OP/FYI for February 2004 -- Page 3 -- Oak Park, IL

A free seminar to help prospective first-time homebuyers understand loan programs available in Oak Park is scheduled for 7 - 8:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 19 in room 101 of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Financial assistance programs will be explained and participants will receive a free packet of helpful information. Pre-registration is required. Call 358.5408 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.

Renters can learn about their rights and responsibilities at an informational seminar scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Tues., March 30, in Council Chambers of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Panelists from various Village government departments will provide handouts, including the Tenant Handbook. Call 358.5409 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.

A revised and updated booklet to help homeowners insulate their homes to reduce outside noise is now available from the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission and the Chicago Department of Aviation. The free 30-page booklet, entitled Sound Insulating Your Home, includes detailed diagrams, photos and numerous suggestions for reducing noise inside homes, as well as a list of suppliers who offer acoustical windows and doors. A free copy of the booklet is available by writing to the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, P.O. Box 1126, Des Plaines, IL 60017-1126, or by visiting www.oharenoise.org. Residents who believe airplane noise is excessive, should report their concerns to City of Chicago's Department of Aviation Noise Hotline at 800.435.9569. All complaints are tracked by computer and used to monitor noise problems. The O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission of which Oak Park is a member reviews monthly reports. The reports also can be viewed at www.oharenoise.org. For more information on the Village's role with the commission call 358.5770 or email village@oak-park.us.


Reinvestment \| Housing News
	Reinvestment remained high in 2003



	Oak Park property owners continued to demonstrate their confidence in the community in 2003 with substantial investments in improvements. More than 7,000 construction permits were issued in 2003, up nearly 1,000 over the prior year. The value of the projects for which permits were issued in 2003 topped $98 million dollars, a 13 percent increase over the previous record year. While permits are an important source of municipal revenue, their primary purpose is to help ensure that work is done to strict safety standards. Village professional staff inspect all work at preset stages of completion, depending on the type and scope of the project. For more information on permits and the permitting process contact the Building & Property Standards Department at 358.5430 or building@oak-park.us.



	Housing News Homebuyer’s seminar A free seminar to help prospective first-time homebuyers understand loan programs available in Oak Park is scheduled for 7 - 8:30 p.m., Thurs., Feb. 19 in room 101 of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Financial assistance programs will be explained and participants will receive a free packet of helpful information. Pre-registration is required. Call 358.5408 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us. Tenants' seminar Renters can learn about their rights and responsibilities at an informational seminar scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Tues., March 30, in Council Chambers of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Panelists from various Village government departments will provide handouts, including the Tenant Handbook. Call 358.5409 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us. Noise Insulation Guide A revised and updated booklet to help homeowners insulate their homes to reduce outside noise is now available from the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission and the Chicago Department of Aviation. The free 30-page booklet, entitled Sound Insulating Your Home, includes detailed diagrams, photos and numerous suggestions for reducing noise inside homes, as well as a list of suppliers who offer acoustical windows and doors. A free copy of the booklet is available by writing to the O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission, P.O. Box 1126, Des Plaines, IL 60017-1126, or by visiting www.oharenoise.org. Residents who believe airplane noise is excessive, should report their concerns to City of Chicago's Department of Aviation Noise Hotline at 800.435.9569. All complaints are tracked by computer and used to monitor noise problems. The O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission of which Oak Park is a member reviews monthly reports. The reports also can be viewed at www.oharenoise.org. For more information on the Village's role with the commission call 358.5770 or email village@oak-park.us.