Circle Ave. rail stop slated for upgrades
With federal money funneled through the state, Forest Park could see a commuter station on Circle Avenue upgraded so that passengers of the Chicago Transit Authority’s elevated train can enter and exit at the location. Currently, el riders can use the site as an exit only.
The Illinois Department of Transportation is expected to release the funding this summer, according to Village Administrator Mike Sturino, enabling the CTA to do the renovations. No village funds will be applied to the project, but local officials did have to provide the CTA with information that substantiates the need for greater access at the site. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2009.
Liquor ordinance sees small changes
As a housekeeping item that echoes state law, village council members voted recently to adopt an amendment to the liquor code allowing 18 year olds to serve alcoholic drinks. The provision prohibits anyone younger than 21 from pouring or mixing an alcoholic beverage, but expressly states that waiters and waitresses between the ages of 18 and 20 are permitted to serve the drinks.
Also, council members adopted a regulation that requires that doors and windows be closed during the performance of live music at any establishment where liquor is sold. Both provisions were approved at the May 27 council meeting.
Advisory group takes up name game
How the community might choose names for the various municipal parks was discussed by the Recreation Board earlier this month, and members are looking for ways to spur village-wide participation. Commissioner Marty Tellalian, who also holds a seat on the advisory board, said the process is in its preliminary stages following a June 3 meeting, and there is no timeline for making a final decision. At the board’s next meeting in July it is expected that a more concrete plan for naming the anonymous spaces will be debated. Among the interest groups from which recommendations may be sought are schools and businesses, said Tellalian.
There are four unnamed parks within the village. A fifth park, Veteran’s Park, is located at the junction of Circle and Lehmer streets.
Disabilities group marks 20 years
An advocacy group for disabled residents, the Progress Center for Independent Living, will host its annual meeting this month in recognition of 20 years of work. In addition to celebrating the center’s efforts, attendees will learn how they can help further the quality of lives of disabled residents. Federal legislation will be discussed and local elected officials are encouraged to attend, according to a statement released by the Progress Center.
The June 21 event will be held at the Howard Mohr Community Center on Jackson Boulevard from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The Progress Center for Independent Living is located at 7521 Madison St.
