South Cook News

The Village of Park Forest will hold its Rules and Special Regular Meeting on October 6, beginning with several ceremonial events. Two new firefighters/paramedics are set to be sworn into the Park Forest Fire Department. The meeting will also include the presentation of Good Egg Awards, which recognize community members for their contributions. A presentation from the Park Forest Rotary Club is scheduled as well.

Mayor Joseph A. Woods will read four proclamations during the ceremony. These proclamations will recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Fire Safety Week, and honor Dave Young, a longtime member of the Park Forest Veterans Commission.

After these ceremonies, the board will address several business items. One key agenda item is a resolution that would allow the Village to intervene in a property tax appeal filed by Westbridge Apartments, LLC. According to village staff, Westbridge Apartments is seeking to reduce its assessed value by more than $645,000. Staff warn that this could decrease the local tax base and potentially increase taxes for other property owners.

Trustees will also consider changes to the Economic Development Incentive Policy by introducing an Abandoned Property Acquisition Program. This program aims to return tax-delinquent commercial and industrial properties to productive use more quickly. Applicants would pay a $10,000 fee for legal costs, take on redevelopment risks, and commit to specific redevelopment timelines.

Other items on the agenda include amending an agreement with the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority so it can inspect and identify potential abandoned properties for acquisition; awarding a $27,500 contract to KRT Concrete for improvements at 406 Sauk Trail as part of the South Suburban Trades Initiative after Cook County required additional curb and sidewalk work; accepting a $400,000 Cook County Community Development Block Grant for sanitary sewer lining projects in the “M” Street neighborhoods; and approving up to $100,758 for Morton Salt to supply road salt for winter 2025–2026 under a state joint purchase program.

The meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 6 at 7 p.m., at Village Hall.