Family’s grief made easier

The Thompson family would like to express our deepest gratitude during this very difficult time. Thank you to the mayor, Anthony Calderone, for all his kind words and especially the dedication of Wilcox Street to Beverly Thompson Way. Words cannot express our appreciation.

Beverly had a very large family of friends who meant a great deal to her, the senior community, her friends at the community center, the fire department, and the village hall. With such a large family we didn’t feel alone with our grief, it was a comfort to share it with everyone.

We also have to thank Beverly’s best friend Sandy Byrnes, for without her and all her efforts we wouldn’t have been able to accomplish everything that needed to be done. Last, but definitely not least, Beverly’s other family, the wonderful block of Wilcox, who have been a tremendous comfort to Lou. Thank you Kathleen Ryan and everyone.

Beverly was unstoppable and truly loved her community and everyone she worked with, thank you for all your support it has been a great comfort.

Lou, Julie and Mike Thompson
Forest Park, Berwyn, Lakemoor

Talks go silent

Commissioner Curry (and our unfortunate non-imaginary zoning conversation):

“Yes my citizen brethren, I will call you tomorrow.

…………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

……………………………….. “Indeed! Get right back to you” …………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

“Hang tight, ‘ol chum” ………………………….

…………………………………………………………..

…………………………………….. (and, enter tumbleweed) ………………………………………………

Michael Garman
Forest Park

Frustrating process

Our zoning variance process is costly – a ridiculous amount of time is involved and the costs are significant.

I started discussions with the Building Department and the village council before Memorial Day! I thought I had to live in Oak Park for this much stonewalling and bureaucracy.

It costs a fair bit of money for the homeowner:

Variance application = $150

Public notice ad = $94

Court reporter = hard to say, but three years ago I paid $302.88 for a zoning hearing

Plan review = no way to estimate, as the process can include:

  • JoEllen Charlton’s service ($140/hr)
  • Village civil and/or traffic engineering (?)
  • Attorney fees (?)
  • Document preparation (?)
  • Filing fees (?)

Ironic that, earlier in the year, the village council considered waiving the $100 permit fee to build a garage. Hardship to owners, you know.

Although I am jealous of their normalcy, the new garage at 501 Marengo is finished and looks great! My garage is still being “researched.” My case is not on the November agenda, so maybe December. Or January.

Our tax dollars and village resources are being foolishly spent trying to prevent my two-car garage on my large lot, which is a block from Madison, which needs more parking, which the village recently attempted to create through eminent domain. No, I don’t understand either.

Again, additional details and all aspects of the 1998 down-zoning are being discussed on ForestParkForums.com. There is a YouTube up – the council’s pre-election thoughts on this issue from the Forest Park Review’s 2007 candidate debate.

Sharon Daly
Forest Park