A Great Place to Live, Shop, Work & Play!
The Village of Elmwood Park, stepping up to the Plate for a Better and Safe Elmwood Park Village!
Elmwood Park routinely works with state and federal officials on regional projects. Village President Silvestri joins Governor Quinn on announcing progress of a massive Public Works programing in Illinois
Village officials join Angelo Caputo at grand opening of Caputos at Grand and Harlem
Village President and Congressmen Mike Quigley join staff and students from Elmwood Park Middle School at Village Hall
Village’s commitment to more open space and recreation began with Central Park in 1997.
The Village has purchase former EP Presbyterian Church for future park.
By Andrew Guzaldo
I
n a day of challenges to government, especially financially, the Village of Elmwood Park is meeting the challenges and avoiding problems through innovation and cooperation. President Peter Silvestri, Village Clerk Elsie Sutter and the Board of Trustees, along with their administrators, have initiated a variety of interesting and innovative ideas and programs and working on more. On the public safety front, the village budget includes an additional police officer and participation in the Cook County Sheriff’s multi jurisdictional gang unit and a west suburban regional anti gang and drug unit. Under the leadership of a new police chief, former Deputy Chief Frank Fagiano, the police department is devising even more ways to combat crime. Long time Police Chief Tom Braglia retired in August. Pubic finances are under control as the village administration conservative approach has resulted in a balanced budget. The Board recently approved a PACE mini bus service for the community. Details to follow. In addition, the village is developing the implementation of greater flood prevention controls through the comprehensive flood mitigation plan developed by Christopher Burke Engineering and will consider other options in September. Although the village applied for federal funds to fund the $10 million program, approval is not guaranteed so the village is developing other options to fund the plan. Another grant was received to develop environmentally friendly permeable alleys on two blocks. This experimental project could result in additional alleys being developed in this manner to let more water sink into the ground. A multi unit residential recycling ordinance is also being considered as apartment and condo buildings are currently exempt from recycling. The village received state conservation funds to purchase the former Elmwood Park Presbyterian Church property on Armitage and 76th Avenues for a passive park and has applied for development funds from the State also. Project funds have also been approved by the State for beatification and streetscape of the Belmont Avenue business district on the 7700 blocks. The goal is to spur economic development on the Belmont Avenue corridor. This year was truly exciting in the community, as the village hosted a winter concert, concerts in the park, a 4th of July parade, concert and fireworks display, and a revised “Taste of Elmwood Park”. A September 11th 10-year commemorative ceremony featuring bands, children and teens, and the fire and police departments will be featured in the evening at Central Park. A one-day Farmers Market will be held on the afternoon of the 11th at Central Park also. The services of the Oak Park Farmers Market coordinator have been secured to develop the Market. The Village Board also secured the volunteer services of Diane Kmiecik, former trust’ee, as a community liaison’s to work with special cases, regarding residents needs. Long time community activist Angela Stranges, who was elected with incumbents Alan Kaminski and Carmen Forte in April Angela Stranges replaced trustee Diane Kmiecik, who did not seek re-election. With trustees Alan Bennett, Sam LaBarbera and Jeff Sargent, a new program entitled “Trustees in the Hall” began in August. The program will have one trustee at the Village Hall each Saturday from 10am to noon to hear comments, concerns and suggestions from residents.
Elmwood Park is a great place to live, with events and activities for people of all ages. Your departments at the village hall, public works, police and fire, parks and recreation make this village clean, safe, fun and economically sound. Elmwood Park is committed to economic redevelopment of their commercial areas, modernizing and maximizing their police and fire services, making the village better and safer, place for all its residents and visitors. If you have any questions please contact http://elmwoodpark.org/ 46 /Fall 2011