The village board will have to adopt a budget amendment to pay for this unexpected additional spending. The village has put an O’Hare Flyer page on its web site outlining the village’s opposition to the project as currently proposed and providing additional information.
Staying active is also key. While outdoor walks might g be brisk, indoor activities like lik k e stretching, g gentle yoga, or using light hand d weights w e i g ht s are a r e great g r ea t ways w a y s to t o keep keep muscles strong and joints flexible. f exib fl b le. Even 15-20 minutes a day can boost energy and mood! Finally, focus f cus on seasonal foods fo f ods fo that support pp pp immunity. Fall’s harvest —pumpkins, —pumpk pkins, squash, and apples—are packed d with vitamins that can help your body fe ffend nd off f seasonal bugs. ff Adding warm soups and stews with these ingredients provides both comfort comfo f rt and nutrition. fo By y taking these steps, p you can enjoy enj n oy nj y the th he beauty of fa ffall ll while wh hile staying welll and thriving all season long!
Visit Cantata.org fo fforr more senior living advice or call (708) 387-1030. 87 030.
Independent Living • Assisted Living • Memory Support Short-Term Rehab • Long-Term Care • Home Care
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Oak Park builds a 5-year public health plan focused on equity Health inequity focuses include age, race, gender and income By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Oak Park is a resource-rich community when it comes to services and programs offered to people of all walks of life, but there is a disparity in some residents ability to access these resources. The new Illinois Project for Local Needs Assessment, or IPLAN, from the public health department aims to help fix that. Every five years, municipalities have to submit an IPLAN to the state outlining the assessed health needs, goals and steps to solutions for the community. The approval of the plan is not only important for guiding years’ worth of public health efforts but also required to be a Certified Local Health Department. For Oak Park, this certification means receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars in state funding every year. Sara Semelka, health education manager, and Chelly Richards, community health advisor, presented the 2026 results which focus on addressing health inequities at the root cause rather than just physical health issues, to the village board at the meeting on Sept. 29. The board unanimously approved the plan and voted to advance it to the state with the expectation of small suggested changes. “Health equity means that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to reach their highest level of health and well-being,” said Semelka at the meeting. “Achieving health equity requires removing barriers that have historically limited opportunities for some groups. These barriers include poverty, discrimination, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, unsafe environments, and unequal social and economic condition.”
For the first time in over a decade, the public health department created the IPLAN in house, spearheaded by Semelka and Richards, rather than outsource to a consulting company, according to Greg Olsen, the village’s public health director. “It’s become sort of a checkbox for a lot of the health departments, that they do it to stay certified, and then the plan sits on the shelf somewhere. We didn’t want it to sit on a shelf,” said Olsen. “It is gathering information for the community that should be used for the community.” The plan is comprised of two parts, the community health assessment and community health improvement plan, informed by about a year and a half of data collection, conversations and work. The health assessment revealed that there are inequalities in the way residents are able to access healthcare or other services that can be a step in preventing the need for healthcare. The improvement plan outlined three main priorities to advance health equity: increase access to healthy and safe environments, increase access to positive experience with medical and mental health systems, and implement focused health promotion strategies. “We believe that by addressing the inequities experienced by some in our community, we’re lifting up all Oak Parkers,” said Semelka. Each health priority has a series of goals, and each goal has a series of objectives, intervention strategies, process measures and outcome measures. For the priority of health and safe environments, the presented objective example set the goal of local housing initiatives including a public health perspective and benefitting people experiencing housing insecurity by 2030. An objective to increase access to positive experiences with health systems is a community-wide coordination and navigation system by 2030. The third priority of health promotion strategies outlined an
SYDNEY LOVAN
Sara Semelka and Chelly Richards present Oak Park’s public health five-year priorities plan to the village board on Sept. 29. objective to establish a collaborative group to come up with ideas to increase access to physical and recreational activities for all residents. The success of the plan is largely rooted in cross-collaboration between local government departments, commissions and community organizations, another unique aspect of the 2026 IPLAN compared to other years. Olsen highlighted that every current public health department employee is relatively new having all been hired since 20202021 or later. “That just doesn’t lose institutional knowledge, it loses those relationships that have been built up throughout this time,” said Olsen. “So, in a way, the staff that we have now are restarting those relationships, and we really wanted to use the IPLAN as a way to have a fresh start and just build and strengthen on that.” Many of the outlined goals and objectives also relate to current initiatives being worked on by the village board and staff. The intersection of sustainability with the Climate Ready Oak Park plan, street safety with Vision Zero, and housing initiatives with Shape Oak Park also fall within the scope of public health and are made apparent in the plan. “I appreciate and love the way that the plan truly embraces sort of all of the en-
deavors of the government and how communication, education, and engagement is such a core part of the work of public health when it comes to those kinds of endeavors,” said Trustee Brian Straw. President Vicki Scaman, and other trustees, raised small concerns over needing clearer call-outs and expanded objectives for ageism, substance use and gun violence within the plan, something that will be added before it is submitted to the state. “Sometimes it’s just really, really important to see it written, to see that ageism is a focus. It’s the largest population of our community,” said Scaman. Trustees Jenna Leving Jacobson and James Taglia advocated for expanding the section on gun violence education and victim support. “We do have gun violence, we haven’t fixed it and it should be continually looked at from the standpoint of these multiple guidelines,” said Taglia. With the changes, the plan will move forward to the state for approval, but the work does not end there. The department will continue to meet with community partners and residents to drive conversations on solutions and design an implementation plan. The progress of the five-year plan will also be able to be monitored by residents once a dashboard is published on the village website.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
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Harmon, Lilly hear from public, medical experts on West Sub ‘No more grifters,’ Harmon says of safety net hospital ownership By BILL DWYER Staff Reporter
A long awaited community meeting on the status of the shuttered West Suburban Medical Center took place inside a crowded room in a West Side church basement Monday evening. The 90-minute meeting had a horseout-of-the-barn vibe to it, with numerous speakers mourning the slow decline and closure of a once preeminent medical institution. It also offered a compelling mix
of personal story, expert insight and some needed critique of the state’s medical bureaucracy. West Sub, which was heavily used by West Side residents, closed suddenly in March, and is not expected to open until sometime well into next year, if it ever reopens. The operational aspect of the medical center, but not the property itself, was sold to Insight Health Systems in mid-September, after the complex’s landlord, Reddy Rathnaker Patlola bought out his business partner, Manoj Prasad. The meeting at the Sunrise Missionary Baptist Church was hosted by State Senator Don Harmon and State Rep. Camille Lilly, both of whom represent Oak Park and parts See WEST SUB on page 12
BILL DWYER
Irving Sawyer, a retired hospital administrator, speaks at the West Sub Hospital meeting Monday, as Dr. Paul Luning (left) and Dr. James Miller (right) listen.
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
‘Broadview Six’ defense team celebrates judge’s push for fact-finding in trial misconduct Judge Perry did not rule on a special prosecutor to investigate By SYDNEY LOVAN and BILL DWYER Staff Reporters
Former “Broadview Six” defendants, including Oak Park Village Trustee Brian Straw, and their attorneys left the Dirksen Courthouse Thursday with smiles and heads held high after a federal judge pushed for fact-finding into alleged prosecutorial misconduct in the case. “I think the message that has been sent is that no one is above the law,” said Christopher Parente, Straw’s attorney, after the hearing. U.S. District Judge April Perry heard arguments on Oct. 1 and pressed for more answers from U.S. Attorney Andrew Boutros’ office about possible wrongdoings in the original case brought against the “Broadview Six” earlier this year and potential cover-up efforts to conceal the misconduct. The federal prosecutors are expected to respond to a list of questions put forth by Perry by Nov. 2, and she made it clear she is “not reaching any conclusions” yet. However, “It’s quite clear to me several aspects of this prosecution are flawed,” said Perry. “My sole focus is on the lack of candor and concealment of material facts that occurred before me,” said Perry. She also told prosecutors that often “the cover-up is worse than the crime.” There was a lengthy back-and-forth about the government’s expected cooperation in fact-finding with the federal prosecutors ultimately ending with “it depends” on the question and if the answer includes privileged information. Judge Perry pushed back against that asking if it was going to be like shaking a “magic 8 ball” with which questions could or could not be answered. She also quoted the famous line coined by an early Spider-Man comic, “With great power comes great responsibility,” adding the greater power means, “the less tolerant the court can be of defiance.” She did not decide if a special prosecutor is needed to investigate Boutros and his staff, but it is not off the table. Although Perry denied the former defendants motion for additional discovery in their separate discussion for appropriate financial compensation, she encouraged the two parties to reach a settlement agreement in the next month or she would “happy to schedule a settlement conference” herself. Parente said the defense team was “very happy” with the results of the hearing and that he thinks “the judge is doing everything the right way.” “They dragged these six people behind me, who did nothing wrong, through the mud for over a year, and now
SYDNEY LOVAN
Christopher Parente, left, talks to Oak Park Trustee Brian Straw as they walk out of a federal court hearing at the Dirksen Courthouse in downtown Chicago on Oct. 1. the tables have turned,” said Parente. “Everything that we have seen indicates that they were not honest with the court, which is why they tried to redact their way out of this. They got caught, and just like their job is to hold people accountable, day in and day out, now it’s the court’s turn to hold the U.S. Attorney’s Office accountable for what they did to our clients. And they have to be held to that higher standard that they demand of all of us.” There was a third decision to come out of Thursday’s hearing, allowing former Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Mecklenburg to intervene in the case citing she has relevant, material information regarding the alleged misconduct. Mecklenburg retired “under protest” from her position last week to defend herself against “continuing allegations of ‘pervasive misconduct’” from Boutros’ office. “As a current DOJ employee, I am prohibited from filing anything to defend myself and will be disciplined and/or terminated if I do so,” wrote Mecklenburg in her threepage resignation letter. “You have forced me to choose between remaining silent
while my professional reputation is destroyed and prematurely surrendering my cherished career.” Parente said the biggest thing to come from allowing Mecklenburg to intervene “is it creates a live factual dispute between Andrew Boutros and his employee.” “She was out of this early on, and we agree with what the judge said, the cover up is worse than the crime.” said Parente. “Ms. Mecklenburg made mistakes. I think she’s owned those mistakes.” The hearing made it very clear there are a lot of unknowns in the case including legal precedents, as all parties involved try to sift through the uncharted waters. Perry appointed William Baude, a professor of law at the University of Chicago’s Constitutional Law Institute, as an amicus for the case. An amicus means a “friend of the court” and is an independent person who serves to provide additional information and expertise on a matter before the court. The next steps will be for the federal prosecutors to answer the questions presented by Perry and the former defendants and prosecutors to reach a financial settlement agreement by Nov. 2.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
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SCHOOL BUDGETS APPROVED
Delay in federal grant reduces OPRF reserves, for the moment
D97 advisor pushes for sharper eye on spending By BOB SKOLNIK Staff Reporter
As in school districts across Illinois last month the school boards of Oak Park and River Forest High School District 200 and Oak Park Elementary School District 97 recently approved budgets for the 2026-27 fiscal year. The biggest change from the tentative budget the D200 school board approved in August was that the final budget doesn’t include an $8.9 million federal grant that OPRF is slated to receive for the installation of a geothermal heating and cooling system. That’s because Anthony Arbogast, OPRF’s top finance leader, is now projecting that the money from the grant won’t arrive until the 2027-28 fiscal year causing the final fund balance on June 30, 2027 to be about $8.2 million less than was projected in the tentative budget. “It looks like it is far more likely to be quarter one of the upcoming fiscal year,” Arbogast told the school board at the Sept. 24 school board meeting before the unanimous vote to approve the budget. “It will require us to be prudent throughout the year.” Arbogast said he remains confident that OPRF will ultimately receive the money which is part of a rebate program authorized by the Inflation Reduction Act which became law in 2022. “I don’t believe we’ll have a problem getting the rebate,” Arbogast said chalking up the delay to bureaucratic issues. The delay in getting the rebate will cause the district’s cash balance to decline by about $7 million this year to a little more than $25.3 million at the end of the fiscal year, which would leave the district’s cash reserves at 25.8% of the annual operating budget. The district’s policy aim is for cash reserves of between 25% and 50% with a goal of a reserve
at 33% of the operating budget. Josh Gertz, an OPRF school board member, said the 26% fund balance was “disquieting” but Arbogast said that receipt of the grant was mostly a timing issue and would not affect long term projections and would be balanced out by getting the grant money next year. “You don’t see a big change in the five-year projections at all,” Arbogast said. Total revenues for the current fiscal year are projected to be almost $113.5 million which is an 8% increase while total expenditures are projected to increase to a bit over $129.5 million, powered by expected and planned spending on the Project 2 construction project that is nearing completion and includes, among other things a new swimming pool and a new third floor gym. OPRF is projected to spend $28 million on capital expenditures, mostly Project 2 spending and $3 million on debt service, which is also Project 2 related. Construction costs are projected to account for 22% of all spending at OPRF this year. OPRF is still projected to run an operating surplus with operating revenues of a little over $108 million and operating expenditures increasing by 5.8% to a little over $98.2 million. “The main drivers behind the increase are special education tuition and transportation, employee health insurance, utilities, and contractual services associated with the implementation of a new student information system,” said a memo to the school board written by Arbogast and OPRF Director of Finance Brian Imhoff. $15 million has been budgeted to be transferred from operating funds like the Education Fund to non-operating funds to cover construction costs and debt service. $4.7 million of the transfers will go towards Project 2. The budget for salaries and benefits has been reduced by $326,000 from what was in the tentative budget after this year’s hiring was completed. “Several budget placeholders for staff who
FILE PHOTO
retired or resigned last year were replaced by new hires at lower salaries or removed entirely due to FTE reallocations,” the memo to the school board states.
Operating surplus but overall deficit Significant spending on buildings and rising costs for out of district special education placements play a prominent role in the D97 budget that was unanimously approved on Sept. 22. The 2026-27 fiscal year 2027 operating budget for D97 projects an overall surplus of $895,000 along with capital spending of $5 million which leaves the entire budget running an overall deficit of $4,105,000. Expenditures are projected to increase by 4.8% while revenues, mostly from property taxes, are projected to increase by 5%. D97’s cash reserves are projected to decline by about $4.1 million this year but will still be a healthy 37% of the operating budget. However, looking ahead D97 officials say they are looking at ways to keep a tighter lid on spending and would like to keep their reserves abundant. D97’s financial consultant Robert Grossi noted that student enrollment in D97 has decreased by 660 students since 2018 but the number of people working for the district has increased. Grossi suggested that the district needs to be smart and targeted in its spending. “Improving return on investment will al-
low you to keep balanced budgets,” Grossi said. Some 63% of all D97 spending goes to salaries while an additional 14.3% goes to employee benefits. The total cost for salaries is expected to increase by 3.1% while the cost of employee health insurance is projected to increase by 10.3%. The district is projecting an increase of 12.2% in purchased services. Tuition payments for out of district special education services is projected to increase by about 8%. Most tuition payments for special education go to out of district specialized schools, typically private therapeutic day schools. Tuition costs for specialized out of district schools are projected to increase from just over $4.8 million last year to just over $5.2 million this year. Those costs have been increasing rapidly in recent years. In fiscal year 2023 the district spent just under $3 million on out of district tuition. Public schools are required to give all students an appropriate education and are required to pay for special therapeutic schools if that is what a student needs. Out of district special education placements have increased from 49 in 2024-25 school year to 58 last year. At the start of this year 54 D97 students were attending out of district specialized schools. “That is a growing need for some of our students and we are not unique in that,” said D97 Supt. Terri Bresnahan.
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
WEST SUB
mond. He urged the state to require, going forward, that parties applying to take over hospitals file reports detailing “what they’re going to do, how they’re going to raise the money, what kind of programs they’re going to have.” “And they need to make certain that those programs are in fact maintained. And then report it back to us as a community.” Harmon stepped up after Hammond’s comments and acknowledged the state could have done better. “James made a really good point,” Harmon said. “The State of Illinois has some culpability here. We oversaw this hospital. The problem is, the only solution was closing the hospital. And nobody wanted to walk in and close the hospital.” “So maybe we hoped against hope too long,” Harmon said. The ramifications of West Sub’s closure are profound. Pastor Dwight Gunn quoted statistics indicating that for every five blocks a patient travels in an ambulance “you lose 1% of the chance of surviving a critical incident.” The 34 blocks many West Siders must travel for medical care with West Sub closed, Gunn said, equates to a 7% lower chance of survival. Clabe Johnson spoke of the heartbreaking consequences of that reality. Johnson’s mother suffered a seizure and had to wait an agonizing 20 minutes for an ambulance to arrive, and another 20 minutes to get to Rush Oak Park Hospital on Oak Park’s far west side. “The damage that she suffered, it was just was so tremendous,” Johnson said. “We’re still fighting to bring her back, and that’s why this fight is so personal.” The court battle between Patlola and Prasad, Johnson said, ignored any human factor. “They was just two friends fighting over money,” he said. “They both was scamming.” “We need a watchdog for these safety net hospitals,” said Johnson. Harmon noted that West Sub’s private ownership still owed the state $20 million for state loans, and $104 million in back taxes, and said he’s had enough. “I’m tired of this,” he said. “We aren’t getting took again. No more grifters. Let’s get a healthcare provider in.”
from page 9 of Austin and the West Side. Deputy Governor Grace Hou was also present. Lilly, herself a safety net hospital executive, said the healthcare crisis caused by West Sub’s closure has been a “priority for the past umpteen months.” “You are here today to share with us, and our partners in the state, what collectively we need and what collectively we need to do,” Lilly said. “What services need to be provided so you can have the best health outcome for you and your family.” “We need to better understand the healthcare services the community needs and how we can meet those needs,” Harmon said. “When I was first elected to the senate it was drilled into me that West Suburban Hospital was the single largest employer in Oak Park, as well as the preeminent healthcare provider in our community,” Harmon said. It’s been, Harmon said, “very difficult to watch the long and painful decline under a series of for-profit-owners.” He said the central question is “Will we have reliable access to quality healthcare in the community.” The sense of loss and frustration in the room, both of healthcare and of trust in the state system of hospital oversight, was palpable, as was the sense of hope in the possibility of meaningful change. Harmon expressed frustration that the recent resolution of a lawsuit between Patlola and Prasad was effectively a private matter with massive repercussions for the public. He also warned against being satisfied with merely re-opening West Sub, saying, “We should not view opening a closed hospital as progress.” West Sub, he said, needs not just to re-open, but re-open as a quality healthcare provider. “The only thing worse than a closed hospital is a bad open hospital,” he said.
