When the first graders at Longfellow School officially adopted an Oak Park firefighter, little did they know that one of the first lesson’s message of get out and stay out would play a key role when a fire swept through an apartment building this fall in east-central Oak Park.
One of the young...
Technology will play a key role in 2016, as the Village of Oak Park’s new fiscal year municipal budget focuses on maintaining service levels, while enhancing the quality of services provided.
New software solutions are planned for 2016 to streamline permitting, inspections and licensing, making it...
This chart provides a general overview of funding for Village of Oak Park municipal services. The chart also show how property tax dollars are distributed among the various taxing bodies Oak Parker property owners help to fund. The full Village budget is posted on this website.
Oak Park was one of the first municipalities in the country to make diversity a matter of public policy. Following each two-year election cycle since a Diversity Statement was first adopted in 1973, the Village Board demonstrates its support of the high ideals embodied in the statement by...
Smaller carts – Oak Parkers who opt for a refuse cart the same size as the recycling container can save $5.28 per month, or $15.84 on each quarterly bill under the new rate structure. About a third of residences served by the Village hauling contractor have chosen this option since it was first...
The Fire Department offers free child safety seat inspections. Parents of young children should email carseat@oak-park.us to schedule an inspection. Parents will need to bring their vehicle owner’s manual and car seat manufacturer’s manual along with the seat they wish to have inspected. Residents...
The Village Board is seeking volunteers to serve on the many advisory boards and commissions that help research important issues, gather public input and provide valuable perspectives on a wide range of pending policy decisions. Current needs include a structural engineer or fire safety...
The first comprehensive review of Village zoning regulations since 2002 continues, as efforts focus on revisions to better align local laws with recommendations in Envision Oak Park, the community’s long-range comprehensive plan adopted last year. Camiros Ltd., a Chicago-based planning and zoning...
The winter months are the perfect time to plan for spring or summer remodeling projects, both business and residential. The Development Customer Services Department’s one-stop approach means getting answers to all questions at one time.
Anyone considering opening a business, designing an addition,...
June may seem like a long way from January, but planning already is well underway for A Day in Our Village, Oak Park’s annual festival celebrating diversity and community involvement. This year’s event is scheduled for Sun., June 5.
A variety of volunteers are needed to help promote and staff the...
The Park District of Oak Park introduced a new logo to the community in December, updating its look to better represent today’s parks, modern facilities and innovative programs.
The new logo, an update to the logo that served the organization for more than 50 years, is made up of many parts similar...
The Park District’s annual celebration of winter is set for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sat., Jan. 30, in Taylor Park, 400 W. Division St. Winterfest offers free, old-fashioned outdoor fun, ice skating, music and food. Ice skates may be rented for $1, but availability will be limited. Visit www.pdop.org for...
If you are suffering from the winter blues, the Oak Park Conservatory, 615 Garfield St. (at East Avenue, just south of I-290) could be just what you need. Visitors can indulge in the oxygen-rich air, while listening to the sounds of birds and waterfalls, and enjoying scents of Azalea, orange...
U.S. citizens with the proper identification can register to vote online at www.cookcountyclerk.com/elections/registertovote or during regular hours at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Village Hall is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays. Voter registration also is...
With the recently approved amendments to the Village’s Vacant Building Ordinance, buildings now need remain unoccupied for only six months before they may be classified as vacant. The new, shorter timeline will allow Village staff to act more efficiently to prevent negative impacts on neighboring...
Property owners who shovel their sidewalks are doing more than making it safer for pedestrians of all ages — they also are complying with the law. Village ordinance requires snow and ice to be removed from the public sidewalk within 24 hours following any snow, sleet or freezing rain. Being a good...
Warming centers are open from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. at West Suburban Medical Center, Erie Street at Austin Boulevard, and from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rush Oak Park Hospital, 500 S. Maple Ave. Hours may be extended when weather conditions warrant.
To find out if the warming center is open after hours...
The Village has specific rules that govern parking when it snows — rules that are enforced seven days a week, including holidays. Residents are urged to monitor local forecasts and plan accordingly. When snow exceeds two inches, all parking is prohibited on the main streets posted as snow routes....
**The Village no longer collects holiday lights for recycling. This archived newsletter article is from 2015.
Eligible residents can recycle holiday lights by scheduling a pickup through At Your Door Service. Visit www.oak-park.us/atyourdoor for more information on how to schedule a pickup. ...
The Village’s refuse hauler will collect holiday trees during the weeks of January 4 and 11. Trees will be picked up at regular collection points on regularly scheduled days if they are free of decorations and stands.
Only residents with no alley should put trees at the curb. Since all trees...
