Banks of our past
A lecture series on historically significant properties in Forest Park continues this month with a June 20 presentation on financial institutions. The municipal Historical Preservation Commission will host the Saturday morning talk on the former Forest Park State Bank and the former Harlem State Savings Bank. Both buildings now host other businesses. The former Roosevelt Trust and Savings Bank will also be included in the lecture.
Request for parking denied
Village council members voted to deny a property owner’s request to create off-street parking at her 447 Marengo home, going against recommendations from the building department. The June 8 ruling apparently ends a prolonged effort on the part of the homeowner, Sharon Daly, who has said she’s worked to understand the regulations governing her property.
Daly’s case was highlighted by the Review in February as an example of the sometimes confusing property laws in Forest Park. In February, Commissioner Mike Curry had vowed reforms, but the subject of zoning and building codes has been almost entirely absent from council discussions. Daly’s request failed by a vote of 4-1. Commissioner Rory Hoskins cast the minority tally.
The discussion will be held in the lower level of village hall, 517 Desplaines, and begins at 10:30 a.m.
Nail salon to replace clothier
A storefront vacated earlier this month by a children’s clothing boutique is expected to soon be occupied by a nail salon. Julie Morley, co-owner of the small space at 408 Thomas in Constitution Court, said a new tenant is in line. 1st Nail is the name of the salon that Morley said will open in the coming weeks. Neither Morley nor the owner of the business said they knew exactly when the salon would open, but expect that once a few renovations are made, 1st Nail would open sometime in July.
Morley’s previous tenant, Krazy About Kids, is in the process of relocating to an Oak Park address. That business will change its name to Ga-Ga Girls Boutique and deal exclusively in clothing and accessories for young girls.