Shuttle Adds Larger, More Accessible
Vehicle
The Oak Park
Shuttle has replaced one of its five-passenger vans with a new
11-passenger vehicle that offers easier access —
especially for elderly passengers and those with wheelchairs.
PACE, the suburban bus system operator, is providing the larger
vehicle in recognition of the shuttle’s success
attracting riders. The new vehicle will allow riders to stand
up when walking to seats and people using wheelchairs to enter
and exit curbside rather than through a rear door as is
necessary with the smaller vehicle. The new shuttle is likely
to be especially appreciated during the holiday shopping season
when hours are extended to 9:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and
Saturdays. The extended holiday hours will remain in effect
through Friday, Dec. 30, except Christmas Eve. Regular shuttle
hours of 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. will remain in effect for Sunday
through Wednesday, including Christmas Eve. The Shuttle will
not operate on Christmas or New Years Day. A Village-sponsored,
free transit service, the shuttle route includes 21 stops at
30-minute intervals along an eight-mile course that includes
easy access to key mass transit train, elevated and bus routes.
The larger vehicle will operate as Shuttle No. 2, which starts
at 10:30 a.m. at Stop 1 located at the Green Line Station on
South Boulevard at Oak Park Avenue and ends there at 5:30 p.m.
on regular days, and 9:30 p.m. during the extended holiday
hours. Stops are marked by signs including a route map, a list
of attractions near each stop and the arrival time of each of
the two vans. The maps also note nearby mass transit connection
options. For the most up-to-date information call 615.1830. A
route map and schedule also is posted at www.oak-park.us.
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New local landmarks approved
Two local
buildings have been designated as Oak Park Landmarks, bringing
the total to 29. Oak Park’s newest landmarks are the
First United Methodist Church, 324 N. Oak Park Ave. (Tallmadge
& Watson, 1923) and the Maze Branch Library, 845 Gunderson
Ave. (Elmer C. Roberts, 1936). Historic landmark status is
awarded to a property that meets certain architectural or
historic standards. Designation recognizes that the property is
significant to Oak Park and its historic character and
architecture should be preserved for future generations.
Landmark status also brings eligibility for tax incentives, as
well as technical assistance and architectural advice from the
Historic Preservation Commission. For more information, call
358.5425 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.
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Community News
Help paying utility bills available
Residents having difficulty paying their
gas and electric bills can contact the Oak Park Township to
learn about assistance programs that could help. Township staff
can help file applications for the Low
Income Energy Assistance Program
which pays a portion of an income-eligible individual’s
gas and electric bill based on factors such as age, disability
and number of persons in the household. Applications for a
program to help pay for repair of a non-working furnace also
are taken at Oak Park Township Senior Services, along with
information on a gas sharing payment program sponsored by NICOR. For more
information, stop by the Township office at 105 S. Oak Park Ave.,
call 383.8060, visit www.oakparktownship.org or email town@oakparktownship.org.
School District 97 seeking community input
Elementary School District 97 is seeking
broad community participation in a strategic planning
process to set direction for the next five years. For
more information, visit www.op97.org for dates and
times of focus groups and for other ways to become involved.
For more information call 524.3000.
If the Village calls…pick up
If you get a telephone call and your
caller ID says it is from the Village of Oak Park, please pick
up. It could be a call from the Village’s automated
emergency notification system. Sometimes described as
“reverse 911,” the notification system allows
simultaneous notification of residents via telephone. Calls
also can be directed to special teams and crews, specific
groups of residents or a specific geographic area of the
Village. The system could be used to notify residents of
mosquito abatement efforts, missing persons or emergency
situations. Tests are conducted periodically throughout the
Village from time to time to ensure the system is working
properly. For more information, call the Department of Public
Health at 358.5480 or email health@oak-park.us.