D97 TECH from page 4 access YouTube on their school issued devices and access to social media continues to be blocked. There are now restrictions on the use of screen time as a reward and the use of devices during recess or free time is generally prohibited. The district says it is committed to working with families to educate them about best technology practices. Lawrence said the new Math and ELA curriculums adopted by the district don’t rely on the use of devices. “The majority of a student’s day is ELA and mathematics and so we’re not finding that devices are needed to support that learning in that way,” Lawrence told the
BILL DWYERT
James Hammond speaks at the West Sub Hospital meeting. Irving Sawyer, who said he worked for 40 years in hospital administration, warned against “getting so thrilled with the concept of getting the place back open.” “It ain’t that easy,” he said. “You lost your Medicare certification. You can’t just go to Medicare and say I’d like it back.” “You won’t get it back in anything less than nine months.” James Hammonds, an attorney, said he did “a lot of research” into the application and vetting process Prasad and Patlola underwent for approval to buy West Sub. “I have to say, the state of Illinois is partially at fault,” Hammonds said, saying state regulators didn’t hold Prasad and Patlola accountable to explain their plans for the hospital and show proof they had the means to operate it properly. “They let ‘em do whatever they wanted to do,” said Ham-
school board. Lawrence said the math curriculum focuses on problem solving and there is lot of student discourse. In ELA Lawrence said that students are reading physical books. “If technology is being used it is being used just to enhance,” Lawrence said. While the leaders of Screen Sense Oak Park say they are glad about the collaboration they’ve had with district administrators they want more to be done. “The regulations around limiting screen use during free time and recess is a clear win that should have happened a long time ago,” Connor said. Connor, who is the mother of a second grader at Mann School, is not impressed with the minutes restriction on device use that has been implemented. “The thing that really stands out to me as quite meaningless is the restriction around
30 minutes of screen use per subject, per day,” Connor said. “So that can add up really quickly.” Connor said the web filtering program that the district is using, which is called Aristotle, hasn’t been working very well. In general, the Screen Sense Oak Park leaders want the district to do more and be bolder. “From my perspective the district is being quite reactive, and not at all proactive, when it comes to technology, policy and guidelines and I would like to see more tightening around the restrictions,” Connor said. But school board members and administrators talk of balance noting that technology is an important part of contemporary life. “I do think we’ve got to not take just a blanket approach to this and make sure we keep in mind individual kids’ talents,”
said school board member Holly Spurlock. “There might be some kids socially who connect better with online communities.” Supt. Terri Bresnahan, who worked as a technology director for nine years split between two different school districts earlier in her career, also spoke of balance and ensuring high quality instruction. “Technology and the use of that is part of that conversation,” Bresnahan said at the school board meeting. Connor said she recognizes that technology and screens are here to stay but worries about their impact on young kids. “I’m not opposed to technology use overall,” Connor said. “I recognize that there is a benefit to kids having access to technology, understanding, you know, the ways they can use it to benefit their learning. And I’m not denying that is a factor. But what I am against is the misuse of technology.”
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Oak Park joins CTA reimbursement pact for first responder services
Forest Park, River Forest and Rosemont are also a part of the agreement By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
qualifying events to that year’s Invoice Coordinator by Jan. 8. The Oak Park Fire Department will be the Invoice Coordinator for the 2027 calendar year. Although it is difficult to have exact estimates for expected revenue generated through this agreement, Terry estimated it at about $60,500 in July from 34 calls with mixed transport and just response. Village Chief Financial Officer Kevin Bueso clarified at the meeting that the expected revenue has not been included in the 2027 budget, as they don’t know exactly how much will be generated. For now, the plan is to have the funds come restricted into the general fund before looking at the “full or-
The village of Oak Park officially joined an intergovernmental agreement to receive reimbursement from the Chicago Transit Authority for first responder services at the local Blue and Green line el stops in conjunction with other municipalities. The village board unanimously approved the agreement at its meeting on Sept. 29. Forest Park had approved it at its Sept. 14 council meeting; River Forest and Rosemont had previously approved it. “Police and fire have been meeting with these municipalities since February. We started looking to see if our fee structure was fair, looking at our responses and coming up with one [intergovernmental agreement] we could take to the CTA for unity and to make sure we are all operating on the same page,” JAVIER GOVEA said Oak Park Fire Chief JT Terry. Oak Park first responders at the Harlem CTA Green The agreement allows Line station on Oct. 2 for reimbursement per occurrence of $3,000 for EMS transport, $500 for Fire Department reganizational picture” of what each departsponse with no transport, $75 per police pament’s needs are. trol officer response, $85 per police sergeant “We’re going to see what happens for the response, $30 per auxiliary officer response. full year impact in 2027. We think that by the Also, specifically for the Village of Oak end of 2027, you guys should probably have Park, it provides $82.82 per hour, per pair of a good plan of how they’re going to move civilian alternative first responders. forward, and then we’ll have better assumpAll four municipalities will file a joint invoice to the CTA by Jan. 15 each year, and tions into whether that’s a sustainable, consistent revenue stream that we can then inthe CTA will give reimbursements in February. Each municipality has to report its own corporate into the operating budget,” said spreadsheet and supporting documents for Bueso.
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Opposition to O’Hare Flyer propels Peterson to run for River Forest trustee ‘It was the flip of the switch to get me to run’ By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter
For 10 years, Melinda Peterson has lived in River Forest, and she equates it a little to Mendham, the town in New Jersey where she grew up, in terms of size and income. She had planned to run for village trustee in spring 2025, but a personal matter precluded that. So she sat out that election and instead focused on other things. And then this summer came the proposed O’Hare Flyer, an express train that would connect downtown Chicago with O’Hare International Airport while passing through River Forest. It’s the catalyst for why she’s again running for village trustee in the April consolidated election along with Nate Mellman and John Morrissey. The trio will be vying for spots currently occupied by incumbents Katie Brennan, Erika Bachner and Robert O’Connell, whose terms will expire. O’Connell said he hasn’t made a decision about running. Brennan and Bachner could not be reached to confirm their plans. “I am very much against it,” Peterson said of the O’Hare Flyer. “It was the flip of the switch to get me to run.” Peterson has been vocal about her disdain for the project, appearing on local television news and in the letter to the editor pages of the Chicago Tribune. She’s also attended meetings in both River Forest and Forest Park regarding the project. “I think it’s a horrible idea and safetywise, it’s very precarious,” she said. “I have many objections. “Even if [the tracks] are elevated, the traffic nightmare is a horrible thing to con-
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MELINDA PETERSON template. There are so many things around Thatcher Woods with the O’Hare Flyer. Are there burial grounds?” Peterson lived in Forest Park from 2003 to 2016 after living in Chicago since she moved to the area from New York in 1990. After moving to River Forest, her son attended Lincoln School, Roosevelt Middle School and Oak Park and River Forest High School before moving on to Michigan State University. After running her own recruiting business for advertising agencies for several years, Peterson worked for Legacy Sports Camp, an after-school youth sports program. She was also chair of the River Forest Mental Health Committee, which identifies local organizations for financial assistance for mental health, addiction and physical disabilities. During the pandemic, she started the River Forest Running Club. As an avid ath-
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Kimberlee Smith announces campaign for Oak Park village trustee
Her main priorities include zoning, economic vitality, sustainability and how they all connect
As a local architect, Kimberlee Smith listens to people’s dreams for their houses and works to make it into a reality. As a potential candidate for Oak Park village trustee she hopes to do the same for the dreams of the community. “I have zero ego in this process. I’m not looking to like be anything other than a public servant,” said Smith. “I have no aspirations beyond helping the village through a very difficult and fractious process with the zoning and anything, if I can add my level-headed pragmatism in any way, I’m willing to do that.” She first visited Oak Park while she was studying at the University of Notre Dame to see the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio with friends. She later worked on projects in the village as an architect and fell in love with the community. Ultimately, she moved her business and family to Oak Park, falling in love even more every year she stays. Smith said she never expected to run for village trustee and was even a little “reluctant” to do so as she has a “busy, full life” with her architectural practice, position on the zoning board of appeals, family and helping coach football at ORPF.
However, she did not feel listened to in regard to proposed single-family zoning changes and wants to see a change in how issues in the village are addressed. She feels the skills she has gained through her experience as an architect in Oak Park and a member of the zoning board of appeals makes her “uniquely appropriate and qualified as a candidate.” In Oak Park, “we all share amazing, wonderful values, and we all want what’s best for everyone. I think we’re all on the same page there. I just wish we were a little more outcomes based as opposed to ideological about things,” said Smith. Smith does not want to be considered a
“one-issue candidate” and views zoning as a through-line to many different aspects of the village. She wants to prioritize economic vitality and sustainability efforts, should she be elected, and look at solutions from a holistic point of view for how a change in one area could affect the other. It’s a bunch of threads woven together into one fabric, it has to be,” said Smith. She said she is not opposed to change, and knows zoning changes have been discussed for years as she works with them every day but feels “we’re putting the cart before the horse,” with more information still needed. “I change the landscape of our village every single day with my projects, but I do it judiciously, and I do it with care and stewardship,” said Smith. Being a steward for the community is another driving force of her platform, placing the most emphasis on listening. The conversations she has with community members now, and her hopes to continue the conversations while she’s potentially in office, is her favorite part of the process. “Having those conversations with people and having people call me or text me or email me or whatever, stop me in the street because they’ve heard from someone else that I’m running to encourage me that has been extremely uplifting,” said Smith. Above all else, is her love for Oak Park and the understanding that “no matter what side anyone’s on” they all love Oak Park too. “I bleed orange and blue. I love this village. I love our schools. I love our park district. I love our libraries. I love walking around and talking with people,” said Smith. “I love everything about it.” The election for local positions including three available seats on the village board will be held April 6, 2027.
lete and cyclist, community safety is important to her. “I would like to figure out some way to work on projects to make it more safe,” she said. “There’s been talking about connecting the Forest Park Prairie Path to the Thatcher Woods bike path. I would like to be part of that initiative. That is an area of great interest to me.”
Peterson said she’s also committed to community connection, which is why she has attended events related to the O’Hare Flyer and those involving the Oak Park-River Forest Chamber of Commerce, including a recent get-together at Good Earth Greenhouse & Cafe. “I bring this energy and passion to the table,” she said. “l embrace the wonderful
community we have, which is why I would like to help serve the citizens in the best ways possible. “I have done previous work with and will continue to collaborate on programs with the park district, the schools and more. I support community communication both within the village entities and the community at large.”
By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
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KIMBERLEE SMITH
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STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND CIRCULATION (Required by 39 U.S.C. 3685) 1.Publication Title: NEWSWELL Chicago Wednesday Journal 2. Publication no.: USPS 0010-138 3. Date of filing: October 5, 2026 4. Frequency of issue: Weekly 5. No of issues published annually: 52 6. Annual subscription price: $65.00 7. Complete mailing address of known office of publication: 1011 Lake St. Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301, Cook Co. 8. Complete mailing address of headquarters or general business office of publisher: (same) 9. Names and complete mailing addresses of publisher, editor and manager editor: Publisher: Max Reinsdorf, 1011 Lake St. Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301 Editor: Dan Haley, 1011 Lake St. Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301 Managing Editor: Dan Haley, 1011 Lake St. Suite 307, Oak Park, IL 60301 10. The owner is: NEWSWELL 355 N. 3rd St., Suite 350, Phoenix, AZ 85004 11. Known bondholders, mortagees and other security holders owning or holding one percent or more of the total amount of bonds, mortgages or other securities are: None. 12. N/A 13. Publication name: Wednesday Journal 14. Issue date for circulation data below: September 30, 2026 15. Average no. copies each issue during preceding 12 months: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 3676 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 44 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 2882 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 185 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3111 D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0 D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 263 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 100 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 363 F. Total distribution: 3474 G. Copies not distributed: 202 H: Total: 3676 I. Percent paid: 90% 15. No. copies of single issue published nearest to filing date: A. Total no. copies printed (net press run): 3664 B1. Mailed outside-county paid subscriptions stated on Form 3541: 42 B2. Mailed in-county paid subscriptions stated on form 3541: 2858 B3. Paid distribution outside the mails including sales through dealers and carriers, street vendors, counter sales and other paid distribution outside USPS: 189 B4. Paid distribution by other classes of mail through the USPS: 0 C. Total Paid distribution: 3089 D1. Free or nominal rate outside-county copies included on PS form 3541: 0 D2. Free on nominal rate in-county copies included on PS Form 3541: 284 D3. Free or nominal rate copies mailed at other classes through the USPS: 0 D4. Free or nominal rate distribution outside the mail: 100 E. Total free or nominal rate distribution: 384 F. Total distribution: 3473 G. Copies not distributed: 191 H: Total: 3664 I. Percent paid: 90% 16. Publication of statement of ownership will be printed in the October 7, 2026 issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Jill Wagner Circulation Manager October 5, 2026 Manager, or Owner: Jill Wagner Circulation Manager, October 05, 2026
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
HALLOWEEN from page 1
FILE PHOTO
Children walk up and down the street and receive candy from participating businesses on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017, during the annual Halloween Parade and Trick-or-Treat event on Oak Park Avenue.
Oak Park trick-or-treat hours to start a half-hour early Approved hours serve as a guide not legal curfew By SYDNEY LOVAN Staff Reporter
Trick-or-treaters will get an extra 30 minutes this Halloween after a unanimous vote by the Oak Park village board. At the board meeting on Sept. 29, a brief discussion was had and quickly agreed upon to make this year’s recommended hours for trick-or-treating 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Typically, the start time was 4 p.m., but President Vicki Scaman said, “my feeling is that 4 p.m. is a late start on a Saturday for our little ones who will be really ready to go out.”
Trustee Brian Straw also highlighted that this time frame is not a legal curfew or requirement for use of public space. “This is just sort of an advisory recommendation for the hours and there’s little legal effect to this action,” said Straw. Trustee Derek Eder proposed creating an ordinance that sets recommended hours for Halloween should the holiday fall on a weekend or weekday that would then be used every year for consistency. Village Manager Kevin Jackson confirmed that village staff is supportive of this and would prefer to do so moving forward.
lar incidents in the future.” Oak Park police, the report stated, “managed a challenging and dynamic incident, showing community focus, restraint in the use of force.” The report found that Oak Park officers “handled the crowd professionally,” resulting in none of the serious injuries and property damage “that other communities have experienced during similar incidents.” The officer’s tactics “focused on specific unlawful behavior such as physical fights and traffic obstructions” rather than making “indiscriminate” arrests. “However,” the report said, “OPPD could have engaged in better planning to decrease the confusion and challenges faced by the department and community that evening.” The report also found that OPPD needed to establish protocols for producing after incident reports for such events. “We welcome the recommendations from Jensen and Hughes,” Chief Shatonya Johnson said in a Monday afternoon interview with the Journal. “I said it last year. Our officers did what they were supposed to do, keep the community safe and participants safe.” Oak Park officers, Johnson said, relied “on the training they received. When it became unsafe, we had to step in.” The report said that OPPD command staff were concerned enough about past Halloween disturbances that they ordered four officers who’d worked the day shift to stay on duty to augment the night patrol shift. The police chief and investigations commander also stayed on duty to monitor developments. The first signs of trouble were observed “around 7:50 p.m.,” when a fight started inside the Chipotle Grill at 1128 Lake St. “Tables were overturned and chairs were thrown at officers as they gained control of the situation.” While the fight was quickly stopped, “the scene became more chaotic outside and in the surrounding area.” At 7:56 one officer “indicated that this looked like a teen take over.” Between the Chipotle incident and 8:20 p.m., police broke up at least six other fights between teens in the vicinity of Lake and Marion. Oak Park command requested but did not receive assistance from the Cook County Sheriff. A minute or so later, officers reported shots fired on Forest Avenue north of Lake. The on site commander told the West Suburban Consolidated Dispatch Center (WSCDC) to send whatever departments were available to assist, “Berwyn, Riverside, anybody you got -- need Lake Street shut down.” Officers from Forest Park and River Forest
had already begun responding when they heard that Oak Park officers were struggling to deal with a belligerent mob. Other officers from Forest Park, Berwyn and Cicero responded within minutes to an ILEAS call out. “Agencies identified as responding included Berwyn, Cicero, Melrose Park, Forest View, and Maywood,” the report stated. At 8:22, officers reported hearing shots fired near Lake and Forest. Two Oak Park officers reported retrieving their service rifles after the shots fired report. Another Oak Park officer reported using a taser to break up a fight. And a River Forest officer reported “deploying pepper balls to the pavement twice near teenagers to break up a fight and during crowd control.” At 8:24, Chief Johnson gathered her officers and ordered them to begin moving the crowd east on Lake Street. As the crowd moved, “small groups of individuals broke off and instigated physical fights among themselves, which officers stopped.” By 9:45, the crowd was at Lake and Austin, where Chicago Police took over crowd control. Johnson stressed, as the consultant’s report also noted, that the River Forest officer who deployed two pepperballs to break up a fight, fired the projectiles at the ground, not at anyone’s feet. Among the Jensen Hughes recommends are that Oak Park “Consider updating the OPPD 1985 Mutual Aid Agreement with River Forest and Forest Park to ensure it considers changes in legal standards, technology and the threat landscape.” Asked about that recommendation, Johnson said, “That’s something I can’t discuss (with the media).” Jensen Hughes also noted there was no Incident Command (IC) log of the events of that night. They said, “after action reviews are more effective when an IC log is completed and a scribe is used,” calling that approach a best practice. Jensen Hughes also recommended that OPPD review its criminal intelligence capacity and “develop and expand appropriate partnerships and intelligence-sharing agreements with other police departments…” Johnson said Oak Park police do monitor social media, “utilizing the tools we have. We didn’t identify any information that suggested there’d be a teen take over.” Asked if her department was making plans for the upcoming Halloween the last Saturday of October, Johnson said, “We’re definitely taking the recommendations from the report and making sure we’re prepared.” She said she was prepared to discuss the report’s recommendations with the village board.
