Mayor Rory Hoskins put out a letter to residents, headed “Goodbye and good riddance to 2020,’ reflecting on the year, offering hope for the next one, and thanking Forest Park as a village for efforts to help curb the spread of COVID-19.
Residents, Hoskins wrote, learned to wear masks and social distance. They “sacrificed and adjusted to the new public health practices” put forth as a result of the pandemic. They adjusted to remote learning and became familiar with participating in Zoom meetings.
It was with the help of village department heads and staff, Hoskins said, that such adjustments were possible.
“We came together as a community and supported our local businesses, neighbors, and our food pantry,” wrote Hoskins.
He thanked the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce for keeping the Madison Street and Roosevelt Road corridors attractive and businesses connected.
He looked forward to 2021, saying vaccinations are on the way, and mentioned infrastructure projects planned for the new year, including sewer and bridge improvements, a green parking lot across from village hall, and the pedestrian path along Van Buren Street.
“These improvements are due to aggressive pursuit of grant opportunities and careful budget management. We should celebrate our future plans,” Hoskins wrote, thanking the heads of public works, health and safety, finance, and staff.
Changes are inevitable, especially with new leadership coming to Forest Park. Hoskins thanked Tim Gillian, who is retiring this month, but said “residents can be assured that the village of Forest Park has a bench of leaders who are prepared to move our community forward.”
“I cannot be more proud during these unforeseen circumstances to serve as your mayor,” concludes the letter, which can be found in full on the village’s website at forestpark.net.
