It is a missed opportunity as a prime development parcel on Roosevelt Road is turned over to yet another branch of the military. How long the Illinois National Guard will lay claim to the six-acre site at 7402 Roosevelt is anyone’s guess. But when the transfer of the land from the Armed Forces Reserve to the Illinois Army National Guard is approved by the Army Corp of Engineers, the timeline will be open-ended.
There is no criticism here. While Forest Park leaders have been eyeing this land for about 20 years as a redevelopment site, it is tough to intervene in the machinations of the federal government.
It was Mayor Tony Calderone who first saw the potential for residential and commercial projects on a site that has long seemed like an afterthought to any grand military purpose. He made the appropriate efforts when the Navy moved out to position Forest Park as the likely winning bidder if the feds ever gave up the property.
They didn’t give it up, and the Army took up residence, though there seldom seemed to be much activity on the site. It has sat vacant since 2022.
Mayor Rory Hoskins set his sights on the property then. But his preliminary plan to move all village government functions — municipal offices, police, fire, public works — to the site has never made sense for a cash-strapped village government. And while the existing village facilities are best classified as under-maintained, the Roosevelt Road site calls out for tax-producing projects.
This is Forest Park’s second major commercial street and the largest producer of sales and property tax revenue, lined with Walmart and car dealerships.
Someday, the opportunity to grab this parcel will come around. We’re confident Forest Park will eventually find a way to control or purchase the site and integrate it into the village’s funding stream.
A native garden
There is a happier outcome on a worthy small project on Desplaines Avenue, across from the under-maintained village hall. With a grant from of all places the National Association of Realtors, Forest Park is about to plant a pollinator garden on the street-facing portion of the village parking lot.
The village is planning a robust mix of native plants specially chosen to attract bees and hummingbirds. It will create an appealing and sustainable ecosystem that is just another small step in loving this planet.
The garden will also retain rainwater, which is always a welcome incremental step to reduce flood risks.
Good job by the village to make this plan. We’re looking forward to seeing the garden planted and then watching it bloom as the summer arrives.