The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
Weeks Ending December 6, 2024
Meetings scheduled for the next two weeks:
Click here to view this week's report via GovDelivery
Remembering Detective Allan Reddins – The Village of Oak Park remains in a state of mourning following the tragic death of Detective Allan Reddins, who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 29 while responding to a call involving an armed individual. In the midst of grieving the unspeakable loss of their colleague, the men and women of the Oak Park Police Department continue to serve and protect the community by providing law enforcement services around the clock. This dedication is not going unnoticed as the Police Department continues to receive an outpouring of support and condolences for Det. Reddins from near and far. In honor of Det. Reddins, blue lights are shining on the exterior of Village Hall and mourning bunting hangs above the main entrance to Village Hall. A memorial featuring Det. Reddins’ badge number now hangs above the entrance to the Police Station. The Village and Police Department’s social media posts with information about Det. Reddins’ death have attracted thousands of comments offering condolences, including many from prominent public officials and law enforcement agencies throughout the region and the entire country.
Funeral arrangements announced – This week officials prioritized planning related to a community candlelight vigil honoring Det. Reddins as well as working with Det. Reddins’ family to coordinate funeral services. The candlelight vigil is taking place on Friday, Dec. 6, marking one week since Det. Reddins’ tragic death. The vigil is expected to start at approximately 5:30 p.m. in the courtyard at Village Hall. Family and friends will gather for a visitation from 1 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Leak & Sons Funeral Home (7838 S. Cottage Grove Ave. in Chicago) followed by the wake at 10:30 a.m. and funeral services at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 12 at Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. More information about the services and ways community members can show support can be found on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/reddins.
Panel discussion to focus on men’s mental health – All dads, sons and brothers and the women in their lives are invited to a panel discussion featuring an honest conversation about barriers to accessing care and how to support mental wellness among men. The event is being organized by Thrive Counseling Center in coordination with the Village and other community partners and will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at Willard Elementary School, 1250 Ashland Ave. in River Forest. Village Trustee Cory Wesley is among the group of panelists with a range of experiences who will discuss tools and resources to help men navigate their mental health and wellness. Click here to register for the free event. The Village is also sharing additional resources related to men's mental health at www.oak-park.us/menshealth.
Pete's Fresh Market obtains additional building permit – Pete’s Fresh Market was recently issued the building permit to construct the shell of its new building at 668 Madison St. near the corner or Madison and Oak Park Avenue. This comes after Pete’s received permits for earth retention, foundation and parking lot construction earlier this fall. Given the significant community interest in the progress of this development, which will be the second Pete’s location in Oak Park, regular construction updates are being provided in the weekly Village Manager’s report and the monthly Pick Oak Park e-newsletter. Anyone who could benefit from receiving regular updates on business happenings in Oak Park can sign up to receive the Pick Oak Park Report at www.oak-park.us/enews.
Village hosting Energy & Water Benchmarking Office Hours – The Village is hosting Energy & Water Benchmarking Office Hours from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 for building owners and property managers who need additional assistance completing the compliance steps required by Village ordinance for properties 10,000 square feet and larger. Whether owners and property managers are just starting out, stuck at some point in the process or need to figure out how to get whole building energy information, they are invited to drop in at any point during the session for assistance from benchmarking experts with the Building Energy Resource Hub. Click here to register and receive a link for the virtual session. More information about benchmarking is at www.oak-park.us/building-benchmarking.
Zoning Board of Appeals update – The Village’s Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) met this week to discuss four applications. Rui Spa, seeking a special use permit to provide massage therapy at 423 ½ N. Marion St., received a 5-0 vote to send a positive recommendation to the Village Board. Emiyuki and Juan Ortiz, seeking a special use permit to operate a reception/banquet facility hosting children’s parties and small group gatherings at 6537 North Ave., received a 5-0 vote to send a positive recommendation to the Village Board. The prospective business owners described their focus being small groups like bridal showers and that they are not interested in any events that could potentially include alcohol or loud music. The ZBA placed a condition on the recommendation that no event can extend past 10 p.m. Anthony Wells and Michael Burkes, seeking a variance to add a dwelling unit to the basement of an existing three-unit building for a total of four dwellings units located at 110 S. Austin Blvd., received a 5-0 vote to approve. Craig Mitchell, seeking a variance to locate an air conditioning unit in the front yard at 215 Le Moyne Pkwy., was denied as the applicant failed to receive four affirmative votes for approval.