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
O’HARE FLYER
‘em know that your budgets can be held up at budget time, if you do things to negatively impact the communities that I represent.” He said he wasn’t impressed by the manner in which the O’Hare Flyer proponents introduced their project. “The first I heard of this proposal was July from page 6 7 of this year,” Welch said. “That told me they didn’t have much respect for our communi“There’s no details on how they’re going to ensure that’s a safe crossing,” she said ty.” He didn’t though come out explicitly of the heavily trafficked rail crossing on against the project, saying he wanted to hear Madison Street. “None. Zero.” Ken Kramer, a Keystone Avenue resi- from both sides. “I want to hear the good. I want to hear the dent, echoed many of the speakers when he said he wanted River Forest to be on offense bad,” Welch said. “I’m hearing from people and not defense. Kramer, who was also at a in other communities that are in opposition. well-attended meeting in Forest Park two But I’m also hearing from people that are in days before, said the Forest Park event “was support of this.” Welch urged people to speak up good,” but that it also was “very loud and clear and persistently. much controlled and scripted.” He urged Adduci and others “You have to make sure that folks to demand a full dialogue with know that this is not just a River the O’Hare Flyer group and not Forest issue,” he said. “And why allow them to control the narrait’s not just a River Forest issue.” tive. “Reach out to everyone that Village Administrator Matt represents you,” Welch said. Walsh said the village is gather“Continue to educate folks on ing its own cache of informayour concerns. Advocacy mattion to counter what they say is ters. I believe that can actually a dearth of data and information make a difference.” from O’Hare Flyer proponents, Adduci acknowledged that fedand to marshall experts to assist eral law favors railroad right of them in opposing the plan. Walsh ways, but that local municipalisaid the village board has hired ties aren’t without recourse, and CATHY ADDUCI three experts in the areas of pubRiver Forest village president seconded Welch on the imporlic relations, lobbying and legal. tance of speaking up. She said he Adduci stressed that a major and other leaders can help River alternative exists to stop the Forest “elevate” the issue. O’Hare Flyer, saying, “The state “There are a lot of things local and state just passed a transit bill that brings together representatives can do,” she said. “We can previously disjointed transit agencies.” speak loudly on the safety issues, the enviThere are other things the state has done to make other routes, like Metra, a viable op- ronmental issues, the traffic issues that it tion. Resident Bill Pfieffer noted that a study will create at these major crossings.” However, Welch faces a tightrope walk. is currently being conducted on the viability of increasing the frequency of Metra’s exist- Any public opposition to the proposed $2.25 ing downtown to O’Hare train service, as part billion rapid rail project and its many conof the Cross Rail Chicago study. He called the struction jobs would require him to oppose O’Hare Flyer discussion “premature,” saying the interests of one of the Democratic Party’s that the study “needs to be completed before most loyal and lucrative support groups. Orthis whole discussion of ‘it has to be this line’ ganized labor in general and LiUNA in pargoes further.” ticular, have poured millions of dollars into Ori Gottlieb, a village resident, asked Welch’s personal and Democratic leadership Welch what, if anything, could be done legal- coffers. ly to stop the project, and in the alternative, LiUNA has sent 24 contributions to People how opponents can make it more difficult to for Emanuel “Chris” Welch totaling $4.5 proceed. million since he became Speaker of the Welch did suggest there were steps he House in 2021, including $520,000 so far could take if needed, saying, “I can make it this year. Another $260,000 has been transa little difficult.” Referring to the Illinois De- ferred directly to Democrats for the Illinois partment of Transportation and the Illinois House, Welch’s funding mechanism for Commerce Commission, he said he could “let supporting Democratic House candidates.
Strong opposition in River Forest
“We can speak loudly on the safety issues, the environmental issues, the traffic issues that it will create at these major crossings.”
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Celebrating Ageism Awareness Day Featuring Raymond Jetson founder and author of Aging While Black The 19th Century Club 178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL Friday, October 9 Doors open at 6:00pm Raymond Jetson’s presentation will be followed by a conversation with Jetson and members of the Oak Park Aging in Communities Commission and audience Q+A
Food provided. Admission is free. The Book Loft Oak Park will have copies of Aging While Black available to purchase.
Sponsored by the Village of Oak Park Aging in Communities Commission
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
FEASIBILITY STUDY from page 1 single-family homes into multi-unit residences, standalone Accessory Dwelling Units and corridor multi-unit buildings. The first scenario looks at demolishing an older, existing home “likely in need of substantial renovation” on an over 6,000 square foot lot and constructing a multiunit building in its place. The financial gap, the additional funds needed to make the scenario feasible, in this scenario for a duplex, four-plex and six-plex is as follows: $220,000, $170,000, and $110,000. The calculated rent per month needed to make up that financial gap for a duplex is $6,600 to $7,500, a four-plex is $4,400 to $5,100, and a six-plex is $3,800 to $4,400. The study also looked at acquiring a single-family home and converting it to a multi-unit without demolition but found that scenario to be unlikely and did not offer financial estimates. The report states it is actually more likely for the opposite to occur with deconverting multi-units back into single-family homes. A larger corridor multi-unit housing
OAKPARK.COM option with 35 units predicts that development costs would need to be reduced by almost $6 million to be feasible and reach the yield on cost goal of 6% with rent prices at about $3,500. The most feasible option shown in the study is a standalone Accessory Dwelling Unit with a financial gap of $90,000 and an expected rental cost of $1,800. All in all, the study concluded what has been echoed by Shape Oak Park planners, trustees, critics of the plan and supporters: zoning changes are just one piece to the affordability puzzle, and additional tactics are needed to achieve the outlined goals. “While results for specific projects depend on the site, developer, and other characteristics, these challenges suggest that the proposed zoning changes are unlikely to result in substantial land use change in the near term. Achieving these development types will likely require incentives or a reduction in development costs,” states the report. The report does explain that changing the zoning to allow the multi-unit developments “by-right” instead of through specific approvals, does streamline the process which directly relates to lower design, holding and other soft costs. A longer approval process under current zoning would in-
crease the financial feasibility gap. What remains unclear is the plan to bridge the financial gap to make these proposed scenarios for increased missing middle housing into reality. The next phase of the Shape Oak Park project has started to progress with the creation of an ad hoc advisory task force for affordable housing and development, and a string of Plan Commission meetings set to begin on Oct. 8. Both of these efforts are meant to look at the existing proposals, discuss possible options and solutions, and make recommendations back to the village board. A proposal for a more effective Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, which requires new developments of 25 or more units to reserve a portion of the units for affordable housing, has been mentioned throughout meetings in conjunction with the zoning conversation as well. “The hard part is we’re taking something that’s infeasible and we’re trying to make it feasible,” said Taglia. “I think residents don’t understand, and it’s hard to communicate what the ‘plan’ is when it hasn’t yet been constructed.” Joseph Beer, an Oak Park resident and possible candidate for the upcoming village board spring election, has been wary
of proposed zoning changes feeling like its moving too fast, but is a supporter of finding affordable solutions and the next phase of the process. “I like that they formed the ad hoc committee right to look into this more deeply, and I’m glad we now have this study,” said Beer. “There’s still a lot more homework to be done, and there’s a lot more things we can do to seek input from experts and community members to figure out how we create affordability, and eliminating singlefamily zoning doesn’t seem to be one of those mechanisms at this time.” Josh VanderBerg offers an alternative perspective on how new “luxury” developments can create affordable housing in a piece published in July on the Yes Oak Park website. It explains a system where existing residents move into new developments, opening up older units at a more affordable price. “The expensive building of today becomes the ordinary building of tomorrow,” wrote VanderBerg. VanderBerg is an opinion columnist for Wednesday Journal. The proposed zoning changes, financial feasibility study, and additional Shape Oak Park informational resources and tools can be viewed on the village website.
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
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William and Frederick Grier were honored with a Wright Spirit Award for their restoration of Wright’s Lucy and George Smith House in Oak Park.
PROVIDED BY WRIGHT CONSERVANCY
Wright Conservancy honors stewards of Wright’s work Oak Park couple and Austin volunteers among this year’s winners By LACEY SIKORA Real Estate Reporter
The Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy announced its annual awards which this year includes a few local homes and preservationists.
There are two categories of awards. Wright Spirit Awards have been given annually since 1991 and recognize those who make an extraordinary commitment to preserving the built works of Frank Lloyd Wright and enriching his legacy. The Conservancy Award is given selectively on the
initiative of Conservancy staff to honor those who have provided special assistance in carrying out the education and preservation mission of the organization. John Waters, preservation programs director with the Conservancy, says there are four categories for Spirit Awards:
public, private, special honors and professional. He says, “Conservancy Awards are different. They honor people who have gone above and beyond in relation to our mission.” See CONSERVANCY on page 20
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OAKPARK.COM
CONSERVANCY
2026 Frank Lloyd Wright Building Conservancy Awards
New life
from page 19 Oak Parkers William and Frederick Grier are among the private homeowners awarded a Wright Spirit Award. The couple is being recognized for their work restoring Wright’s Lucy and George Smith House. (See our coverage of the home here: https://www.oakpark. com/2024/08/22/frank-lloyd-wrightsgeorge-smith-house-revived/ ) Waters says the couple has taken extraordinary steps to preserve one of Wright’s earlier designs in Oak Park. “We had no connection with the previous, long-term owners,” Waters says of the home. “It was really a question mark and a concern for us. The village had at one point declared the house uninhabitable.” When the Lucy and George Smith House was first put on the market in 2023, Waters visited the home with Barbara Gordon, the organization’s executive director. He recalls, “We went over and created a model of the home because there weren’t even floor plans. It needed so much. It needed someone who really had a vision. While the home was protected in a historic district, it wasn’t safe in that condition.”
Wright Spirit Awards Amy and Eric Bauer Wright Spirit Award, Private Category For the restoration and renovation of the Baker House (Wilmette, Illinois)
CRIS CUNNINGHAM
George Smith House, 404 Home Ave., Oak Park According to Waters, the Grier’s had the vision to save the house and the ability to act quickly. He says Frederick Grier had a special interest in Wright, having trained in architecture at Taliesin. Today, the couple are raising their family in the restored home.
FLW BUILDING CONSERVANCY
The J.J. Walser House at 42 N. Central Ave. in Austin.
One of this year’s Conservancy Awards honors attorneys John J. Lydon and Michael Rachlis who were instrumental in saving another dilapidated Wright house: the Walser House in Austin. Waters says, “These awards really honor what goes on behind the scenes, what the public doesn’t really see.” The Walser House was particularly vulnerable because the house was in bad physical shape and in foreclosure. Waters says the situation was like an iceberg -- there might not have been a lot to see above surface, but a lot was happening underneath the surface to save the house. Lydon was appointed to represent the estate of the late owner of the home. Waters credits him with having the knowledge and expertise in navigating a challenging situation. Rachlis served pro bono to represent the family to make sure that the heirs and the home were best served. Waters says that throughout the drawnout legal process the attorneys attended every hearing and were incredibly generous with their time and skills. The Walser House was purchased by Austin Coming Together, an Austin-based nonprofit, which is working on a restoration plan to make the home a community hub. The awards will be presented on Nov. 7 at the Conservancy’s annual conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.
William and Frederick Grier Wright Spirit Award, Private Category For the restoration and renovation of the George & Lucy Smith House (Oak Park) Shelley Hayreh Wright Spirit Award, Professional Category For her leadership in preserving and facilitating access to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives Bing Hu and Wenchin Shi Amanda Hu Christina Hu Wright Spirit Award, Private Category For protecting the David & Gladys Wright House (Phoenix, Arizona) with a preservation easement
Conservancy Awards John J. Lydon and Michael Rachlis Conservancy Award For their significant pro bono legal services toward the rescue of the Walser House (Chicago) Crowe Dunlevy Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Conservancy Award For their significant pro bono legal services in defending the Conservancy’s easement on the Price Tower (Bartlesville, Oklahoma)
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS IS FRIDAY 5 P.M. Call Viewpoints editor Ken Trainor at 613-3310 Email: ktrainor@newswellchicago.org
C O N S C I O U S
A G I N G
Being visible vs. truly being seen
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VIEWPOINTS
ast month I attended High Holiday services at Oak Park Temple. I saw people there who I’ve been seeing for 40 years. I recognized most of the ones I’ve known, and we all look a lot older than I recalled. And I couldn’t remember most of their names. And I don’t feel as old as they look. Madeleine L’Engle wrote, “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” In her short story “Eleven,” Sandra Cisneros describes our earlier ages remaining inside us “like the rings inside a tree trunk.” Aging isn’t simply leaving younger selves behind; it’s accumulating selves. And hopefully, changing and learning as we go. At 70 or 80, the child, adolescent, young adult, parent, worker, lover, and friend we have been are still part of who we are. I don’t ride a motorcycle anymore, I ride a bicycle. Last month I rode out to Bellwood on the Prairie Path, probably about 10 miles or so round trip. I’m getting better at it. Changes in mobility can usher in new stages of life – upsides and downsides. Sometimes people become invisible as we get older. Often, that is not of our own choosing. Invisibility can be imposed by ageism – like the 50-year-old who can’t even land a job interview, let alone a job. But as we age, some of us choose a degree of invisibility, separate and apart from ageism. Our chosen invisibility might provide privacy, independence or even room to determine our own identity. And then there’s the difference between being visible and being truly seen. So when does invisibility become ageism? How can we distinguish between the freedom of choosing our own level of attention and the injustices of being ignored, dismissed or excluded? *** Speaking of ageism, here’s a quick reminder about the Ageism Awareness Day event this Friday at the 19th Century Club, featuring Raymond Jetson. Raymond Jetson is founder of the organization “Aging While Black” and author of the book of the same name, subtitled “a radical reimagining of aging and race in America”. Jetson’s messages and insights are important for all of us, no matter what color – important in different ways. Everybody ages and we’re all in this together. I hope to see you this Friday on Ageism Awareness Day. Food will be served. Doors open at 6 p.m. And it’s free. And if you do see me there, let me know what you think about the difference between being visible and truly being seen.
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Shrubtown
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Reasons voters don’t vote
hile lamenting, as we all do, low voter turnout, my own political experience sees Illinois as a strong two-party system, uniquely differentiated between upstate (Cook County, blue) and downstate (below I-80, red). Currently DuPage County, once a Republican stronghold, more recently represents a more balanced participation by the two parties. Nationally there will be similar analysis where the bottom line is either single-party or two-party control. To see a third party as a viable competitor nationally brings to mind Ralph Nader’s 2000 campaign, which went nowhere. In foreign countries, what we might think of as third parties are really coalitions of various factions, with major funding and political views dominating more than just one, two or three parties. That is not the situation in the U.S. Illinois had some success with what may have been called a Third Party in the ’60s and ’70s in the form of an Independent faction, which simply represented a minority of politically active people in the midst of a two-party system. A unique voting system enabled Independent candidates to garner seats in the House of Representatives. Such was the case with Independents actually being, for all practical purposes, the real Democrats in Cook County, rather than machine-controlled. Those victories upstate were at the expense of Republican candidates (who generally speaking were not really Republican, but were picked by the machine to hold a seat) and likewise downstate where Republicans faced the loss of seats to Independent candidates. However, that no longer exists. It was only possible with a unique voting system, thanks to Gov. Pat Quinn, the League of Women Voters, and ignorance as to who was really behind getting rid of that vot-
ing system (the two established parties). All of which is my foundation to address Mr. Harrington’s well-intentioned idea of bringing uninvolved voters to the polls. The success of the Independent movement was remarkably well funded, not only financially but by the great enthusiasm of a class of voters who were already politically involved, but had been unsuccessful. I believe the majority of people who do not vote these days, do not vote because they are looking for a strong candidate, whether Republican, Democratic or Third Party, but ADOBE STOCK IMAGE because they believe their vote cannot make a difference. They view all politicians, no matter what they label themselves, corrupt. Yet these are, of course, the first people who stay silent when a good candidate comes along. In today’s tragic political environment, the only realistic option is to vote for the least detrimental alternative candidate, whether Red or Blue. In summary, Mr. Harrington raises the hope that there exists a large number of voters who would come forth if only the right candidate showed up. I do not believe it is supported by the facts as to why people vote or do not vote. Too many people are simply not paying attention, do not become informed or involved, and do not recognize the occasional qualified candidate in either party who comes along and runs an honest campaign, as opposed to simply telling potential voters what they want to hear, which usually includes lowering taxes, reducing crime, and eliminating government waste. While the majority of non-voting people are among the first to complain, they do nothing even when presented with opportunities to become politically active. Bob Downs is a longtime, politically active Oak Park resident.
BOB DOWNS One View
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
Unanswered questions
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e had our block party. About 75% of the single-family homes were represented by at least one adult sometime during the day. Only two condos of the eight occupied in the building next to my house, were represented. We discussed the proposed zoning ordinance changes. One neighbor pointed out a house in the middle of the block that is a prime location for a building like the one next to me. Another neighbor who grew up in Oak Park said he was unsure how he felt but, after all he read, he could say with confidence he was not a racist. A third neighbor expressed support for lifting the ordinance but said she did not think it would result in any more affordable housing. A fourth said she was non-committal on the ordinance but was firm in her belief that at present Oak Park’s infrastructure would strain to support more people. She is employed by one of the school districts and believes the schools cannot handle any more students. A fifth cited the traffic situation around town and the fact that new multi-unit buildings would inevitably attract people with cars. I was in support of lifting the single-family zoning ordinance. I live next to the kind of building that would be built in many parts of town and have not had problems. In some ways, I think it makes my property safer. A few years ago, I read Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World. I now understand how parking mandates for new developments lead to continued segregation. I understand how low-income developers have strained against these kinds of mandates. Inevitably, there will need to be significant changes to the parking ordinances in Oak Park with the elimination of singlefamily zoning. I do not believe the village has either the will or the capacity to enforce any new parking rules that are created as a result of the elimination of singlefamily zoning. At present, the Parking Enforcement Department cannot consistently enforce parking across the village. The Police Department is chronically understaffed. In my neighborhood, there are daytime and nighttime parking problems. During the day, employees working in businesses lining Madison routinely park in violation of the three-hour limit. I have been documenting these violations for almost two years. Parking enforcement has stepped up patrols, but little has changed. At night, the village has chronically oversold the overnight permit parking area around the building next to me. There are permitted cars routinely parked overnight outside the permitted area. That does not bother me. The village put them in that position. Perhaps that is why they are never ticketed. The village keeps passing ordinances that our Parking and Police departments lack the capacity to enforce. How will that get better with more multi-unit buildings and the additional cars that will certainly come? Lisa Hoelscher is an Oak Park homeowner.
