Developers may soon be asked to present
ideas for how best to use the nearly 50,000 square feet of
publicly owned property that fronts on Harlem Avenue and South
Boulevard directly across from the multimodal mass transit
station. A Request for Proposals (RFP), expected to be issued
in early fall, will seek concepts for the two parcels, both of
which are now surface parking lots. The RFP also will likely
allow respondents to include the portion of Maple Avenue that
runs between the two parcels, a step that could add another
7,500 square feet to any project by consolidating the
properties into one site. The RFP will give respondents wide
latitude in use and design, but will encourage commercial uses
such as retail on the first floor of any multi-level
development. Replacing the existing 145 parking spaces, as well
as adding new parking, will be required. Developers will be
urged to consider the site's convenience to the mass
transit station and other nearby businesses, as well as
consider the site's proximity to residential properties
and the Ridgeland/Oak Park Historic District. The RFP also will
encourage developers to consider uses that augment, not
duplicate, existing neighborhood business activities. Public
notice of the bid request will be published and any interested
party wishing a copy of the RFP can contact the Development
Services Department at 358.5640 or email devsvcs@oak-park.us.
Centennial keepsakes...A limited number of banners made for the
celebration of the 100th birthday of the Village are on sale at
the cashier's office in Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The
banners, which measure about five feet by 19 inches, feature a
turn-of-the century picture of the streetscape of what is now
the Marion Street pedestrian mall. New banners are $30 and
flown banners are $10. For more information call 358.5770 or
email village@oak-park.us.
Homebuyer seminars...Seminars to help first-time homebuyers are scheduled
for 7 - 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept. 17 and Oct. 22, in
Room 215 of Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Participants will
receive a packet of helpful information. Pre-registration is
required for this free seminar. To register call 358.5408 or
email comsvcs@oak-park.us.
Parking Office extended hours...The Parking Office will be open from 8:30 a.m.
to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 27 and from 8:30 a.m. to 7:
30 p.m. on Monday, September 29 for permit renewals. For more
information call 358.5750 or email publicworks@oak-park.us.
Volunteers sought...Planning has begun for A
Day In Our Village 2004, scheduled
for Sun., June 6. Committee chairs and volunteers are needed to
help produce the popular annual community festival. Chairs must
attend monthly meetings from October through June. The first
meeting of the new season Oct. 7. Call 358.5409 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.
Assistance for seniors...Oak Park Township's Senior Health
Insurance Program (SHIP) assists seniors with Medicare,
Medicare supplement and other health care concerns. Trained
volunteers help organize paperwork generated by a
doctor's visit or hospital stay, evaluate long-term care
insurance policies and help Medicare beneficiaries appeal
denials. This free service is available from 10 - 11:30
a.m., every Friday at the Senior Services office, 418 S. Oak
Park Ave. (6th floor) or by appointment. Call 383.8060.
Information also is available at www.oakparktownship.org.
Help the homeless...Pocket-sized "palm" cards listing
locations of free, safe overnight shelter can be a useful
resource when solicited by the homeless. The card, which can be
carried in your purse or pocket, is available in Village Hall,
123 Madison St. Call 358.5409 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.
Report suspicious activity...Citizens can anonymously report any suspicious
activity to the Police Department's Crime Tip Hot Line at
386.0740. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1. The Police
non-emergency number is 386.3800 or email police@oak-park.us.
Stop solicitors...Complete an Anti-Solicitation Affidavit to stop mail,
phone, leaflet or in-person solicitation by local real estate
agents. The Anti-Solicitation list is distributed to all area
realtors on a quarterly basis and is in effect for five years.
To receive an affidavit or report a solicitation while on the
list call 358.5423 or email comsvcs@oak-park.us.
Coinless parking...Many parking meters in the Village accept a
"cash key" as an alternative to coins. A key,
available in Parking Permit office at Village Hall, 123 Madison
St., can be pre-programmed in $10 increments up to $100. A
$10.50 deposit is required. Users just insert the key into the
meter, which then debits the account for the time you wish to
use the space. For details call 358.PARK or email publicworks@oak-park.us.