Art benches enhance Harrison Street Corridor

A pilot project to place public art benches along the Harrison Street Corridor will add not only a pleasing visual element to the neighborhood, but a comfortable place to sit as well. A dozen benches designed by local artists will be unveiled in a ceremony scheduled for 3 p.m., Sept. 10, at the corner of Lombard Avenue and Harrison Street, a time selected to coincide with the neighborhood’s annual art fair Sept. 9 - 11. The citizen volunteers of the Public Art Advisory Commission created the program and selected the designs for creating functional art pieces using public benches as the canvas. Bench designs were selected on the basis of what best represented the spirit of the program and spoke most appropriately to the Harrison Street environment. For more information, call 358.5770 or email village@oak-park.us.

West Nile Virus threat continues

While mosquitoes are likely to become less active as summer heat diminishes, the threat of West Nile Virus could continue as late as mid-October. Public Health officials urge residents not to become complacent and to continue taking precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. The most effective precautions include wearing long sleeves and pants, limiting time spent outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and wearing insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Residents who wish to be notified if spraying becomes necessary should call 358.5694 and leave their name, address and telephone number. For more information on West Nile Virus visit www.oak-park.us or email health@oak-park.us.

Public Input Sought on Downtown Architectural Survey

Public comment on the final draft of the updated Downtown Architectural Survey is being taken by the Historic Preservation Commission. Written comments will be reviewed at the commission meeting scheduled for 7:30 p.m., Sept. 8, in Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Verbal comments also will be heard at the meeting. A copy of the survey may be downloaded from the Village website www.oak-park.us -- mouse over the Departments tab, click on Historic Preservation and look for the link along the right margin. Copies also are available for review in the Office of the Village Clerk in Village Hall and the Oak Park Public Library, 834 Lake St. Comments may be emailed to comsvcs@oak-park.us, faxed to 358.1470 or mailed to Downtown Architectural Survey Comments, Village Hall, 123 Madison St., Oak Park, IL 60302. The survey was first compiled in 1975 and was updated in 1981. The 2005 update includes new photographs and the commercial areas south of the railroad tracks on South Boulevard, South Marion Street and South Oak Park Avenue. For more information on the survey or to review a copy at Village Hall call 358.5417.