LISA HOELSCHER One View
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Why Americans don’t vote
wo mysteries preoccupy me with midterm elections looming: “Why don’t Americans vote?” and “What will motivate more of them to do so?” I finally did what friends always tell me to do whenever I ask rhetorical questions in exasperation: “Google it.” I found out that roughly 89 million eligible Americans did not vote in the 2024 presidential election (several sources cite this figure). That’s about 36% of the 244 million eligible voters in this country. And that 89 million figure includes more than 18 million who were registered to vote but didn’t (roughly 155 million Americans did cast ballots). Doing the math, that means 71 million eligible Americans are not even registered to vote. A staggering number. In midterm elections, typically, turnout is even worse. In 2022, for instance, 37 million registered voters did not vote, more than twice the number from the 2024 election. According to the USA Facts website (which says they use Census Bureau data), the main reason given for not voting in the last midterm? Couldn’t find the time/conflicting schedules (27%) and “forgot” (8%). Here are the reported reasons given for not voting in the 2024 presidential election: Lack of interest (20% — in 2004 that figure was 11%); Too busy (18%); Didn’t like the candidates (15%); Illness or disability (12%); Out of town (7%); Forgot (4%). With due respect for the minority of non-voters in each of these categories who actually had legitimate reasons for not voting, most of these, I fairly sure, represent inadequate excuses and lame rationalizations. Even most of those who are ill, elderly, or disabled can vote from home these days with assistance. Voter suppression efforts by the Republicans deter enough people from voting to keep that pathetic personality cult competitive. And “lack of interest,” sadly, is at least an honest answer. Why they lack interest should provide social scientists with fertile ground for future studies. Obviously we have a long way to go to redress the extremely disturbing reality of 71 million unregistered, eligible voters in this country. A glimpse into why some of the 18 million registered voters didn’t cast ballots for president in 2024 was provided (anecdotally) by an article in December of that year in The Guardian, which put out a call for non-voters to explain why. Among respondents, the most popular reason given was the Electoral College — they didn’t vote because they live in a predominantly Blue or Red state and believed (erroneously) that their vote doesn’t matter. Some of them said they would have voted if they lived in a swing state. Other responders said they voted in 2020 and 2016, but not 2024. Some abstained because the Biden administration too strongly supported the Israeli government/military during the devastating retribution against Gaza. One person left the presidential vote blank in 2020 “as a Quixotic protest against the Electoral College and my preference for Bernie Sanders.” A carpenter from Idaho decried politicians of both parties whom he saw as unwilling to make “a meaningful differ-
ence.” Many said neither candidate represented working- or middle-class interests or “the common voter.” One despairing cynic said, “What’s the point of voting? They both hate the poor and serve their donors.” A former Trump supporter from Indiana said, “I refuse to put my name on either candidate when I know neither of them are the best we have to offer.” Yet another said, “This election seemed to have very little to do with my interests or concerns.” Responders alleged that neither candidate offered a compelling vision of change. Others indicated they didn’t want to just vote against someone. One Republican tried to convince himself to vote for Kamala Harris but couldn’t do it. Another claimed, “No one wanted my vote enough.” A 35-year-old male Black voter didn’t like Harris but regretted not voting for her. He thought Trump would lose. He didn’t vote in 2016 or 2020 either. His last cast ballot was for Obama in 2012. A registered Republican from Texas said both candidates fell short of “the presidential standard.” A Midwest mother said neither candidate was left-wing enough for her. Bernie Sanders was the last candidate who excited her. And some have lost hope in politics altogether: “Skip the debates. What a circus. I’m so sick of hearing about [polarized] politics.” Reading this made me realize that the electorate is split into two fundamental factions: Active voters and Passive voters. Active voters would never consider not voting. Passive voters only consider voting when certain pre-conditions are met. If no candidate impresses, they abstain — meaning they have no vote at all, except for a silent, passive protest that goes unnoticed and unheeded. In some cases, the bar is set even higher. If their favored candidate isn’t on the ballot, why bother? Active voters engage, considering it their responsibility to discern the candidate who is most likely to improve people’s lives, whereas passive voters are waiting for a dream candidate to show up in their inbox who “earns” their stamp of approval. If that candidate doesn’t magically appear, they don’t vote. Active voters lead to better governance and a healthier nation. Passive voters lead to our current stagnant morass. They’re not voters, they’re consumers. What can be done to light a fire under the electorate? Coercion? Switzerland imposes a modest fine on those who don’t vote. In this country, such fines could fund a wider national effort to register more Americans. Incentive? A tax exemption might motivate more people to cast ballots. Persuasion? Maybe we should be bolder and ask family and friends about their voting plans whenever the conversation turns to upcoming elections. Or do we simply shrug and yield to the current dysfunction and dissatisfaction, which defines democracy as having the absolute right to be an uninformed, indifferent, disillusioned and disengaged citizen?
KEN
TRAINOR
V I E W P O I N T S S H R U B T O W N
by Marc Stopeck
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026 W E D N E S D A Y
JOURNAL of Oak Park and River Forest
Viewpoints Guidelines
Beye, bye: better late than never!
Apparently, we had some unfinished business from seventh grade. In 1976, ours was the last seventh grade class to walk the halls of William Beye School in Oak Park. For most of us, Beye had been our school home since kindergarten, and we expected to return for one final year. But the school district had other plans. Rezoning changed the elementary schools to kindergarten through sixth grade and created two new junior highs. Instead of spending eighth grade with classmates many of us had known since we were 5, we headed to a new junior high with roughly 500 other eighth graders – most of whom we had never met. Our Beye years ended without the kind of goodbye or graduation that usually marks the end of an era. Fifty years later, we decided to fix that. On Sept. 26, 25 members of Beye School’s final seventhgrade class returned to Oak Park for what we named the “Beye School Redemption Reunion.” The day included tours of Beye School and OPRF High School, both of which were as impressive as ever. Familiar hallways brought back memories we hadn’t thought
about in decades. One of our favorite sixth-grade teachers, Larry Viverito, also joined us, making the reunion even more special. We spent the rest of the day reconnecting, reminiscing and laughing – a lot. What may have been most remarkable was how quickly the years seemed to disappear. There is something unique about spending time with people who knew you when you were 12 or 13 years old – and for many of us long before that. They remember your childhood, your teachers, your neighborhood and a version of you that existed before adult life took everyone in different directions. Getting 25 former classmates together after a half-century felt pretty special. Discovering that the connections were still there felt even more so. We may never have gotten our proper Beye School sendoff in 1976, but 50 years later, we finally did. Turns out some friendships can survive even a very long recess. Redemption achieved!
Kris Shaner Bradley
Oak Park (originally) Now Fenton, Michigan
The goal of the Viewpoints section is to foster and facilitate a community conversation and respectful dialogue. Responsible community voices are vital to community journalism and we welcome them. Space is at a premium and readers’ attention is also limited, so we ask that Viewpoints submissions be brief. Our limit for letters to the editor is 350 words. For One View essays, the limit is 500 words. Shorter is better. If and when we have sufficient space, we print longer submissions, but when space is limited — as it often is — we may ask you to submit a shorter version or hold the piece until space allows us to print it. We reserve the right to edit submissions. We do not have time to allow the writer to review changes before publication. We also do not have time to do more than superficial fact-checking, and because of our national epidemic of misinformation and conspiracy theories, when writers include statistical evidence to support their opinions, we require them to include the source of that information, such as credible websites, print publications, titles of articles and dates published, etc. Be as specific as possible so that we and our readers have some way of assessing the credibility of your claims. Links may also be included for the online version. We follow the Society of Professional Journalists’ code of ethics: seek the truth and report it and minimize harm. As a result, we will do our best not to publish pieces that espouse doubtful or debunked theories, demonstrate harmful bias, or cross the line into incivility. While we will do our best not to engage in censorship, we also do not intend to be used as a platform for misinformation. Your sources for fact-checking are a critical step in keeping the discourse honest, decent and respectful. All submissions must include your first and last name and the municipality in which you live, plus a phone number (for verification only). We do not publish anonymous letters. One View essays should include a sentence at the end about who you are. If we receive your submission by 5 p.m. on Sunday, you can expect your opinion to be included in that week’s paper (and online), space permitting.
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
O
pponents of the November referendum question now have a two-pronged strategy to defeat the November referendum question: “Should the State of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the State of Israel?” Strategy 1: Take the referendum off the ballot by raising “Election Integrity” issues For the fourth time, opponents of the November referendum are attempting to deny Oak Park residents the opportunity to vote on repealing the 2015 Illinois anti-boycott law. In April, they blocked a township referendum concerning boycott rights from appearing on the November ballot. When Oak Parkers for Free Speech submitted petitions from residents who wanted the referendum on the ballot, opponents challenged their signatures. Unwilling to accept the Oak Park Electoral Board’s decision, opponents appealed to the Cook County Circuit Court to disenfranchise the 3,500 Oak Parkers who supported putting this on the ballot. After losing in
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Two strategies, one purpose Circuit Court on Sept. 21, opponents have now taken their case to the Illinois Appellate Court, which can decide whether the referendum appears on our ballots on Nov. 3. Shamefully, this challenge relies on baseless speculation regarding the “election integrity” of our petitions because of the absence of a specific word in the affidavit portion of the petitions. This type of tactic has been deployed across the country to create unnecessary barriers to ballot access. In her decision, Cook County Circuit Court Judge Viviana Martinez stated that the objectors “have raised no allegations of fraud or misconduct and no doubt has been cast on the validity of the petition signatures. … All of these facts together suggest that the integrity of the election is not implicated and the legislative purpose of guaranteeing a fair and honest election is not frustrated, notwithstanding the omis-
sion. Accordingly, it would serve no useful purpose to exclude the public question from the ballot.” (1) Strategy 2: Misrepresent the referendum as discriminatory In a Wednesday Journal article, a new group called Oak Park Neighbors United makes their central claim: “We really think this referendum is ultimately discriminatory. … It calls out Oak Park Jewish neighbors, and it is inconsistent with the Oak Park welcoming village ordinance that rejects discrimination based on national origin.” (2) This charge misuses our community’s longstanding opposition to antisemitism and all forms of hatred to misrepresent the ballot initiative. No one is served by conflating support for Israel with Jewish Oak Parkers. As the ACLU says, anti-boycott laws violate civil liberties; they do not prevent discrimination. (3) Oak Park referendum supporters have
JESS BAUER & CAREN VAN SLYKE One View
Say ‘No’ to boycott-related referendum
I spoke before the Oak Park Village Board in April 2024 when it considered the ceasefire resolution. I spoke of my fear of the division it would cause in the community. Looking back two years later, my fears were justified. It began that very night. An audience member disrupted the meeting, shouting “liar” at me as I talked about sexual violence during Hamas’ Oct. 7 invasion. (1) In April 2026, CJPIP and Oak Parkers for Free Speech (OPFS) brought to Oak Park Township another resolution for a vote by registered voters. The fire marshall cancelled the first meeting because of overcrowding. Yet a participant yelled something like “We know who controls things in Oak Park,” words implicating Jewish Oak Parkers. (2) The question was soundly defeated by a 2-1 margin (about 450 votes). In the Chicago Tribune/ Oak Leaves, a referendum supporter called everyone who voted no “racist” for being a multi-ethnic, multi-racial, multi-religious group of friends and neighbors. (3) Almost immediately referendum supporters, on Facebook and in letters in the Wednesday Journal, said the vote had suppressed the ability of the people of Oak Park to have a voice. CJPIP/OPFS attempted to shift responsibility for their defeat. (4) Two losses didn’t stop OPFS from pushing ahead with another referendum. At a campaign fundraiser, one of the leaders of OPFS is quoted in Wednesday Journal as saying,
“There is a very small, very active, very organized group in our community that worked together to deny the broader Oak Park electorate the chance to weigh in on that issue.” That may sound innocuous, but taken together with “suppressed voices” mentioned earlier, it lands very differently for many in the Jewish community. (5) And let us not forget the anti-Jewish vandalism that took place over several days at a building site on Home Avenue in June 2026. (6) We don’t have to agree on the issues of Israel and Palestine. We should, however, seek to avoid making Oak Park less united, and less compassionate with the many local challenges we face. That is why I am voting No. Sources: (1) Letter by Alan Peres, Wednesday Journal, May 21, 2024 (2) Witnessed by several people. Not reported by Wednesday Journal because no reporter was present. (3) Chicago Tribune/Pioneer Press April 29, 2026 (4) June 2, 2026 Facebook post in the Polite Politics Group by Elyse FC has comment by James Madigan. It is one of several in different places. (5) Wednesday Journal, July 7, 2026 (6) Wednesday Journal, June 15, 2026
Alan Peres
Oak Park Objector in the referendum court challenge
been engaged in community efforts to fight discrimination for years, often for decades. Our organizers and supporters include Jewish Oak Parkers. To imply that our efforts promote discrimination against Jewish Oak Parkers is a harmful and misleading tactic to evade discussing the referendum question. We urge you to learn more about the referendum (opfreespeech.org) and vote Yes in the November referendum to support free speech, human rights, and fiscal responsibility in our state pension funds. Sources: Circuit Court Decision - Judge Viviana Martinez, Sept. 21, 2026 Oak Park Neighbors United opposes referendum question - Wednesday Journal, oakpark.com, Oct. 1 “Laws Suppressing Boycotts of Israel Don’t Prevent Discrimination - They Violate Civil Liberties” | American Civil Liberties Union Jesse Bauer and Caren Van Slyke are members of Oak Parkers for Free Speech.
Discrimination charges, wrong again In the announcement of the founding of Oak Park Neighbors United, spokesperson Mark Segal says the November referendum “calls out Oak Park Jewish neighbors and it is inconsistent with the Oak Park welcoming village ordinance that rejects discrimination based on national origin.” Here is how the referendum question reads: “Should the State of Illinois repeal laws that ban state investment in businesses that boycott the State of Israel?” As a Jewish Oak Parker who has lobbied to repeal the 2014 Raunerera bill in Springfield and supports the November referendum, this claim is a deflection from the referendum question to repeal an unconstitutional bill that shields Israel from boycott for its human rights violations. Asserting that Oak Parkers will discriminate against Oak Park Jews by passing this referendum conflates being Jewish with sup-
port for Israel. As we know from Jews who oppose Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank — including Jews in Oak Park — this is a misrepresentation that cannot go unchallenged. Historically, Jews have stood up for free speech and human rights for all. Historically, Jews have benefitted the most when there is robust democracy and free speech. Laws that undermine the First Amendment, like the one in Illinois, make none of us safe and endangers the rights of us all. Oak Park Neighbors United needs to explain why an unconstitutional bill is of benefit to all Oak Parkers and why singling out Israel for protection from boycott in our state pension funds is of benefit to any of us — including Jewish Oak Park residents. Let’s get clear on the referendum question and vote Yes on Nov. 3.
Rebekah Levin Oak Park
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM
What you can do between now and Nov. 3
The No Kings Rally on Oct. 17 will promote Early Voting and Turnout for the Midterm Election on Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. While Congregations Networking for Social Justice (CNSJ) has declined to host the event (Scoville Park was not available) we are encouraging area residents to add to the dramatic Forest Park event lining both sides of Roosevelt Road. A big crowd will attract much attention. The gathering point will be on the public property beginning in the 7500 block of Roosevelt. On Oct. 15, CNSJ will host a viewing of the PBS interview of Stacey Abrams from 6:45-8 p.m., Veterans Room of the Oak Park Main Public Library. Abrams outlines the parallels between authoritarian states and America today. She has specific suggestions for pro-
moting voter registration and participation. We can write postcards, help neighbors get to the polls, remind friends and family out-of-state to check their voter registration. Websites for Vote.gov and Indivisible provide assistance. The Cook County website is available for online registration until Oct. 18. Early Voting is extended this year, Oct. 19 – Nov. 2: weekdays 9-5 and both Sundays 10-4 at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison. A huge round of applause for all who have been standing up for democracy and who will participate and promote voting this Nov. 3.
Cynthia Breunlin
Congregations Networking for Social Justice Oak Park
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
Vote early, then celebrate
Over the past several months as I wrote postcards to strangers to encourage voting, the message included “Bring Friends.” I imagined the recipient reaching out to friends or family members to join them in going to the polls. Why not do that here? As we approach the next “No Kings” Day on Oct. 17, we are setting aside marches and protests to focus on a central action of democracy: the right to vote. Early voting in Oak Park starts Oct. 19 at Oak Park Village Hall, 123 Madison St., with Election Day voting on Nov. 3 in your own precinct. Our focus is on voting early, making a plan to vote and inviting friends to join us to go to the polls. Who can you bring with you to vote? Your children. A friend (or several) who
Former commission chair opposes rezoning
Honorable Plan Commission members: The purpose of my letter is to indicate that I do not support the proposed rezoning and to urge the Plan Commission to not approve it. I write this letter as an architect and former chair of the Plan Commission. As you know, I have recently served as chair of the Historic Preservation Commission. Zoning regulations protect the environment, human health, and urban ecology by requiring setbacks, building-height restrictions, and
lot coverage limits that guarantee access to light and fresh air. These regulations ensure that buildings are not built so close or high that they completely block out sun and trap stagnant air. I recently visited both the Lake View and Wrigleyville areas of Chicago and found the result of multi-family zoning as an overlay to what was a single-family area. Many multi-story buildings overshadow smaller individual homes. The visual mix-mash is not very appealing or attractive. Many lots have little or
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would appreciate a ride. Or reminding your college-age student to make a plan to vote at home or in their new location? Who do you know who might need some help to be able to vote? A ride to the polls and a chance to celebrate afterward with others. If you are with friends, why not make it a party? Here are a few simple steps: 1) Check your voter registration 2) Get other voting information at https://www.cookcountyclerkil.gov/ your-voter-information. 3) Print the ballot available there. 4) Research your candidates and issues. Voteforjudges.org has helpful information about judicial elections. Then vote as early as possible. And be sure to celebrate!
