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Parking restrictions eased over holiday weekend Sept. 3, 2010 – The overnight parking ban will not be enforced on most Oak Park residential streets over the Labor Day weekend. Overnight restrictions will be lifted at 2:30 a.m., Sat., Sept.4, and resume at 2:30 a.m., Tues., Sept. 7. However, restrictions will remain in effect in overnight permit areas, such as Village-owned lots, on-street enclaves and on-street overnight parking zones. All other parking regulations also remain in effect, including all daytime posted restrictions and regulations related to traffic and public safety. For more information call 708.386.3800 or e-mail police@oak-park.us. ***
Village Hall closed Monday Sept. 3, 2010 – Village Hall, 123 Madison St., will be closed on Mon., Sept. 6, in observance of Labor Day. Regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Parking Services and the Office of the Village Clerk are open until 7 p.m. most Mondays. Should an incident that doesn't quite rise to the level of a 9-1-1 emergency occur when Village Hall is closed, residents can call the Police Department non-emergency number 708.386.3800 for assistance. For more information on Village Hall hours, call 708.358.5670 or e-mail clerk@oak-park.us. Information also is posted on this web site, just click here. ***
Reducing apartment temperature requirement, heating season to be discussed Sept. 3, 2010 – The Village Board will consider lowering the minimum daytime temperature that must be maintained in multi family rental units and shorten the heating season as ways to conserve energy. The changes to current local ordinance will be discussed at the Village Board meeting scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m., Tues., Sept. 7 in Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Currently, a minimum temperature of 70 degrees must be maintained in rental units from 6:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., from Sept. 15 through June 15. Under the proposal to be considered, the minimum temperature would be reduced to 68 degrees and the season shorted to June 1. For more information, e-mail housing@oak-park.us or call 708. 358.5410. Comments also may be sent to the Village Board via e-mail to board@oak-park.us. ***
Residents may now file for federal flood damage aid Aug. 24, 2010 – Now that Cook County officially has been declared a disaster area, Oak Park property owners who had losses caused by the recent flooding may apply for federal assistance by registering at www.disasterassistance.gov. To register by telephone, call 1.800.621.3362, or 1.800.462.7585 for the hearing and speech impaired. Types of federal assistance may include rental payments for temporary housing if homes were unlivable after the flooding; grants for home repairs and replacement of essential household items not covered by insurance; grants to replace personal property not covered by insurance; unemployment compensation for workers who temporarily lost jobs because of the disaster; low-interest loans to cover residential losses not covered by insurance; and loans for small businesses damaged by the flooding. General information provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency also is posted on the Village web site – just click here and look under the publications heading on the right margin. ***
Home repair loans available Aug. 5, 2010 – Income eligible households may qualify for a no-interest loan of up to $5,000 for single-family houses to correct emergencies and emergency code violations, including those resulting from recent flood damage. Eligible income limits are based upon household size. To determine eligibility, call the Village's Housing Programs Division at 708.358.5410 or e-mail housing@oak-park.us. ***
State-backed, low-interest loans offered to flood victims Aug. 5, 2010 – Residents and business owners who experienced flooding may be eligible for low-interest disaster recovery loans guaranteed by the Illinois State Treasurer. A declaration of a disaster by the Governor made residents and business owners eligible for the Opportunity Illinois: Disaster Recovery Loan Program, which offers below-market interest rates for storm victims who finance their repairs through participating, local lenders. Residents who expect insurance to cover their damages also may qualify for one-year bridge loans with interest-only payments, the loans designed to be paid off in one lump sum when insurance or aid comes through. Underinsured residents and business owners may qualify for low-interest loans with repayment terms of up to five years. The Treasurer’s Office currently is enrolling local financial institutions in the program, beginning with the 142 local financial institutions that already are approved to accept state deposits. For more information on Opportunity Illinois call 866.523.0641 or email opportunityillinois@treasurer.state.il.us. ***
Bond refinancing to save Oak Park taxpayers $2.16 million July 29, 2010 – When the Village Board recently approved two ordinances to issue bonds, most observers may have either missed the action entirely or saw the vote as routine government business. But to taxpayers, the vote will mean a savings of more than $2.16 million by the time the bonds mature. Click here to read the full story. ***
Residents urged to comment on regional transportation plan July 16, 2010 – A hearing to take public comment on the draft GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional transportation plan is scheduled for 6 – 8 p.m., Tues., July 20, at the Cicero Community Center, 2250 S. 49th Ave. Based on nearly three years of research, deliberation and public input, the plan recommends action in four themes – livable communities, regional mobility, human capital and efficient governance. Local officials say the 2040 plan carries significant long-term implications for the region that touch on all aspects of daily life. Click here for more information about the plan, including a link to comment online. Public comment will be accepted through August 6. For more information on Oak Park issues, call 708.358.5770 or e-mail village@oak-park.us. ***
