Commercial Zoning Update, Garden Walk, Fire Department Blood Drive, and More!

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Dear River Forest residents,

Thank you to everyone who attended our Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony this past Monday. We extend our gratitude to the River Forest Public Library for hosting the event, to the speakers who generously gave their time, local elected officials including Mayor Katrina Thompson, our very own resident who continues to motivate and educate us, Dr. Radford-Hill, members of the clergy, vendors, and our Public Safety employees. Your support, along with that of the community and surrounding neighborhoods, made this event truly special. If you were unable to attend the event, you can watch the Ceremony here.

I encourage residents to attend the 30th annual Garden Walk, hosted by the Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest and Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory. The event will benefit programs at Oak Park River Forest High School and takes place this Sunday, June 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More information and tickets are available here and in an article below.

In July, the Village Board will be considering an extension to an agreement with MC Squared Energy Services to continue administering the electric aggregation program through 2026. Since the program began in 2020, more than 2800 accounts in town have enrolled in the program, resulting in River Forest being recognized as an EPA Green Power Partner Community. Residents and small businesses enrolled in the program will continue to pay the same rate for electricity supply as the monthly ComEd rates, and ComEd remains responsible for energy supply and repairs. This program is an example of our commitment to sustainability. Read more about the program here.

Lastly, FLAMINGO FRIDAYS ARE BACK. See below for more information on Flamingo Friday in River Forest.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Commercial Zoning Update

At last Monday’s Village Board meeting (June 17), the Board voted unanimously to accept the Zoning Board of Appeals’ (ZBA) recommendation regarding commercial zoning district regulations.

On November 17, 2023, the Board unanimously voted to direct Village staff to explore and discuss potential changes with the Zoning Board. After several meetings where residents expressed concern over some of the changes, the ZBA voted to deny zoning changes across the board, however, emphasized compromise to allow for economic development. Therefore, the Village will continue to evaluate development proposals on a case-by-case basis using our robust planned development review process and our independent Development Review Board (DRB) of volunteer residents. The Board will not consider any further zoning changes to our zoning code at this time.

Stabilizing property taxes remains a primary goal for the Village, and we will continue to seek out ways to expand our tax base. You can learn more about the decision here.

Lake & Lathrop Update

Earlier this month, the presiding judge of the Lake & Lathrop Foreclosure case granted the Village’s motion to dismiss a counterclaim against the Village. A contractor on the project believed the Village still owed money on the project, which is not the case. The Village provided funding for the successful environmental remediation of the site; that phase was completed in 2021. The foreclosure case between Wintrust and Lake & Lathrop Partners continues, with the next status hearing scheduled for June 27. Wintrust continues to be responsible for all costs associated with this project.

Garden Walk

The Garden Club of Oak Park and River Forest and Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory will host their 30th Annual Garden Walk from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 23. Those attending should bring their ticket receipts to either the Cheney Mansion or the Oak Park Conservatory on the day of the event. Ticket holders can exchange their receipts for a garden guide, which is required for admission into each garden. Tickets sales benefit programs at Oak Park River Forest High School. To learn more click here.

Flamingo Fridays Are Back!

What Is Flamingo Friday?

Flamingo Friday was put together with the understanding that neighborhoods need to interact and have fun in the summertime. Each week one person puts the Flamingo on their lawn. This signifies that they will host the Flamingo Friday Party on Friday night.

The host provides the yard or driveway, a table, and an ice bucket or cooler for BYOB, along with any optional offerings. Everyone else does BYOB (bring your own beverages, cups and snacks), socializes and has fun on a summer night - that’s it!

THE NEXT FLAMINGO FRIDAY IS ON JUNE 28 ON THE FISHMAN'S DRIVEWAY AND PORCH from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome! Volunteer to host or learn more at the Flamingo Friday website .

Fire Department

Blood Drive

Save the date! The River Forest Fire Department will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, on the apparatus floor at 400 Park Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments are recommended. Please make sure to hydrate, eat well, and bring along your ID if you plan on making a donation. You can learn more here.

Chris Welch Annual

Job Fair

Join Illinois House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch for his annual job fair on Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Proviso Math and Science Academy in Forest Park. Rep. Welch will be connecting local job seekers with employers during this free event. This is a great opportunity to put your resume in front of multiple agencies and local companies that are looking to hire. For more information, click here.

2024 Vehicle Stickers

Vehicle stickers for 2024-2025 are now available for purchase. Updated stickers need to be affixed to windshields by Sunday, July 14, to avoid late fees and citations. The Village is now offering an active military or veteran discount on vehicle stickers. All vehicles registered in Illinois with a River Forest address must also be registered with the Village through the purchase of a vehicle sticker. PLEASE NOTE: The following penalties apply if the sticker is purchased after July 14:

July 15 to August 14: $10
August 15 to October 14: $15
After October 15: $20

For more information or to purchase a sticker online, click here.

Eco-Friendly Laundry

Shopping for a new washer? Consider going front-loading!

Use less water
Gentle on your clothes
Saves detergent - just teaspoons needed!

Did you know detergent pods have five times the soap you need? That's extra soap dulling your colors and making your clothes scratchy! Say NO to fabric softeners and dryer sheets – they coat your clothes with harmful chemicals and silicone, making stains tougher to remove. Keep your clothes fresh and breathable!

River Forest Business Spotlight!

Lynch Dental Center provides exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere. They offer exams, teeth whitening, crowns and bridges, Invisalign, fillings, porcelain veneers and more! For additional information or to schedule an appointment, click here.

Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.