Terri Powell
Former Oak Park village clerk
Practical, not prideful
any “backyard” space because the buildings extend to the rear garage area. There does not appear to be enough garage parking as the streets are almost completely taken up by parking all day. This situation would be completely unacceptable in my opinion. I am sure your usual comprehensive review will conclude that eliminating single-family zoning requirements will not be in keeping with the goals of the village of Oak Park.
The proposed re-design of the Home Avenue pedestrian bridge is a bit extravagant, especially in these times of low funding and hard times for so many. If the Home and Ridgeland bridges are in need of repair, why not proceed in a nuts & bolts way instead of over-spending with elaborate designs that are not fitting to our values of inclusivity and affordability. Even with IDOT’s proposed funding of $8-10 million, the $15 million price tag for this “simple and elegant structure” with high arches and cable structures and illumination both over and under the bridge is, to say the least, impractical to the taxpayers of Oak Park and our village. Is this prideful extravagance really necessary as a “gateway to the village?” I say not.
Oak Park
Oak Park
Louis Garapolo, FAIA Emeritus
Jane Driscoll
Thoughtful discussion, basic respect, please
I went before the Traffic and Safety Commission in River Forest recently as a crossing guard with a straightforward request: that an additional crossing guard be assigned to my intersection during school arrival and dismissal to provide another layer of protection for children. This is a signalized intersection. Children are crossing while vehicles are turning and there have been occasions when drivers have proceeded with turns while the children had the right of way. As one person trying to manage an entire
intersection I cannot always be in the exact position where every child is crossing, and there are times when drivers simply do not see me as they are looking to make their turn through oncoming traffic. I came to the meeting because I believe we should be pro-active about children’s safety rather than wait for something serious to happen. Approximately 80 parents support the request. What happened at the meeting was deeply disappointing. Rather than having a meaningful discussion about how an
additional crossing guard might improve safety, I felt that the very premise of my concern was repeatedly questioned and dismissed. During the discussion, one commissioner made an insulting personal comment about my height. I immediately called him out on it. No apology was offered. This is not about hurt feelings or getting my way. It is about whether we listen to the people who are actually out there every school day seeing what happens at our intersections. I hope the Traffic and Safety
Commission will reconsider the request because when it comes to children’s safety, adding another set of eyes and another layer of protection deserves serious consideration. And I hope that, going forward, residents and village employees who come before our commissions with legitimate concerns will be met with thoughtful discussion and basic respect. Our children deserve both.
Jayne Gould
River Forest
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
Oak Park board’s ‘mission creep’
Restrict height on new hospital buildings
There has been much discussion about proposed changes to Oak Park’s zoning ordinance to allow more “missing middle” housing. The village board also is considering another zoning change that has received less attention, but could provide a significant benefit to residents in west central Oak Park where I live. Trustee Brian Straw has proposed a muchneeded change in the Rush Oak Park Hospital zoning district. His zoning reform would limit any future addition to the hospital campus to a maximum height of 60 feet – similar to the height of Rush’s 58-foot medical office building. Under the current ordinance, the hospital
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Tale of two projects
he irony of what is happening with the O’Hare Flyer is not lost on me. For nearly 10 years, residents on the south end of River Forest, particularly those of us near Madison Street and inside the Madison Street TIF, have been fighting to protect our homes and our quality of life. We have raised concerns about property acquisition, blight, demolition and asbestos, traffic, density, drainage, parking and what kind of development is actually appropriate next to single-family homes. For asking those questions, people have been called NIMBYs, obstructionists and opponents of progress. But many of us were never against development. We asked for development that added to River Forest
I need not reiterate the economic folly of eliminating single-family residential zoning from Oak Park. Enough has been said and written by those more eloquent than I. If the elected officials cannot understand the financial and social ramifications of this proposal, then perhaps they will understand the following: Our board was elected by the residents and taxpayers of Oak Park to care for the many needs of our community and those who live within its borders. The proposal to eliminate single-family residential zoning is an attempt to serve the desires of persons who do not live in the village of Oak Park, who may not be able to afford current rents or real estate prices,
has a nearly automatic right to build as high as 125 feet, or about 10 stories. This is way out of scale to surrounding single-family homes, which are limited to a maximum height of 30 feet. The new restriction would not be the final word. If the hospital wanted to build higher, it still could ask the village for a zoning variance. This would give residents input in a mutually beneficial process that would enable the hospital to thrive while also protecting the neighborhood.
Anna Madrzyk Oak Park
for. The developers won’t care. And if the village starts getting picky on what is being built after their ill-advised zoning change, the village gets flooded with developer lawsuits, and millions more of our tax dollars dealing with the aftermath. There are suitable places to build multifamily homes, but not by demolishing single-family residences and squishing them in between houses.
Daniel Beach Oak Park
This letter is written to strenuously object to the rezoning code the village board is proposing. I have been a resident of Oak Park for over 50 years, and throughout that time my family has enjoyed, and cherished, the friendly atmosphere that single-dwelling housing engenders. Aside from increased traffic congestion, increased parking difficulties, increased burden on our schools, increased burden on Oak Park infrastructure, increased
car pollution of the air we breathe, and predictable decreases in home values, the board’s proposal of multi-story apartment buildings next to single-family structures will destroy the special architectural heritage that Oak Park has created for over 100 years. This is truly a bad idea, and we hope that the village board will reconsider its serious negative consequences.
village’s response is so difficult for me to ignore. Conversations about this project involving our Village President began more than a year before most River Forest residents — and apparently several village trustees — knew anything about it. At a recent village board meeting, Village Administrator Matt Walsh acknowledged the board’s frustration over the lack of information. That should concern everyone, whether you live next to the railroad tracks, Madison Street, North Avenue or nowhere near any of them. The board ultimately voted unanimously to oppose the O’Hare Flyer. I support questioning this proposal and protecting the residents who would be affected by it. But I also believe residents are entitled to ask why information about a project this significant was not shared earlier with the entire board and the community. Imagine how different these conversa-
tions might be if residents on Madison Street and residents along the railroad tracks had known at the same time that two major projects could potentially affect traffic, noise and daily life in River Forest. Maybe instead of arguing over whose neighborhood should absorb the consequences of “progress,” we would have recognized that we have more in common than we thought. That is what bothers me most. Residents along the tracks deserve the same consideration I have been asking for on the south end of town for years. Their homes matter. Their peace and quiet matter. Their property matters. Their safety matters. But ours mattered too. Government should not decide that protecting quality of life is NIMBYism in one neighborhood and a community-wide cause in another. Annette Madden is a resident of River Forest.
Darius Povilaitis Oak Park
without unnecessarily taking away from the people already living here. In August, the Village approved a five-story, 69-unit development at Madison and Ashland by a 4-3 vote, with President Cathy Adduci casting the deciding vote. The village points to projected future tax revenue as one of the project’s benefits. Those are projections, not guaranteed results. Now only weeks later, River Forest is confronting another project that could dramatically affect residents: the O’Hare Flyer. I agree with President Adduci that residents along the tracks deserve to be protected. I agree that noise, traffic, safety and quality of life matter. I agree that residents should not simply be expected to accept major impacts to their homes because someone else believes a project represents progress. That is exactly why the difference in the
but wish to live in Oak Park nonetheless and enjoy its many advantages and amenities. We heard this clearly expressed by nonresidents at the July board meeting. The board needs to be reminded about who they serve. They serve those who elected them. These are their constituents. These are the people who rely upon them and to whom they stand accountable. Attempting to serve non-residents is “mission creep” and an obvious corruption of their duties and responsibilities to the electorate.
Consider negative consequences
Developer takeover of residential
Let’s say that our elected officials completely disregard our generally huge opposition to the zoning change to allow multi-unit buildings on residential lots. Literally the next day developers may start offering way over current valuations for houses in Oak Park. Cash sales. A lot of vintage residential houses start disappearing. Next, they build multi-unit buildings and rapidly overwhelm Oak Park with an increased population that our schools and streets are unprepared
OAKPARK.COM
ANNETTE MADDEN One View
Guy & Gabriela Le Breton Oak Park
V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
Balanced, thoughtful planning
A respectful discussion
OAKPARK.COM
As a resident and homeowner in Oak Park, I am deeply concerned about proposals that would eliminate or significantly weaken single-family zoning protections throughout our community. Oak Park is not just a collection of buildings. It is a community defined by its historic homes, tree-lined streets, diverse neighborhoods, strong schools, and the unique character that has attracted generations of families. The village’s single-family neighborhoods are a critical part of that character and deserve protection. Supporters of rezoning often frame the issue as a choice between preserving neighborhoods and addressing housing affordability. In reality, those goals are not mutually exclusive. Oak Park can pursue thoughtful housing solutions without fundamentally
changing the residential neighborhoods that residents have invested in and relied upon for decades. Rezoning single-family districts for higher-density development would bring lasting consequences. Increased traffic, parking shortages, additional pressure on schools and infrastructure, loss of green space, and changes to the architectural character of our neighborhoods are all legitimate concerns that deserve serious consideration. Homeowners made significant financial investments based on existing zoning and the reasonable expectation that established residential areas would remain stable. Oak Park should focus growth where it makes the most sense: along commercial corridors, near transit, and through the redevelopment of underutilized properties.
These strategies can create new housing opportunities while preserving the neighborhoods that make Oak Park special. Residents are not opposing change. We are asking for balanced, thoughtful planning that respects both current residents and future generations. Once the character of a neighborhood is altered, it cannot easily be restored. I urge the village board to reject broad rezoning proposals that would eliminate protections for single-family neighborhoods and instead pursue housing initiatives that complement, rather than compromise, the qualities that have made Oak Park one of the most desirable communities in the region.
Jill Long
Oak Park
You should be embarrassed
In the Sept. 9 edition of Viewpoints, your columnist Josh VanderBerg’s responded to Ravi Parakkat’s “One View” submission suggesting a pilot study regarding the zoning issue. The zoning topic has produced more public response than anything in recent memory and Mr. Parrakat’s thoughts should have been treated respectfully. Almost every column from Mr. VanderBerg has had a tone of “better than thou” and talking down to your readership. In previous submissions he has suggested that studies tell us the right answer and public opinion has no value. His response to Mr. Parakkat was more than flippant or facetious, it was obnoxious. The Wednesday Journal should be embarrassed that they presented his thoughts to the public and
should reconsider whether he should have space in your publication. On another note, I attended the first of the “Shape Oak Park” presentations on Sept. 14 at the Community Recreation Center. Several hundred people attended in a room that was much too small, able to seat less than half the attendees. This impacted the quality of the presentation. The presenter went through his power point slides quickly, was not prepared to answer any of the few questions that could be asked, and when it was suggested that we break off in small discussion groups, there was no space for it or an organized plan to initiate it. It is concerning that our officials did not oversee and guide the consulting group to use an appropriate space for the volume of
attendees that should have been expected. More upsetting is that future meetings are scheduled for similarly inappropriate and inadequate spaces … Farmers Market, the Main Library lobby, the Oak Park Conservatory and Brookdale Oak Park. None of these will have adequate seating, the ability to see the visuals or hear the speaker, or any hope for adequate discussion and feedback. The message this seems to send to the residents is that we are required to have these meetings but the decision has been made and we don’t want your input. The ultimate responsibility for this falls on the Board of Trustees and they, too, should be embarrassed.
Michael Goodman Oak Park
A gift to developers I attended the first community forum on the zoning policy change. What a disaster of a policy. The consultants admitted that converting a single-family home to a 4-unit would result in prices starting at $450K each. That isn’t affordable for most people, especially when the unit will be 1-2 bedrooms. Once developers know Oak Park is open for business, they’ll swoop in and buy every truly affordable home, tear it down, and put up a modern, soulless 4-unit that will not achieve the goals of the village board.
Developers could buy a dozen properties at a time, working their crews to maximum efficiency, moving from lot to lot like locusts. I saw it happen in Wicker Park, Logan Square, and West Town, where new construction drives up the price for everyone. Teardowns are terrible for the environment, ironic for a village that claims to be a leader in this area. A better, simpler policy would be to fast-track conversions of existing homes to multi-units. Better for the environment and more likely to achieve affordability and the
“missing middle” housing rather than new construction. As a former realtor, I’m confident this zoning change is a gift to developers and realtors, and other realtors have agreed with me. If the village board truly cared about affordability, they’d stop finding creative ways to spend our taxes and reduce our property tax burden, which is the leading cause of why living in Oak Park is not affordable.
Mike Beyer Oak Park
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My husband and I have lived in Oak Park for over 30 years, initially renting in a 3-flat in northeast Oak Park, and now owning a house in northwest Oak Park. We chose Oak Park because it was ideally located for our work commutes; I worked at the Brach candy plant in Chicago, and my husband worked at Argonne National lab in Lemont. We raised our two sons here, and have enjoyed all that the village has to offer. When we moved here, we were unaware of Oak Park’s history with respect to its focus on diversity; over time we have come to understand and appreciate Oak Park’s diversity in many areas: its distinct neighborhoods, its busy and calmer streets, its businessheavy and more residential streets, and of course, the ethnic and racial makeup of the community. We live on a block with diverse residents: all ages, races, and ethnicities. There are American and Mexican flags in front of the houses on our block. While our block consists of all singlefamily homes, we live one block in from Harlem, with its multi-family homes. We enjoy walking on our block and in the neighborhood without worrying too much about excessive traffic and pedestrian density. I am not in favor of replacing the single-family homes on our block with 2-, 3- or 4-flats. It would change the character and create more density and traffic. I do not appreciate being termed “racist” by a board member for having this opinion. That’s a non-starter for having a respectful discussion. At a minimum, why not hold a referendum to see how the residents feel about the proposed rezoning? It would be a major change, and I believe that residents deserve to have their voices heard. I can only conclude that the board does not want to hear what residents think. Public meetings may not represent the sum total of opinions — they represent only what the people that choose to attend and speak think. There are those of us who have opinions but choose not to attend or speak publicly.
Lori Rothman Oak Park
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V I E W P O I N T S
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
Show us the numbers
I ran through Thatcher Woods one morning, and on the way home along our tree-lined streets I was reminded why my family moved to Oak Park three years ago: access to green space and the old trees that line nearly every block. Those trees took generations to grow. I oppose the proposed elimination of single-family zoning in its current form. Not because I oppose expanding housing options, but because the proposal lacks quantified targets and a quantified strategy for meeting them. No professional organization would advance a plan of this scale without clear baselines, measurable objectives, and a way to know whether it’s working. The village should hold itself to the same standard. That gap matters for our environment. Before a final vote, residents deserve answers to these questions: What is Oak Park’s current tree canopy coverage, and how is it projected to change under the new zones? How many mature trees could be lost to redevelopment? How will lot coverage, setbacks and open-space requirements change, and how much new impervious surface should we expect? Has the village modeled the effect on stormwater runoff and flooding during heavy rain? What happens to the birds, pollinators and other wildlife that depend on backyard and parkway habitat connected to the Des Plaines River corridor? Will new construction face tree preservation or replacement requirements, and who enforces them? And what measurable housing and affordability outcomes is this proposal meant to achieve, on what timeline, and what would trigger a reassessment if they aren’t met? Oak Park’s green character is a shared asset. Once it’s lost, it can’t be rebuilt on any reasonable timeline. I urge the board to publish a quantified environmental impact assessment, alongside measurable housing targets, before voting on a final ordinance.
Ross Polk
Oak Park
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Standing for our values
As the debate continues around zoning reform, I am reminded why I chose to rent in Oak Park. When my wife and I were looking for places to live, we found a village filled with “In This House We Believe” signs, Black Lives Matter stickers, and Pride flags, and we knew that this welcoming community would be a great home for us. We chose to rent here because of the values this village espouses. As a progressive, I am for changes to the zoning code to make sure we are able to build more housing across our village. This will help increase the supply and bring down housing costs. I also believe that zoning must be done in tandem with strengthening the Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) that makes sure new construction reserves apartments at an
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affordable rent. Our group, Oak Parkers for Affordable Housing, is advocating changes to our current IHO to make sure that any new building with over 7 units reserves 20% of those units as affordable units. If developers opt out, they would have to pay the village a market-rate fee into our Housing Trust Fund so that the village can use that money to fund other affordable housing projects. This ensures that new housing is not only for the wealthy, but also for the rest of us. These changes will mean that more young people will be able to live here after they finish school. It means more elderly folks will be able to stay in the community they love. It means we can remain a village of diversity. It means allowing people from a working-class
background a chance to be a part of our neighborhood. We hear around the country how red states are building walls and creating policies that prevent others from entering their communities. Change can be scary, but we are a bold community. We welcome new neighbors and do not enact barriers to keep others out. As a village, we need to recognize that if we truly stand for the values that we claim, then that means we support them in our backyard. If you’re interested in helping us, connect at https://www.affordableoakpark.org.