Still time to nominate projects for historic preservation awards July 12, 2010 – August 13 is the deadline to submit nominations for the 2010 Historic Preservation Awards Program. Single-family residences, apartment buildings, commercial buildings, public/institutional buildings and religious structures may be nominated in the categories of restoration, rehabilitation, adaptive use and additions/new construction. Awards also are presented for stewardship, detail and design. Interior work also may be considered in conjunction with exterior work. Projects should have been created within the past five years, and located within the boundaries of the Village. Nominations need not be in an historic district. Nomination forms are available in Village Hall, 123 Madison St., by calling 708.358.5417 or by e-mail to planning@oak-park.us. A nomination form also is posted on this website - just click here. Awards will be presented on Sept. 23 at Unity Temple, 875 Lake St. ***
Mid-Week Market open in downtown Oak Park June 14, 2010 – Area residents and commuters are invited to live, eat, play and shop local at Oak Park's newest weekly community event – the Mid-Week Market – set to open Wed., June 16.. More than a farmers’ market, closer to a street festival, the Mid-Week Market will be open from 4 – 9 p.m. every Wednesday night through Sept. 15. The market will feature fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide selection of ready-to-eat items and a range of goods and services from local businesses – all in the heart of downtown Oak Park on Lake Street, just east of Harlem Avenue. Local microbrews and wine will be available for on-site consumption as well, along with food demonstrations and live music. Oak Park's new Mid-Week Market isn't just for locals, however. Its location is just steps away from the CTA Green Line stop at Harlem Avenue and the Metra west line stop at Marion Street. Ample parking is available nearby as well, along with numerous bicycle racks. For more information, visit www.oak-park.us/midweekmarket or e-mail midweekmarket@oak-park.us. ***
Marion Street bests Chicago River Walk for latest award May 20, 2010 – Oak Park's Marion Street/Westgate Street improvement project has earned the top merit award from the Chicago Building Congress, besting the Chicago River Walk and Michigan Avenue Plaza in the infrastructure improvement category. The award was presented last night at the CBC's 56th annual awards banquet held at the Union League Club of Chicago -- to read more, click here. ***
Historic preservation newsletter available on-line May 4, 2010 – The latest issue of Landmark Link, an electronic newsletter published by the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, is now on-line – just click here to download a copy. Residents interested in the latest information on Historic Preservation Commission meetings, events, workshops and other activities can e-mail kaarre@oak-park.us to receive monthly electronic updates. ***
Regular yardwaste collection underway March 26, 2009 – Collection of bundled brush and yardwaste will begin April 5. Bundled brush no larger than two feet in diameter and four feet in length and yardwaste such as grass clippings, leaves, shrubs and vines will be picked up on regular collection days. A green yardwaste sticker must be attached to each brush bundle, 32-gallon paper bag and rigid container. Stickers are available for $2.10 each from Oak Park grocery and hardware stores and the Cashier’s Office at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Residents are urged to look for alternatives to bagging yardwaste such as mulching mowers, leaf shredders or backyard compost piles. Yardwaste should not be raked into the street. For more information, call 708.358.5700 or e-mail publicworks@oak-park.us. ***
Fire Department offers child safety seat inspection appointment hotline March 22, 2010 – The Oak Park Fire Department has set up a special telephone line to accept requests for child safety seat installation inspections. Parents of young children can call 708.358.5604 to request an appointment for a car seat installation inspection by one of the Fire Department's certified technicians. Requests also can been sent by e-mail to fire@oak-park.us. A Fire Department representative will follow-up each request for an appointment with a call to schedule an inspection at a convenient time. Parents will need to bring their vehicle owner's manual and car seat manufacturer's manual along with the seat they wish to have examined. Residents are asked not to come to the Fire Department for an inspection without an appointment. As on-call firefighter/paramedics, the technicians may not be available should duty call. Click here for more information on child seat safety. ***
Historic preservation newsletter available on-line Feb. 26, 2010 – The latest issue of Landmark Link, an electronic newsletter published by the Oak Park Historic Preservation Commission, is now on-line – just click here to download a copy. Residents interested in the latest information on Historic Preservation Commission meetings, events, workshops and other activities can e-mail kaarre@oak-park.us to receive monthly electronic updates. ***
