3 minute read
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development news and notes
Extreme Heat
Advertisement
As summer and warmer weather approaches, the Village wants to remind residents about things they can do to prepare for extreme heat. To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan. • Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary. • Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation. • Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. • Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in. • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.) • Keep storm windows up all year. • Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes. • Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help. • Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas. • Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.
Information above was prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more tips on what to do during and after thunderstorms and lightning, please check the FEMA’s website at http://www.ready.gov/heat
Oversize Vehicles
Please be aware that owners/ occupants of residential properties may not store or park any vehicle which is licensed to operate as a trucktractor, a semi-trailer, a truck bearing a class D license or above (as defined in the Illinois Vehicle Code) or tow truck bearing a license in the Village. The only exception to this rule is if the vehicle is making a delivery or a service call, unless prior permission has been obtained from the chief of police or his/her designee.
Real Estate Sales
Did you know that the Village requires all properties to have a compliance inspection prior to sale?
The Certificate of Compliance Program is designed to help protect the lives and property of the community, along with preserving the property values in Westchester. This program monitors the life safety, fire and plumbing codes of all residential properties, which include single-family, duplex and multi-family properties and commercial properties at the time of ownership change.
If you are considering selling your property, you must apply for a certificate of compliance. You should call us as soon as possible to make sure there are no surprises when you are getting close to closing. The property owner or his/her agent must complete and submit an application.
The application for a Compliance Inspection is available on our website or from the Community Development Department Staff. The inspection fee must be paid prior to scheduling the appointment.
If you are curious about what the inspector will be looking for, you can find the inspection checklist online at the Village’s website www. westchester-il.org, on the Community Development/Building page under Building Permitting.
From Trustee Carl Celestino
Cook County Board Honors Westchester’s Food Pantry
On April 24th a resolution sponsored by Cook County Board Commissioner Richard R. Boykin and passed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the entire Board of Commissioners of Cook County honoring and recognizing the Westchester Food Pantry for their commitment to feeding hungry families.
This resolution recognized that the Westchester Food Pantry which has been in existence for over twenty years and serves over 200 families a month.
Under the leadership and direction of Westchester residents Amanda Grant and Kathleen Franzwa, the dedication given by the Board of Directors and key members and staff, and driven by volunteers who are dedicated to feeding the hungry families of seven communities the Westchester Food Pantry has emerged as the fastest-growing food pantry in the western suburbs.
Amanda and Kathleen as well as members of the Board of Directors and key members of the Food Pantry were present at the Official Meeting and were asked by the Cook County Board President, Commissioner Boykin as several members of the Board of Commissioners to join them at the podium to receive this Resolution personally.
A official copy will be made and placed at Westchester’s Village Hall.