Ryan O’Malley
Member of Oak Parkers for Affordable Housing and the Housing Programs Advisory Committee
Madison Street process is a sham
hether you were for or against the 69-unit luxury rental project at Madison and Ashland, we should be mighty concerned about the bogus process that ended with Village President Cathy Adduci casting the tie-breaking vote to approve it. From start to finish, the entire process was an out-and-out sham that vividly illustrates why it’s so difficult to attract development to River Forest. Despite being elected on platforms of transparency, Adduci and the three village trustees who always vote her way cloaked the entire process in a level of secrecy I’ve never seen before in my decades as a city planner. Key is that the village of River Forest owned the land. In a transparent process characteristic of good government, all of the development proposals for village-owned land should have been disclosed to the public from the beginning so the public could vet them and offer meaningful input at that early stage. Instead, the village signed nondisclosure agreements with each developer and kept the public in the dark. When the anointed developer was announced, the village engaged in an expensive public relations campaign – at taxpayer expense – to sell the development to the
public. As the ultimate decider, the village board should have remained neutral. As part of the sham, residents were asked for feedback which, of course, our elected officials dismissed and ignored. Village officials released key information on the development’s cost to taxpayers just a few days before the village board’s vote, information that should have been disclosed to the public and the Development Review Board (DRB) from the get-go. It was highly improper to withhold this essential information from the public and the Development Review Board. Is it even appropriate to subsidize market rate luxury housing River Forest residents don’t need, especially when this high-cost development takes the village further away from meeting state goals for affordable housing? The DRB went through the motions at its public hearing where only one board member took notes during the public testimony, which ran 90 percent against approval. The DRB paid no heed to the evidence presented, showing that the development did not comply with the village’s comprehensive plan, especially the objective to “encourage new residential development that provides for the needs of the village’s population.” The devel-
DAN LAUBER One View
oper presented no expert testimony to show that River Forest residents need this luxury rental building. Nor did the developer proffer any evidence that this project would meet the plan’s objective to “protect residential areas from the encroachment of incompatible land uses and the adverse impacts of adjacent activities.” Opponents presented expert testimony showing the proposal failed to meet this and other plan objectives. River Forest is the only town I’ve seen where the review body accepted the developer’s assertions without expert testimony to prove them. The DRB voted to approve the application before writing and adopting the findings of fact upon which the U.S. Constitution requires it to base its decision. That’s just ass–backwards. The DRB chair signed the findings more than a month later without a meeting and vote by the DRB – typical of how River Forest routinely perverts the development review process. The disgrace to River Forest is that our village officials simply went through the motions along the way to the preordained approval that the village president sought. That’s not the transparent government they promised us. And that’s not the good government we deserve. Dan Lauber is a former president of the American Planning Association and twice of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
V I E W P O I N T S
OAKPARK.COM
The Board of Trustees’ proposal to change single-family zoning has generated a lot of angst on the part of many single-family homeowners and accusations of NIMBY and even racism against those who dare to question this misguided plan. I have several thoughts: 1. The contention that there is no middleincome housing in Oak Park is curious. There is a fair amount of what might be considered middle-income housing in the village, especially south of the Eisenhower and east of Ridgeland. 2. There is a national housing shortage that has dramatically inflated the housing
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
This misguided plan
market nationwide. Oak Park is not unique in this regard. 3. While there is no question that more housing is needed regionally and nationally, it is not clear why Oak Park, which is already densely populated and has a significant amount of multi-family housing, should be expected to shoulder the burden of supplying that housing. 4. Multi-family housing is not necessarily affordable housing. The premise that multifamily housing will address the paucity of affordable housing is simply wrong. We have added hundreds of apartments downtown over the last decade and few would be con-
sidered affordable. 5. The assertion that single-family housing is inherently racist as a justification for eliminating single-family zoning is odd. The desire to own one’s own home is universal across all ethnic and racial groups. In fact, the homeowners on my block of singlefamily houses are Black, Latino, Taiwanese, Indian, Filipino … and white. I suspect that this is true of most blocks in Oak Park. 6. The zoning proposal is unlikely to make a dent in the affordable housing stock because most developers can’t make a profit on a 4- or 6-unit building. At least that’s what they say when they ask for a variance on
Making Oak Park affordable
I want to talk about Shape Oak Park and make the point that Oak Park isn’t just its buildings — it’s the people who live in them and we have a responsibility to each other as neighbors to make this a place that people can afford to buy a home in. In 2018, my wife Chelsea and I moved to Oak Park for its strong schools, diversity, access to Chicago, and its neighborhoods. Seeing kids playing out in the streets. Driving by block parties. Tree-lined streets and brick bungalows. Also, compared to other places we looked, it was affordable. Eight years later I love Oak Park even more, but I also know that if we were trying to move here today, we might not be able to do so. Talking to friends our age and younger who want to settle in Oak Park, it has become obvious that
buying a home here is becoming increasingly out of reach as the cost of home ownership skyrockets. Which brings me back to those neighborhoods. I don’t want to just live in a neighborhood: I want to be a neighbor. That’s why I support Shape Oak Park’s efforts to remove restrictive zoning rules. I understand the importance of the character of this place. It’s why I came here, why I’m putting roots down here. But I also want this to be a place families like mine can afford to buy a home of their own. The best way to maintain the character of our village is to take steps to keep it affordable for our current and future neighbors.
ment. Sept. 14 was one of the outreach events this money was meant to fund, with more events promised. I attended the presentation at the Community Recreation Center, and it was a mess. There wasn’t nearly enough room for the turnout; the space was hot and packed, and the small breakout-group format left many residents feeling their questions never got answered. The failure that matters most is affordability, since increasing affordable housing is the stated purpose of this entire rezoning effort. Yet as far as residents have been shown, the plan includes no inclusionary requirements, no affordability covenants, no anti-displacement protec-
building-height restrictions. Which they do all the time. 7. If affordable housing is the goal, why don’t we build it ourselves? I can think of three possible sites ripe for eminent domain: the long-vacant Mohr concrete plant on Harlem, the half demolished IHOP building at Elmwood and North, and that burnt out husk of an apartment building still standing at Taylor and North.
Wendy Epstein
Single-family homeowner in Oak Park for 34 years
Regaining community trust
tions, and no subsidy commitments — nothing that would guarantee affordable units get built rather than market-rate ones. Eliminating singlefamily zoning without those guardrails doesn’t guarantee affordability; it guarantees more density. We were promised affordable housing. So far we’ve been given deregulation and a promise to check the math later. If you share these concerns, show up. Tell the Plan Commission what you think of eliminating single-family zoning without the data, without real affordability guarantees, and without a genuine process for public input.
It could end badly for Oak Park if the Opticos plan is implemented. It is common sense that no community-wide plan can succeed without community-wide support. Questions are yet to be factually answered. How many “missing middle” units are needed? How much increase in population can be accommodated without altering village character, stressing services, or raising dissatisfaction? With construction materials being more expensive, fewer construction workers, and with homebuilders building less, who will build these units? Shape Oak Park neglects the impact on well being. It is accepted science that change, especially massive change, is stressful. An increase in density increases personal stress. The community deserves to have all questions answered before the village proceeds with any plan. Therefore it could help to look again at what organization is the best consultant. We are fortunate to live where there are the finest experts on improving social environments. Why not contact Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency (CMAP) and NORC (National Opinion Research Center) and discuss Oak Park’s objective? Another thought is to develop properties that are available now, and rezone on a carve-out basis. According to Realtor.com, four properties are currently advertised as lots. The dry-cleaner at Chicago Avenue has been vacant for years, as has the Enterprise office. The northwest parking lot at West Sub is unused, and blocked. Surely there are other buildable spaces in town. Why not take advantage of what is easier to execute, and far less costly? What is there to lose by putting Shape on hold, have questions empirically answered, and consider alternatives? Trustees might end with a better plan and also regain community trust.
Oak Park
Oak Park
Sean Kelley Oak Park
This process is a mess
Start with the economic feasibility testing. A letter published in this paper on Aug. 25 (“Before changing zoning shouldn’t we have answers?”) reported that study “is being conducted now — after the Opticos Design proposal has already been developed and sent to the Plan Commission.” A separate Aug. 18 letter noted the proposal “supplies no financial feasibility model, rent/saleprice estimates, land/value analysis, affordability covenant, or antidisplacement assessment.” If those accounts hold, the Plan Commission takes this up without the economic analysis contracted for already in hand. Then there’s community engage-
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Cindy Kelly
Rhoda Bernstein
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
OAKPARK.COM
Hands off our elections, Trump
If ever there was a “solution” in search of a problem, it’s Trump’s threat to intrude on state-run elections by sending federal agents into local polling places – only in “blue” places, of course, not in “red.” But there is no real problem, as scores of judges have affirmed. Suits claiming voter fraud have been thrown out for lack of proof; mistakes, not deliberate fraud, were the cause in the very few cases of illegal voting. How many have there been? A minuscule amount, over many years. Every time I’ve gone to vote over decades past, I’ve had to sign in, and poll workers had to verify that my signature matched what was on record. It didn’t matter that we may have seen each other numerous times in previous elections; we jumped through that hoop because we took seriously our duty to follow the law, step by step. But there were smiles, too. The poll workers were uncomplaining about
working a very long day for little pay, seeing it as a calling they were fulfilling in service to our democratic system of governance, not merely a temp job. And I’ve always felt, and sometimes said, how grateful I was for their faithful, scrupulously honest service. So threatening to send hard-eyed, possibly masked thugs to poison that atmosphere is a scurrilous insult to those fine people, and to us responsible citizens coming to vote. This system has worked almost flawlessly for centuries now, and the Constitution stipulates clearly that the federal government and its minions have no legitimate, legal role in the conduct of elections. State officials are in charge. Our federal courts should be saying, loud and clear, “Election interference is unconstitutional. And totally unnecessary. Hand’s off, feds!”
Fred Reklau Oak Park
Do we need Shape Oak Park?
Zoning is the first layer of protection any historic building has. Under today’s code, the most anyone can put on a residential lot is one house. So the land is worth roughly what the house is worth, and tearing down a good house to build one replacement almost never pencils. That is not luck. That is the zoning code doing preservation work every day, without a hearing. Raise the ceiling to six units and the land becomes worth more than the house on it. That is not my number. The village’s own tool says the Nathan Moore House becomes N1. Six units. Thirty-five feet. Three stories. The same for the Hills House, the Heurtley House, the Adams House, and the Furbeck House. Anyone can run those addresses. Oak Park holds 25 Frank Lloyd Wright buildings, the largest concentration of his work on Earth. More than a hundred of his roughly 500 buildings are already gone. Nobody can tell this village it couldn’t happen here. And the Wright houses at least sit inside a district. Two thirds of Oak Park doesn’t. Thousands of bungalows and
four squares, built for working people, on some of the most diverse blocks in the village. For those houses there is no preservation commission and no hearing. Zoning is not their first layer of protection. It’s their only one. Every mailer I have received says “affordable housing.” Oak Park’s inclusionary housing ordinance applies at 25 units. This proposal legalizes six. If the trustees had taken questions at the presentation, my first question: If you’re using affordability as clickbait, why does every building this proposal creates fall below the threshold of the village’s own affordability rule? My second question: The village’s own staff study found that the historic districts have had little effect on permit activity, and that Ridgeland is the most diverse part of Oak Park. Given that finding, what is the case for including the historic districts in this rezoning at all? What is the actual need for Shape Oak Park?
Ken Weiss
Oak Park
O B I T U A R I E S
Jane Meinhold, 74 Farm girl and pharmacist
Jane May Meinhold, 74, died on Sept. 24, 2026, surrounded by her three children (Adam, Aaron, and Joanna), her kids-by-marriage (Rebekah, Lauren, and Kamal), and her two grandchildren (Nathan and Graham). Born on Nov. 4, 1951, her story of hard work, dedication, and a mother’s love was an inspiration to everyone she met. She grew up on the Meinhold family farm near Streator, where she helped raise cows, chickens, and pigs along with corn and soybeans. She was the valedictorian of her Wenona High School class (1969) and went on to obtain degrees from the University of Illinois (chemistry), UIC (pharmacy), and UT Health Sciences (doctor of pharmacy). When her only marriage ended in divorce in the early 1990s, she put her head down and went to work as a single mother. A successful career in pharmacy and medical research enabled her to retire in 2014 at the age of 62. She maintained the family home on Forest Avenue in River Forest for 40 years, before moving to Oak Brook in 2023. In 2011, she bought a second home in Scottsdale, Arizona and spent her retirement as a snowbird. Always up for having fun and pursuing new hobbies, she demonstrated that you’re never too old for adventure or to try something new. She was an avid reader and participated in various book clubs, played tuba in the high school band and piano from a young age. In her 40s, she learned tap dancing and skiing, and also became certified in scuba diving. Later she started playing more golf and took up pickleball, and also learned how to speak German and play Mah Jong (American version). She loved traveling and made trips to every continent other than Antarctica, including going on a safari in Tanzania which was her favorite. She diligently attended her progeny’s games, recitals, graduations, and other events over the years. She also loved Illi-
nois men’s basketball. Often described as a “firecracker,” she also loved red sports cars. She was someone who would tell it to you straight no matter what. Her humor, spirit, and bright blue eyes will be long remembered.
Andrea Valdez, 89 Prayer warrior
Andrea Valdez, 89, of Oak Park, died on Sept. 27, 2026. Born on Nov. 12, 1936, in El Ranchito, Texas to Esperaza Abrego and Rafael Ysasi, in 1962 she moved to Chicago with her husband, the late Ignacio Valdez Sr., and their young children. The family would settle in Oak Park a few years later, where she lived until her death. She spent over 50 years active in her faith, speaking in churches and the Women’s Aglow Fellowship throughout Illinois. A prayer warrior, she was a member of Bethel Temple Oak Park where she actively taught Sunday School. She volunteered at West Suburban Hospital, which led to a full-time job in the Atrium Cafe. Everyone at West Sub called her “Mom.” Andrea actualized Proverbs 31:28: “Her children arise and called her blessed.” Her worn bible was marked with many prayers and favorite verses. Andrea was preceded in death by her husband the late Ignacio Valdez Sr.; two infant children, both named Ricky Valdez, the late Josie Valdez and the late David Valdez. She is survived by six children, Ignacio Valdez Jr., Cynthia Litwiller (Richard), Nora Ulmor (Paul), Diane Ciancanelli (John), Joy Pappas (Dean), and Moses Valdez as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren, who were the joy of her life. A celebration of her life will begin with a viewing on Thursday, Oct. 8 at Ahlgrim Funeral Home, 567 Spring Road, Elmhurst, from 4 to 8 p.m. Services and burial will be at Mt Emblem Chapel, 520 E. Grand Ave., Elmhurst, on Oct. 9 at 11:30 a.m.
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Carl Errichiello
Roosevelt School building engineer Carl John Errichiello died in his sleep on Wednesday, Sept. 30. He retired from Roosevelt Middle School after 30 years as the building engineer. He is survived by Betsy (Kloock), his wife of 46 years; his daughter, Ashley Ann & husband Ozzie Villegas; his brothers, Dominick & wife Anna, Daryl & wife Cathy; his sister, Paula & husband Charlie, and all of their kids. He was preceded in death by his son Daniel John, 4 months earlier. There will be no services. Please remember him in your heart.
Maria Soderberg, 53 Animal Care League & Hephzibah supporter
Anna Maria Söderberg, 53, of Oak Park, died on Sept. 30, 2026. Raised in Västerås, Sweden, Maria graduated from Rudbeckianska Gymnasiet, and was an exchange student in Cheyenne, Wyoming. She then worked as nanny in London for one year. In 1995, she was an exchange student at Illinois State University, where she met the man she would eventually marry. She earned her M.S. in Chemistry from Uppsala University, in 1998, and her PhD in Microbiology from Northwestern University in 2008. In 1999 she had her only child and married his father in 2008. She said her son was the best thing that ever happened to her. Very smart and sharp, introverted and logical, not at all impulsive, she was also deeply protective and caring and often put the interests of others above her own. She had a very good sense of humor, was always appropriate and on target and was never mean. She had a strong sense of empathy. A vegetarian going back to early childhood, she valued nature and life and had a pet rab-
O B I T U A R I E S bit growing up. She also supported a young girl in India, Animal Care League in Oak Park, and Hephzibah, among other charities. She played games like Scrabble in person and Rummikub on her phone. She made a point to take her son to museums, arcades, and always to the movies; even when the movies weren’t that interesting. Her ducks were always in a row, right up until the end of her life, and she left very specific instructions for her family. Maria was the spouse of Haidong “Alex” Ji; the mother of Benjamin Alexander Söderberg; the sister of Malin Söderberg and aunt of Mattias Söderberg; the daughter of the late Hans Rune Söderberg and Sonja Kristina Söderberg. She was preceded in death by her canine friends, Bogey the black lab/border collie mix and Otter the pit bull mix. Donations may be made in her name to the Animal Care League of Oak Park, https://www.animalcareleague.org; Hephzibah, https://www.hephzibahhome. org; or Wally’s Hearth, https://www.wallyshearth.org. Services are being planned. Please contact Inclusive Funeral Care for information: 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare. com.
Jeanne Haley, 70 Changed her family’s lives
Jeanne Elizabeth Haley, 70, a 44-year resident of the Ludeman Developmental Center in Park Forest, died peacefully on Sept. 30, 2026. She was born on Sept. 17, 1956 in Chicago, with profound developmental disabilities. She had a hard life though surrounded by a loving family and caring aides at Ludeman. Her challenges, and the mostly grim conditions at the first state institution at which she lived, sparked Mary and Frank Haley into assuming unexpected roles as political activists and problem-solvers. They devoted decades to effectively building parent and guardian organizations that intensely lobbied the state government to improve conditions for these most vulnerable Illinois citizens. That work was continued after Mary and Frank’s deaths by two of Jeanne’s siblings. John Haley has gone on to lead the board
of the Parents and Friends of the Ludeman Center. Her late sister, Mary, focused on Jeanne’s care and providing loving support. Jeanne changed the life of her family in endless and grace-filled ways. From her early years living at home in Oak Park and needing near constant attention from her grammy, her parents and her sisters and brothers, Jeanne taught her family to battle for humane care for all those with disabilities, and she broadened the perspectives of every family member in seeing the goodness and value in every life. Jeanne was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Haley; the sister of Sister Jeanne Haley, John (Julia) Haley, Dan (Mary Colleen) Haley, the late Mary Haley, and the late Bill (Peggy) Haley; the aunt of Katie (Jeff) Philippe, Thomas (Cathy Hwang) Haley, Claire Haley, Rose Haley, Ben Haley, and Mariah Haley; and the great-aunt of Levon Philippe, Nayeli Haley, and Sebastian Hwang-Haley. Visitation was held on Oct. 2, at FriedrichJones Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Naperville. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Patrick’s Residence Chapel, 1400 Brookdale Road, Naperville, with interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, Hillside. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Jeanne’s life, memorial donations to the Parents and Friends of Ludeman Center (PFLC) would be greatly appreciated.