New employees arrive in Public Works, Development Services – The Village recently welcomed Jake Vest as the new Building Maintenance Superintendent in the Public Works Department and Zach Meadows as the new Building Inspector in the Development Services Department. Jake is a long-time Oak Park resident with a passion for sustainability and energy efficiency. He spent the past 13 years at the Northbrook Park District, first in the Planning Department as a Project Supervisor and then as the Trades Manager where he oversaw all facility and amenity maintenance while contributing to capital improvement projects. While at Northbrook, he also managed the commissioning, monitoring, controlling and verification of the Techny Prairie Activity Center, which became the third verified Net Zero Energy Building in the state of Illinois. Jake has a bachelor's degree from Northern Illinois University in general studies and holds Project Management Professional (PMP) and Facility Management Professional (FMP) certifications. Meanwhile, Zach is a graduate of Wheaton College who brings relevant work experience to his role within the Permits & Development Division.
Three firefighter/paramedics sworn in – The Fire Department celebrated the completion of three firefighters’ probationary periods Thursday. Firefighters/Paramedics James Harkins, Spencer Schattauer and Colin McManus were sworn in during a ceremony at the main fire station after completing their year-long probationary periods.
Free COVID-19 tests available – The Oak Park Public Health Department received a new shipment of free rapid COVID-19 tests this week that are available for residents. Community members can come to the Village Hall lobby during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays to pick up free tests. This offer will continue as long as supplies last, and is intended for people currently experiencing symptoms, not for long-term storage.
Candidate lottery held – The Village Clerk’s Office coordinated a lottery to determine first position on the ballot for individuals running for Village President, Village Trustee, Library Board of Trustee and Park District Commissioner in the upcoming 2025 Consolidated Election. The lottery was held Nov. 27 in Council Chambers. Click here for more information.
Holiday light recycling at Public Works – Oak Park residents can recycle holiday lights by dropping them off in a bin located in the lobby of the Public Works Center, 201 South Blvd. The bin will be available during regular business hours Monday through Friday through Jan. 31. For more information about holiday light recycling, contact publicworks@oak-park.us or 708.358.5700.
Downtown Oak Park’s Winterfest this Saturday – A favorite Oak Park tradition returns when Downtown Oak Park hosts its annual Winterfest from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Dec. 7 in the vicinity of Lake & Marion streets. A free screening of the movie “Elf” begins at 10 a.m. at the Lake Theatre. Throughout the event carolers will perform and Santa will be strolling through the business district. Free hot chocolate provided by Wise Cup will be available in the hospitality tent. More information is available at www.downtownoakpark.net/event/winterfest-cookie-walk/.
Oak Park’s Buona Beef and Rainbow Cone grand re-opening – This week Village representatives joined Chamber of Commerce members and Buona Beef team members in celebrating the completion of the interior and exterior remodeling of Buona’s Oak Park location at 7025 W. North Ave. In addition to the long standing Buona Beef offerings, customers can now enjoy a variety of Rainbow Cone selections on the expanded menu. Pictured here is a photo from the newly remodeled interior of the North Avenue location. The Village appreciates Buona Beef’s continued investment in Oak Park and the North Avenue Business Corridor.
Bringing clean energy to Oak Park – Oak Park residents are invited to join local and statewide climate leaders to learn how recent local, state and national policies are accelerating the transition to clean energy in our homes. The event takes place at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9 at the Community Recreation Center, 229 Madison St. Attendees can learn how neighbors are already benefiting from clean energy home upgrades and how to take positive steps towards fighting climate change. This informative event will also include opportunities to learn more about clean energy home technologies like induction cooktops and heat pumps, and free consultations from Oak Park Climate Action Network’s Climate Coaches. Click here to register for the free event.
Sewer siphon cleaning – Work started this week to inspect and clean the existing sewer siphon east of Ridgeland Avenue under Interstate 290. The Village undertakes this project once every decade. The siphon consists of multiple pipelines and two chambers. The contractor hired to perform the work is currently dewatering the largest 54-inch pipe in the siphon to begin cleaning and televising the line. Work will shift to the smaller lines in the siphon once the larger line is complete. Westbound traffic on Garfield Street at Ridgeland Avenue will be intermittently closed while work is in progress.
Madison Street improvements – The contractor is working on installing permanent pavement markings along Madison Street and constructing the diverter at the north leg of Wesley Avenue. Punchlist work will continue through to next week. The contractor also picked up the barricades along the mainline of Madison and the remaining light poles that were replaced earlier in the project.