Drop boxes accept payments 24/7 Feb. 11, 2010 – Payments for many municipal services and fines may be made by check or money order at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., any time via drop boxes – one outside by the parking lot and one just inside the south entrance by the stairway to the Police Department. Checks should be accompanied by any support materials required to make sure the payment is properly applied, including writing the account number on the check memo line. Payments for some services may be made online – click here for options. Standard mail payments also are accepted. Cash should never be used for drop-box or mail payments. In-person cash or credit card payments are accepted during regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., Tuesday through Friday, and until 7 p.m. on Mondays. For more information on paying for Village services, call 708.358.5460 or e-mail finance@oak-park.us. ***
Police to crack down on drivers who violate new cell phone use regulationsJan. 4, 2010 – Oak Park Police say they will aggressively enforce a new state law that places strict guidelines on texting and calling from a cell phone while driving. Under the new state regulations effective Jan. 1, motorists will be prohibited from using cell or smart phones to compose, send or read electronic messages while driving. Talking on a cell phone while driving through a school or construction speed zone also will be a violation come Jan. 1. The new law does not apply to using a cell phone that is in hands-free or voice-activated mode. Click here to read the text of the new law. ***
Police do not endorse alarm companies Aug. 7, 2009 – Home security systems salespeople using police community alert materials to help market their products may have falsely created a perception that they have earned a professional endorsement of local law enforcement officials. While alarm systems can be effective crime deterrents, Oak Park Police say they do not endorse any specific systems or manufacturers. Anyone considering a home security system is urged to thoroughly research the options before signing a contract, police say. For more information, contact your Resident Beat Officer – click here for details. ***
Survey: Residents give high marks to life in Oak Park Feb. 9, 2009 – When it comes to quality of life, acceptance of people of diverse backgrounds, sense of community and overall appearance, Oak Parkers say it doesn't get much better than right here. These are some of the key findings of a formal community survey recently presented to the Village Board. Survey respondents also ranked Oak Park's fire and police services very high – in the top 10 percent of national comparisons – while giving Village workers fine marks for their knowledge, responsiveness and courtesy. Not all was positive, of course. Respondents were not happy with parking or the quality of development. They also exhibited what researchers called a mild distrust of government. The 90-plus page survey report delves not only into questions about quality of life, sense of safety, municipal services and a range of other categories, but also into how respondents' views were related to their length of residency, income, age and gender. The results of this latest survey, along with surveys conducted in 2000 and 2004, are posted on this web site - just click here and look for the link along the right margin. For more information on the survey, call 708.358.5770 or e-mail the Village ***
Partnership helps find homes for strays April 15, 2008 – The Village and the Animal Care League (ACL) are partners in caring for and helping find homes for stray animals. Strays picked up by the Village’s Animal Control Division are brought directly to the Animal Care League facility at 1013 Garfield St. Pets not claimed by their owners join the other animals that find their way to the shelter, where efforts focus on finding good homes. For more information on Village animal control services, call 358.5680 or e-mail the Animal Contro Division ***
Crime tips accepted anonymously online
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Foreclosure assistance available Feb. 7, 2008 – One-on-one foreclosure prevention counseling is now available via a new toll-free, telephone hotline sponsored by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. The hotline, 1.888.995.HOPE, is aimed at targeting homeowners in the early stages of mortgage difficulties – before foreclosure becomes the only remaining option. From 1999 to 2006, Oak Park averaged 84 foreclosures per year. But midway through 2007, Oak Park had 70 foreclosures, putting the Village on pace to more than double the number of annual foreclosures over the last nine years. Homeowners fearing foreclosure also are encouraged to attend Homeowner Outreach Days, a series of 30-minute workshops conducted by the Illinois Housing Development Authority. Click here for a list of workshop times, dates and locations. For more information on assistance programs available to Oak Park residents, contact the Housing Programs Division at 708.358.5424 or e-mail the Housing Division ***
Meter keys offer convenient alternative to coins Dec. 14, 2007 – Parking meters in Oak Park accept payment via a cash key as a convenient alternative to coins. A key can be purchased at the Parking Permit office at Village Hall, 123 Madison St., and pre- ***
Police posting daily neighborhood crime maps on web site Nov. 7, 2007 – Crimes reported by location are now listed on maps posted daily on the Police Department section of the Village web site. The crime information page may be accessed from multiple places within the web site, including through a dedicated icon visible on the main landing page of the Village web site ***
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programmed to any desired amount. A $10.50 deposit is required. When the key is inserted into an electronic meter, the first minimum increment is electronically deducted as payment for time on the meter. The key then can program the desired time up to the maximum allowed on the meter. Parkers are reminded that meter feeding – paying to park at a meter for longer than the maximum period permitted by the meter timer – is illegal in Oak Park. for more information, call 358.5750 or 