Ann LaGuardia, 93 Longtime Concordia administrative assistant
Ann E. LaGuardia, 93, died peacefully at home on Sept. 28, 2026, with her husband Sam by her side. In her final days, he cared for her with the same tenderness, dignity, and devotion that defined their remarkable life together. Born on July 15, 1933, she was the only daughter of Elizabeth Bangrowicz and the two shared an extraordinary bond. Ann and Sam met in June 1952, while both were on a retreat in Algonquin. After getting to know one another, he offered her a ride home. From that day forward, they were inseparable. On Oct. 2, 1955, they were married at Our Lady of the Angels Church in
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Chicago. Last year, they celebrated 70 years of marriage. In 1962, Ann they purchased their home in Oak Park, Illinois, where they raised their three sons, Ron, Paul, and David. She took pride in her career at Concordia University, where she served for many years as administrative assistant to the dean of the Graduate School. Wonderfully creative, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, baking, and sewing. Her Christmas cookies became an eagerly anticipated family tradition. A talented seamstress, she created beautiful clothing as well as memorable Halloween costumes for her children and, years later, worn again by her grandchildren. She will be laid to rest wearing a dress she designed and made herself. In her younger years, she enjoyed camping and traveling throughout the U.S. with her family. She and Sam took several trips to Hawaii and Europe. France held a special place in her heart. She also found happiness in a good book shared with her book club, a theater production, a movie, or an occasional trip to the casino. Ann is survived by her husband, Sam; her sons, Ron LaGuardia, Paul (Catherine) LaGuardia, and David (Maureen) LaGuardia; her grandchildren, Christy (Jeremy) Hassinger, Sam LaGuardia, and Lauren LaGuardia; and her dear friend, Georgette Jacquat. She will be remembered for the countless traditions and memories she created. A celebration of Ann’s life will be held at Ascension Church, 808 S. East Ave., Oak Park, where Ann was a parishioner for 64 years. Visitation with the family will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. Immediately following Mass, she will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 1400 S. Wolf Road, Hillside. Family and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ann’s memory to: The Salesian Sisters, 659 Belmont Ave., North Haledon, NJ 07508. Checks may be made payable to The Salesian Sisters, with Ann’s name included on the memo line, or online at salesiansistersgiving.org/memorials. Please include Ann’s name in the comment box. She supported many charitable causes throughout her life and would be pleased to have those wishing to honor her memory make a contribution to a charity meaningful to them.
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
SPORTS OPRF boys soccer bests Fenwick in crosstown rivalry
Emotional game at Concordia University draws hundreds from both schools By GREGG VOSS Staff Reporter
Sometimes, you’re in the right place at the right time. That’s usually the spot where the magic happens. In the waning moments of Saturday’s boys soccer crosstown rivalry game between OPRF and Fenwick at Concordia University, the Friars were increasing offensive pressure to try to equalize the Huskies’ slim 3-2 lead. OPRF kept clearing the ball with timekilling high punts, some out of bounds, but Fenwick had a last gasp with a right-side corner kick in the 79th minute. As always, the ball landed in a crowd and it appeared the Huskies had once again cleared before Fenwick got off a pointblank shot – which was blocked in front of the net by OPRF senior midfielder Jack Trask that sealed his team’s 3-2 victory. “Honestly, I was never going to leave the line until the ball was fully cleared out,” Trask said. “I always do that. I was really fortunate to be still on the line there and get the clearance. “I didn’t realize I was in the net, so I didn’t realize the ball was going in until after the play. I turned around and realized, ‘Oh my gosh, I saved the game-tying goal there.’” Nearby, fellow senior midfielder Chris Denneen deadpanned that that play was more important than his own two goals, the second of which in the 61st minute set the final score.
“Unbelievable,” Denneen said of Trask’s block. “Couldn’t have won the game without it. I’d rather have that than the two goals. I think that shows our team not only just trying to spoil their goals, but we defend as a team.” But the victory was bittersweet for OPRF (7-8-1). In the 66th minute, senior forward and captain Johnny Natale went down hard clutching his right ankle and in obvious pain. The game was paused for several minutes as he was helped to the bench. Nine minutes later, junior midfielder Steven Hurlburt hit the ground and needed treatment. Post-game, his arm was in a sling. The status of both players wasn’t known after the game. Fenwick senior forward Luke Menacho has been friends with Natale since preschool, so that injury hit home. “Being on the field is a blessing every single time we play this team,” he said. “We grew up and went all through middle school, being able to play against him and all my friends on the other team, it’s a blessing.” Fenwick (5-8-1) had the advantage most of the first half, as junior defender Esteban Jimenez scored in the right corner of the net in the 10th minute. After OPRF junior forward Gibson Lundgren tied the match three minutes later, the Friars regained the lead on sophomore midfielder Emiliano Pereda’s 25-yard shot off a steal in the 16th minute. There were several hundred fans in attendance, befitting a crosstown rivalry game, exchanging simultaneous cheers of “Let’s go, Huskies!” and “Let’s go, Friars!” Dozens of students lined up along the fence line on both ends of the field. So the atmosphere was playoff-like.
STEVE JOHNSTON
Fenwick’s Luke Menacho (17) controls the ball in front of OPRF’s Chris Denneen (10) during the crosstown game at Concordia Stadium, Oct. 3. OPRF came close to equalizing in the 38th minute on a shot over the upper left corner of the net by senior defender Rager Wilson which elicited a chorus of, “Ooooo!” But the Huskies equalized in the 58th minute on a goal from Denneen, assisted by senior forward Joaquin Carlstrom-Arteaga. Three minutes later, Denneen scored again to give his team the lead for good. The eventual winner came on a precision cross pass from the right corner by senior captain Noah Barnett (2 assists) that Denneen buried in the center of the net. Fenwick assistant coach Dave Hartsfield, himself a Fenwick graduate, said the raw emotion Saturday, exacerbated by the fans, the play on the field, and, sadly, the injuries, was something to behold. “There is no bigger game for us and for them,” Hartsfield said. “It works out in our favor sometimes. When we play well and we show we can fight, it tends to lead to
good things in the playoffs.” Hard to believe, but the IHSA playoffs are just around the corner. In Class 2A, the fourth-seeded Friars will face Chicago Noble/Rauner at Elmwood Park on Oct. 20. Conversely, the eighth-seeded Huskies will take on Chicago Jones at home in Class 3A on Oct. 21. But for OPRF interim head coach Dave Bernthal, who played for the Huskies in high school, the focus was definitely on Natale and Hurlburt. “It hurts badly to see these guys get hurt,” Bernthal said. “I told the guys how proud I am of them for their game play, but also their character and thanked them for getting the win for their buddies, to finish the job for them, knowing that those guys made a sacrifice for them and that they would do the same. “We care a lot about winning, but we care more about the guys.”
S P O R T S
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Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
33
OPRF, Fenwick football go down in defeat
8A. first possession of the third quarter, the Li- rushed 21 times for 87 yards and a touchdown. Huskies and Friars have both 9 inBrown passed for 242 yards against LT with ons recovered the ball at their 49 on a ruled Add to that 10-for-25 passing for 125 yards and a 32-yard completion to Andrew Heinzmann fumble after the referees conferred whether a touchdown throw to senior Jake Thies, and lost the past two games (10 catches, 141 yards) just before the TD pass. Brown already was down. you’ll see why Battaglia is beaming.
By BILL STONE & GREGG VOSS Staff Reporters
After one of its biggest victories in recent years and a tough shutout loss the past two games, the Oak Park and River Forest football team experienced a bit of both worlds Friday. OPRF coach John Hoerster continued to emphasize progress following the Huskies’ 34-10 loss at state-ranked Lyons Township after closing to 21-10 on a 26-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Liam Brown to sophomore Tavion Coleman just 11 seconds before halftime. “A lot of it is that mental fortitude to know if things happen, we can bounce back,” Hoerster said. “We’re a team that’s learning a lot and growing. And it’s just getting them to stay together and understand there’s a lot of football left to play.” The Huskies (3-4, 2-3 in West Suburban Conference Silver Division) were coming off a 41-0 loss at Downers Grove North, No. 4 in Class 7A in last week’s Illinois media poll, after their 24-21 homecoming victory over York, Sept. 18. The Lions (6-1, 3-1) were ranked No.
Cameron Minish-Murray caught four passes for 56 yards. Labrone Neal and Benjamin Lambe combined on a fourth-and-3 sack in the third quarter from the OPRF 10. Liam Smith, Connor Krumrei, Karson Fields and Neal contributed to five other tackles for loss. In the first half, the Huskies and Lions had almost the same total offensive yards (222 to 223). OPRF also scored on Maxwell Smith’s 30-yard field goal but had its first drive reach the Lions’ 22 before turning over the ball on downs. The Lions countered with big gains, including a 73-yard TD run on their first offensive play, and TD passes of 13 and 27 yards following a 63-yard run. “You get rid of those big plays, all of a sudden it looks totally different,” Hoerster said. “There’s so many drives where we did such a good job moving the ball and just didn’t finish in the end zone. We’ve shown we can do it. We just have to keep believing we can do it for four quarters.” The Huskies were limited to 73 yards and three first downs in the second half. On their
“We come out and score on that drive, all of a sudden it’s a whole new game,” Hoerster said. “We turn the ball over and all of a sudden it feels like your back is broken, even though you have a lot of time left.”
Brother Rice 42, Fenwick 21 Road trips can be tough, even if you’re a defending state champion. Fenwick, the 2025 IHSA Class 6A title holders, traveled to Brother Rice on Friday, and endured a 90-minute bus ride to get to the South Side school … which, by the way, won the Class 7A championship last season. The Crusaders have a couple of high-major defensive linemen in senior Notre Dame recruit Brayden Parks and junior Kameron McGee, guys Fenwick coach Matt Battaglia said soon, “are going to make a lot of money on Saturdays.” They were a big reason, physically and figuratively, that Brother Rice defeated the Friars 42-21. But after seven games, junior quarterback Myles Hill continues to shine. On Friday, he
“I think he’s just showing progress each week,” Battaglia said. “A lot of quarterbacks try to put too much pressure on themselves. He’s not trying to do too much; that’s the most impressive thing. He’s not making the same mistake over and over.” Thies was once again solid, rushing 12 times for 65 yards and a touchdown, and catching three passes for 25 yards and that score. Defensively, Battaglia was bullish about his linebackers, including junior Jack Haagenson, who had 12 total tackles, including three solo stops, while senior Ronan Morrissey contributed 13 tackles and three solos. Junior Quinn Paris had six total tackles. Fenwick (4-3 overall, 2-3 in the Chicago Catholic League and 0-2 in the Orange Division) will face St. Viator at 7 p.m. Friday at Triton College. Though the Lions are 1-6, it’s best to take no team for granted, especially with the playoffs two weeks away. “They’re young with a lot of two-way guys,” Battaglia said. “They’ve shown some progress. We told the guys this is a team with nothing to lose and no pressure.”
Fenwick’s Sweeney, OPRF’s Vattana punch tickets to state 4th consecutive appearance for Sweeney, 3rd for Vattana By MELVIN TATE Staff Reporter
Fenwick senior Mairin Sweeney is ending her high school golf career in grand style as she clinched her fourth consecutive trip to the Class 2A state finals. On Oct. 5 at the Prospect Sectional, held at Mount Prospect Golf Club, she finished in a tie for fifth, shooting a six-over 76. “She really did it in style today,” said Fenwick coach Mike Trankina. “She was two-over on the front nine; on the eighth hole, she triple-bogeyed. She was down, but I looked at the score and said, “Keep in there, we’re still in the top six.” From that point on, she went even-par on the remain-
ing 10 holes. It was impressive.” Trankina said the course was a challenge for all the players. In fact, there was only one who shot under-par, Hersey’s Selena Joseph, who won medalist honors with a one-under 69. The Friars had two other golfers compete at Prospect. Junior Lila Gaddipati tied for 49th with a round of 89, while junior Madeline Roginski tied for 70th with a 95. “My other girls did well too,” Trankina said. “Playing there, they did a good job. They’re both coming back, and I’m excited about next year.” But first, Trankina’s focus is on helping Sweeney do her best at the state finals, which take place Oct. 10-11 at Hickory Point Golf Course in Decatur. “She’s made it through the first-day qualifier each time. She had a great first round last year, the best she’s ever done,
but her Saturday round was sloppy,” he said. “I would think her goal is to make it to the second day and finish in the top 25 (which would give Sweeney All-State honors). We’re used to the course as we’ve played it so many times. “I’m also thrilled for (OPRF coach) Matt (McMurray) and Nadia (Vattana). I’m glad they qualified. Nadia and Mairin have been friends their entire high school careers.”
Vattana gets third state berth As Trankina mentioned, Sweeney will have local company at state as Nadia Vattana, a senior, clinched her third consecutive downstate trip, finishing in a tie for eighth by shooting a 78. “I’m excited, she’s excited, and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” McMurray said. “I thought she played great. She
had a few pretty big stumbles, (but) she was able to recognize the skill level she’s at and play through. There’s a few things we’d like to tidy up before we get to state, but she should make a good run.” Like Sweeney, Vattana’s goal is to make it through to Saturday’s final round, which she’s done her previous state trips. McMurray feels the key is showing consistency while avoiding big mistakes. “She’s capable of a top 25 finish if she plays her best golf,” McMurray said. In the team standings, OPRF tied for 11th with a team score of 370 strokes. Junior Maeve Gibbs (T-62nd, 93) and seniors Chaya Shah Hempel (T-65th, 94), Maddie Zielinski (T-101st, 105), Samantha Leung (T-103rd, 106), and Lucy Wojtowicz (108th, 108) completed the Huskies’ lineup. “They played their hearts out. I was proud of the effort they put in,” McMurray said.
34 Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026 HOURS: 9:00 A.M.– 5:00 P.M. MON–FRI • Deadline: Monday at 5 p.m.
PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING VILLAGE OF BROOKFIELD
BY PHONE: (708) 613-3360 | BY E-MAIL: EMAIL@GROWINGCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION OCTOBER 22, 2026, AT 7:00 PM
PUBLIC NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed proposals from qualified laboratories at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for the following: Village of Oak Park Drinking Water Laboratory Services Project Number: 26-125 Proposal documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park. us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal October 7, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE The Village of Oak Park will receive sealed bids from qualified contractors at the Public Works Center, 201 South Boulevard, Oak Park, Illinois 60302 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. local time until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 for the following: Village of Oak Park Generator Maintenance and Repair Services Project Number: 26-126 Bid documents may be obtained from the Village’s website at http://www.oak-park.us/bid. For questions, please call Public Works at (708) 358-5700 during the above hours. Published in Wednesday Journal October 7, 2026
PUBLIC NOTICES
PUBLIC NOTICES
VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS
VILLAGE OF RIVERSIDE, ILLINOIS
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application for a variation from the Zoning Ordinance.
Notice is hereby given to all interested persons that a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission of the Village of Riverside will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the business of the Planning and Zoning Commission may permit, in Room 4 of the Riverside Township Hall, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois, to consider an application from the Village of Riverside to review and consider various amendments to the Riverside Zoning Ordinance.
Application No.: PZ 26-0007 Petitioner: Errol Kirsch Owners: Sonja Lin and Matthew Kerkof Address: 169 Barrypoint Road PIN: 15-36-305-013-0000 Requested Variation: Variation from Chapter 4 (Residential Districts) to exceed the maximum building and impervious surface coverage to build an outdoor stair enclosure, a pergola, walkways and a patio. The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the matters being considered. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning and Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Community Development Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 7th day of October, 2026. Published in RB Landmark October 7, 2026
Application No.: PZ 26-0005 Petitioner: Village of Riverside Proposed Text Amendments: Various text amendments to the Village of Riverside Zoning Ordinance relating to parks and open space zoning including, but not limited to, amending permitted and special uses in parks and open space zoning districts, establishing new or amended parks and open space zoning districts and regulations related to the same, adding purpose and intent statements for parks and open space zoning districts, and amending the standards for special uses in parks and open space zoning districts. The above application is available for inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois 60546. During the Public Hearing the Planning and Zoning Commission will hear testimony from and consider any evidence presented by persons interested to speak on these matters. Persons wishing to appear at this hearing may do so in person or by attorney or other representative and may speak for or against the matters being considered. Communications in writing in relation thereto may be filed at such hearing or with the Planning and Zoning Commission in advance by submission to the Village’s Community Development Department at 27 Riverside Road, Riverside, Illinois prior to 4:00 p.m. the day of the public hearing. The Public Hearing may be continued from time to time without further notice, except as otherwise required under the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Dated this 7th day of October 2026 Jennifer Henaghan, Chairperson Planning & Zoning Commission Published in RB Landmark October 7, 2026
NOTICE is hereby given that the Village of Brookfield Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Edward Barcal Hall located at 8820 Brookfield Avenue Illinois for the purpose of considering and hearing the proposed amendment to the Village of Brookfield’s 2018 Comprehensive Plan. The Amendment proposes changes to the Future Land Use Map as follows: North of the Ogden Avenue north side Alley, and south of Burlington Avenue, the West and East Sides of Blanchan Avenue, the West Side of DuBois Avenue, from Multiple Family to Mixed Use and one zoning lot north of the Ogden Avenue north alley on the East Side of DuBois Avenue, the West Side of Deyo Avenue from Single Family to Mixed Use. The proposed Amendment does not change the zoning of the affected properties. The Plan Amendment may be viewed at the village of Brookfield Village Hall and on the Village’s website. 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 public hearing to: Village of Brookfield, Planning and Zoning Commission c/o Libby Popovic, 8820 Brookfield Avenue, Brookfield, IL 60513, lpopovic@brookfieldil.gov, or 708485-1113. Oral or written 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 26-12. 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 a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in any meeting should contact the Village of Brookfield (708) 485-7344 prior to the meeting. Wheelchair access is available through the front (South) entrance of Village Hall. By the Order of Chuck Grund, Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman. Published in RB Landmark October 7, 2026
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT - CHANCERY DIVISION U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-1, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Plaintiff, -v.WILLIAM D. EDGAR, TD BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, UNKNOWN OWNERS AND NONRECORD CLAIMANTS, AMY L. EDGAR, UNKNOWN HEIRS AND LEGATEES OF ELLEN M. RAVITZ, DAMON RITENHOUSE, AS SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE FOR ELLEN M. RAVITZ (DECEASED) Defendants 2025CH04362 123 S EUCLID AVE OAK PARK, IL 60302 NOTICE OF SALE PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on July 21, 2026, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on October 26, 2026, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at public in-person sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate: Commonly known as 123 S EUCLID AVE, OAK PARK, IL 60302 Property Index No. 16-07-400-0160000 The real estate is improved with a residence. Sale terms: If sold to anyone other than the Plaintiff, 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in ‘’AS IS’’ condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court. Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g) (1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1). IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW. You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues
where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-9876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300 E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com Attorney File No. 14-25-02688 Attorney ARDC No. 00468002 Attorney Code. 21762 Case Number: 2025CH04362 TJSC#: 46-1714 NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Case # 2025CH04362 I3294352
REAL ESTATE FOR SALE
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36
Wednesday Journal, October 7, 2026
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AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
October 7, 2026
THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY PUBLISHED ITS FIRST QUALITY-OF-LIFE PLAN CALLED AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. (AFT) IN 2018. THIS QUARTERLY PUBLICATION DESCRIBES HOW AUSTIN COMING TOGETHER (ACT) IS SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY TO IMPLEMENT AFT AND OTHER EFFORTS.
