• Busy as bees: The village is gearing up for its summer construction. If you notice people out and about it is because the town is shaking off the winter blues and kicking it into high gear. First and foremost is the VIP Program, the village-wide infrastructure improvements program, which Village Administrator Michael Sturino says is in the engineering and design phase, with surveyors out at the phase I streets. For those streets (see graphic), construction is anticipated to begin in August. Streets and alleys not done this year will be done next spring.
• 50/50 Sidewalk Program: Commissioner Theresa Steinbach said village has also begun accepting applications for the 50/50 sidewalk program (the village and the homeowner split the cost). For information on the program or to apply, stop by village hall or call 366-2323 x151 and ask for Katie Murphy.
• CMAQ Traffic Improvement: The Congestion Mitigation Air Quality project for Desplaines Avenue from Harrison Street to Wilcox Street is, Sturino reports, a joint effort between the village and the state and is aimed at increasing traffic flow patterns on Desplaines Avenue. You will notice temporary traffic control devices installed between Harrison Street and Jackson Boulevard during construction, Sturino reports. When completed in August, you will see new conduits, traffic control devices and overhead poles and a new crosswalk at the CTA entrance on Desplaines Avenue.
A large bump will also be installed on the southeast corner of Desplaines Avenue and Harrison Street and the radius at the northeast corner of Desplaines Avenue and Harrison will be “modified to allow room for westbound traffic on Harrison Street to turn onto northbound Desplaines Avenue,” Sturino reports.
In addition, the “concrete median from Van Buren Street to Jackson Boulevard along Desplaines Avenue will be replaced with a designated left turn lane for westbound Jackson Boulevard,” he adds. Finally, parking will be eliminated on Desplaines Avenue southbound between Jackson Boulevard and Wilcox Street on the west side of the street”that side will then become a driving lane.
• TV Time: All village council meetings will now be broadcast on Fridays at noon on channel 6 cable access, Mayor Anthony Calderone announced during the June 13 village council meeting. The schedule is set for June, but in July, expect the a revised airtime, possibly in the afternoon.
• Summer hours: School District 91 is announcing summer hours for their schools, effective immediately and lasting until the end of the summer on Aug. 29. The offices will be open from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Change the date: The park board meeting scheduled for July 7 will be moved to July 14, so don’t show up on the 7th or you’ll be standing alone at the park.
• Meanwhile, in those other towns:
Mostly Music presents an Oak Park Children’s Concert with violinist David Yonan and pianist Stuart Leitch, Saturday, June 18 at 3 p.m. at 647 Linden Ave., home of Heather, Sheila and Jim Mack. The program includes Paganini’s Caprices, as well as other classical and Broadway selections, followed by an outdoor garden reception with the artists. $10/$5 children. Please call Sheila at 386-1345 for reservations.
Patriotic Pops Concert and Ice Cream Social, Saturday, June 25 at Concordia University, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest (in front of the pillars on Augusta St. at Clinton Pl.). Ice cream starts at 6 p.m., with a concert by the Concordia University Band at 7 p.m. Ice cream and toppings cost $5 for adults and teens/$2 ages 6-12/free age 5 and under. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs. www.curf.edu.
• Hawaiian Beach Party: The Youth Commission has a hot lineup this summer, starting with the Hawaiian Beach Party for the end-of-school-year bash. The event is scheduled for June 17, 6 p.m. Also in the works is a Road Rally at the end of the summer and a Talent Show, scheduled for July 20. Rude or crude talents need not apply.
Carpe Diem, Forest Park!