POWER OF THE PLAN:
FOCAL PROJECTS New developments continue coming to Austin
FOCAL PROJECTS CONTINUE TO MOVE THE PLAN FORWARD PAGE B3 FOCAL PROJECTS TAKE CENTER STAGE PAGE B4 COMMIT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD, AUSTIN PAGE B7 Special thanks to these Austin Forward. Together. quality-of-life plan legacy investors:
B2 Austin Weekly News • October 7, 2026
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
Since 2010, Austin Coming Together (ACT) has facilitated collaboration to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. Today, we serve a network of 50+ organizations committed to improving the quality of life in the Austin community. Our strategic plan is called Thrive 2025 and outlines how we will mobilize our resources to achieve four impact goals by the year 2025: Quality Early Learning, Safe Neighborhoods, Living Wage Careers, and Stable Housing Markets.
ACT BOARD OF DIRECTORS
LaDarius Curtis
Director of Community Engagement, Greater Chicago Food Depository
Officers CHAIR
Deborah Williams-Thurmond
Jack Macnamara
Austin Coming Together
VICE CHAIRMAN
Directors Sharon Morgan
Director of Graduate Support & Community Outreach, Catalyst Schools
SECRETARY
Jerrod Williams
Law Clerk, Illinois Appellate Court
Leadership Darnell Shields Executive Director
Research & Evaluation Andrew Born* Senior Director of Community Impact
Mia Almond
Research Associate
Reverend Reginald E. Bachus
Naysha Alcala
Data & Systems Analyst
Alfred Jackson Community Liaison/ receptionist
Marsha Williams Office Clerk
Operations Deirdre Bates
Director of Operations
Dollie Sherman Engagement Specialist
Ethan Ramsay*
Planning and Investment Manager, Austin Forward Together
Executive Liaison
Londen Mance
Emone Moore
Arewa EKUA
Engagement Specialist
Office Administrator
BUILD Inc.
Friends of the Children
By The Hand Club For Kids
Friendship Community Development Corp. of Austin
Bethel New Life
1955–2019
Mildred Wiley
Founder & CEO, Austin Childcare Providers Network
Natalie Goodin*
Academy of Scholastic Achievement
Beat the Streets Chicago
Ruth Kimble
Dearra Williams
Erikson Institute
Be Strong Families
FOUNDING BOARD CHAIR
Service Delivery Enhancement Manager, Hub @Aspire Center
Beyond Hunger
Austin Weekly News (Growing Community Media)
1937–2020
Founder & CEO, D.W. Provision Consulting Services
Strategic Initiatives Grace Cooper Sandra Diaz* Lead Organizer
A House in Austin
Austin Community Family Center
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pastor, Friendship Baptist Church
ACT MEMBER ORGANIZATIONS
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Reginald Little
In Memoriam
Broker, State Farm Insurance
CEO, BUILD Inc.
Associate Principal, Lamar Johnson Collaborative
Business Development Specialist, Great Lakes Credit Union
Darnell Shields
Bradly Johnson
Max Komnenich
Executive Management Professional
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Larry Williams
ACT STAFF
Tenisha Jones
TREASURER
Cara Catholic Charities Chicago Austin Youth Travel Adventures Chicago Community Loan Fund City of Refuge Defy Ventures Illinois
Special Projects Manager Community Organizer
Community Resource Coordinator
Krys Cano
Community Resource Coordinator
Ariel Bland
Referral Network Coordinator
Jon Widell
Marketing and Development Specialist
Sydni Hatley
Marketing and Development Specialist * Also part of the ACT Leadership Team
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
New Moms
St. Joseph Services
West Side Forward
Kids First Chicago
OAI, Inc.
St. Leonard’s Ministries
Worldvision
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Youth Guidance Stone Community Development Corporation District, Inc.
KRA Westside American Job Center Learning Edge Tutoring (fka Cluster Tutoring)
Greater West Town Legal Aid Chicago (fka Community Development LAF) Project Manufacturing Housing Forward Renaissance i.c. stars Mary Shyrese Daycare
Open Books PCC Community Wellness Center Project Exploration Renaissance Social Services, Inc. Sarah’s Inn
South Austin Neighborhood Institute for Nonviolence Mercy Housing Lakefront Association Chicago IFF
La’Shawna Bundy Marketing & Community Land Trust Development Coordinator Robbie Gorman* Mary Whiting Director of Advancement
Maryville Academy
The Catalyst Schools
The Journey Forward The North Avenue District, Inc. Towers of Excellence
Towers of Excellence UIC Jane Addams College of Social Work VOCEL
Westside Health UIC Jane Addams College Authority of Social Work West Side Forward VOCEL
Westside Health Authority
Worldvision Youth Guidance
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
Austin Weekly News • October 7, 2026
B3
Focal projects continue to move the plan forward By Darnell Shields Executive Director, Austin Coming Together
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oo often, major development projects have reshaped neighborhoods without the input of the people living in them. The built environment is rapidly shifting, and Austin Coming Together (ACT), alongside AFT leadership, are taking proactive steps to ensure these developments benefit local residents. Focal Projects, which bring significant impact to the built environment, possess a transformative ability to advance the goals of the Austin Forward. Together (AFT) quality-of-life plan. We have established a formal review and endorsement process, ensuring transparency and placing vetting power directly into the hands of the community. By allowing residents to assess potential risks, and be sought out for buy-in and direct feedback, the process assures that these development projects align with the best interests of Austin.
Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation, which transformed a vacant school on Central and Madison into a state-of-the-art multi-use facility providing workforce development, job training, and wealth-building services to Austin. We have joined projects at various different stages in the development, and partnered in multiple ways to make sure hurdles are addressed and community voice is present. We seek to make sure these developments value community engagement and prioritize reaching all of the community residents.
landscape, it is about facilitating collaborative action and power in the community. Through our work with AFT, we have continued to center community voices and ensure that the revitalization continues to benefit the residents and those who call Austin home. As we continue into this next phase, we will support developments that go beyond simply occupying space, but actively invest in the people and their long term well being n
As a convener and steward of the Quality-of-Life plan first, and developer second, our goal goes beyond merely changing the physical
Over the first five years of the quality-of-life plan, we identified ten focal projects. With the ensuing launch of the Highlighted Agenda, we re-assessed our process and now have clearer steps for evaluation. These projects take on many shapes; from the POPCourts, which transformed a vacant lot at the corner of Chicago and Lockwood avenues into a place for activity, gathering, and commerce, 40 Acres Fresh Market, a black-woman owned grocery store creating local jobs, and bringing affordable and fresh produce to the westside, to the Photos courtesy of Lamar Johnson Collaborative
B4 Austin Weekly News • October 7, 2026
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
Focal Projects Take Center Stage: A Highlight of a Selection of Recent Focal Projects
OCTOBER 2024
JUNE 2025
OCTOBER 2025
Creating Space at 557 N. Central Avenue
The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation
North Austin Arts District
HIGHLIGHTED AGENDA INITIATIVE:
HIGHLIGHTED AGENDA INITIATIVE:
Build Resilient Commercial Corridors
Build Resilient Commercial Corridors
Build Lasting Youth Power
Advance the Aspire Initiative
Coordinate an Authentic Storytelling Campaign Creating Space 557 located at 557 N. Central Avenue is a project led by the youth-based Westside non-profit, Territory. The community art and gathering space is transforming a vacant lot near the iconic ‘Pink House’ in Austin and is creating space for intergenerational understanding, overcoming stigma, and healing. This space along with a community-painted shipping container, features a model of the ‘Pink House’. This project is rooted in a youth-led community driven design process including design studios, charettes, workshots, and gatherings initiated in 2020. Creating Space was voted on and endorsed by the AFT leaders.
B uild out the Austin Workforce Collaborative The Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation (ACWI) located at 5500 W. Madison Street is a project co-developed by Austin Coming Together and Westside Health Authority. It transformed the shuttered Emmet Elementary School into a state-of-the-art, multi-use facility where organizations provide services to residents, community leaders, and industry employers. ACWI provides workforce development, job training, and wealth-building services to Austin, and has become a hub to revitalize Central Avenue. The four Anchor Tenants are: Austin Coming Together, BMO, Jane Addams Resource Corporation, and Westside Health Authority. Legal Aid Chicago and the Freedom Defense Center of Austin are also tenants in the building.
HIGHLIGHTED AGENDA INITIATIVE: Build Resilient Commercial Corridors Coordinate an Authentic Storytelling Campaign North Austin Arts District is located on the 5500 block of West North Avenue. The arts district officially debuted with the opening of the anchor space of Third City Studio (5538 W. North Ave) in October of 2025, which is an art gallery, event space, and classroom. The space is focused on highlighting local artists, and is the first of in the multiphase plan to overhaul the mixed-use complex. The next phase, Third City Cafe, a coffee shop dedicated to becoming a “third place” for networking, social events, live performances and more, is set to open early next year. The North Austin Arts District is a collaboration of multiple organizations including Third City NFP, Third City Cafe, Third City Properties, and 5544 West North LLC. North Austin Arts District was voted on and endorsed by the AFT leaders.
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
Austin Weekly News • October 7, 2026
JUNE 2026
AUGUST 2026
SEPTEMBER 2026
Walser House
Austin HOPE Center
Laramie State Bank
HIGHLIGHTED AGENDA INITIATIVE:
HIGHLIGHTED AGENDA INITIATIVE:
HIGHLIGHTED AGENDA INITIATIVE:
Build Resilient Commercial Corridors
Build Resilient Commercial Corridors
Coordinate an Authentic Storytelling Campaign
Build Lasting Youth Power Develop a Mental Health Initiative
The Grace and Joseph Walser House is located at 42 N. Central Avenue and was acquired by Austin Coming Together in late June 2026. The Walser House is a Frank Lloyd Wright designed residence from 1903 that has sat empty since 2019, with the passing of the longtime family that lived there. The acquisition marks a major preservation milestone for the West Side and places the landmark property in the hands of a community-based organization committed to responsible stewardship. The Walser house is one of five surviving Wright-designed Prairie-style homes in Chicago.
Austin HOPE Center located at 5036 W. Chicago Avenue was co-developed by Lurie Children’s Hospital, Stone Community Development Corporation, and Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives (CNI) is a health and wellness facility in Austin providing high-quality medical care for neighborhood children and is the first pediatric specialty and behavioral health facility on the West Side, offering community-responsive health education and training, and inviting space for youth development and other local organizations. Austin HOPE Center was voted on and endorsed by the AFT leaders.
B5
Build Resilient Commercial Corridors Laramie State Bank located at 5200 W. Chicago Avenue is transforming the historic bank building. The new sixstory residential building will offer 78 affordable rental apartments. Alongside the public courtyard and open community room space, this is the first ne w multi-unit residential construction in the 37th Ward in more than fifty years. On September 10th, 2026, Oak Park Regional Housing Center (OPRHC) along with the Austin United Alliance (AUA) hosted the ribbon cutting ceremony of the residential building, which launched Phase II of the project with the restoration of the 1929 Laramie State Bank building. The bank building will feature a financial institution, a street-level cafe, gathering spaces, small business incubator, and lots of community programming.
B6 Austin Weekly News • October 7, 2026
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
With the release of the AFT Highlighted Agenda, ACT is going “on the road!” Our team will be on tour and available to co-host discussions about the new phase of Austin’s AFT quality-of-life plan and its vision and strategy, with block clubs, churches, community organizations, coalitions, etc. Other ways we’ll ensure to update the community on the progress of implementing the Highlighted Agenda are through newspaper sections like this, emails, and social media.
WE CANNOT DO THIS WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF AUSTIN RESIDENTS. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Plan Leaders Community Narrative TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Kenneth Varner
Healthy Schools Campaign
Dearra Williams
Austin Coming Together
Reesheda Nicole Berry The Kindred Civic Arts Forum STRATEGY LEADS
Cindy Gray Schneider Spaces-n-Places
Maria Sorrell
Community Resident
Megan Hinchy
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Andraya Yousfi
By the Hand Club for Kids
Jai Jones
Economic Development
Adrienne Otkins
TASK FORCE CHAIR
United Way and Community Resident Community Resident
Roxanne Charles
Michael Romain
West Side Forward
The Culture
STRATEGY LEADS
Keli Stewart
Emily Peters
Front Porch Arts Center
Imani Lewis
Civic Researcher
Kenn Cook
Westside Historical Collective
Jane Addams Resource Corporation
Tina Augustus
Community Resident
Melissa O’Dell Defy Ventures
Fanya Buford-Berry
Community Resident
Education
Housing
Public Safety
TASK FORCE CHAIR
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
TASK FORCE CHAIRS
Charles Anderson
Athena Williams
Langston Harris
Michele Clark High School
Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Allison McGowan
Project Exploration
Deondre Rutues
Community Resident
Rutues Center for Business & People Development
Director of Parent University
STRATEGY LEADS
STRATEGY LEADS
Shirley Fields
Ruth Kimble
Community Resident
Edwina Hamilton
STRATEGY LEADS
Pam Price
Austin Childcare Providers Network
Cata Truss
Community Resident
Rosie Dawson Westside Health Authority
BUILD Inc.
Jose Abonce
The Policing Project
Ruby Taylor Taproots, Inc.
Youth Empowerment TASK FORCE CHAIR
Kenya Hawkins
Community Stakeholder STRATEGY LEADS
Aisha Oliver Root2Fruit
Helen Slade Territory NFP
Dollie Sherman
Austin Coming Together
Chris Thomas YourPassion1st
Baxter Swilley
Civic Engagement
Ed Coleman
TASK FORCE CHAIR
Community Stakeholder Austin Chamber of Commerce
Nikea Banks Community Resident
INTERESTED IN JOINING AN IMPLEMENTATION TASK FORCE? Contact ACT’s Lead Organizer Grace Cooper at gcooper@austincomingtogether.org
Deborah Williams-Thurmond D.W. Provision Consulting Services
AUSTIN FORWARD. TOGETHER. 2026 QUARTER 3
Austin Weekly News • October 7, 2026
B7
Commit to a Neighborhood, Austin Living wage jobs are coming to the community
By Jonathan Widell Austin Coming Together
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rue commitment to Austin requires sustained investment in our people, organizations, and community-led plan, AFT. That principle is at the heart of ITW and United Way of Metro Chicago’s Commit to a Neighborhood initiative. Launched in 2022, Commit to a Neighborhood —a 5-year, $2.5 million investment plan in support of the Austin and Belmon-Cragin communities, brings together business, nonprofit organizations, and workforce training providers with a shared goal of creating livingwage employment opportunities and ensuring West Side residents can access them. Nonprofit partners including Cara, West Side Forward, Manufacturing Renaissance, Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC), and Austin Coming Together (ACT) each bring different resources and expertise to the collaborative.
workforce development, and economic growth for the Austin community. From the beginning, the initiative has focused on both individual opportunity and broader systems change. Creating jobs is important, but so is building the community infrastructure that connects residents to those jobs and supports continued economic investment. This is the larger goal of Commit to a Neighborhood: not simply bringing jobs into Austin, but building the connections that allow Austin residents to benefit from that investment. Workforce training, community infrastructure, employer investment, and access to living-wage jobs are being strengthened together rather than in isolation.
That approach is taking shape through two major investments: ITW’s acquisition and redevelopment of a major industrial property in Austin and the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation (ACWI). ITW’s redevelopment is bringing new employment opportunities into Austin Coming Together (ACT) serves as the the neighborhood, while ACWI is strengthening lead agency partner in the Austin Neighborhood the workforce infrastructure that helps residents Network for United Way. This partnership prepare for, connect to, and succeed in those between public and private, and nonprofit opportunities. organizations, has brought living wage jobs,
In the past year, 14 Austin residents have been hired by ITW through the Commit to a Neighborhood initiative. Those hires are an early, tangible result of this coordinated approach between industry, philanthropy, and community and a sign of how sustained investment creates change. n
Since 2010, ACT has harnessed the power of collective impact to improve education and economic development outcomes in Chicago’s Austin community. We are the backbone support agency for a network of 50+ member organizations, and we stewarded the creation and implementation of Austin’s first-ever quality-ofplife plan called Austin Foward. Together (AFT) due to our support of large community devleopment projects.
Austin families deserve to thrive.
Show them how you care.
Your support helps Austin by sustaining ACT and our AFT Initiatives Donate or learn more: AustinComingTogether.org/AustinCares