South Cook News

The Park Forest Board of Trustees is scheduled to meet on Monday, October 27, to address property management issues and honor a retiring police commander. The meeting will take place at Village Hall, beginning with a Rules meeting at 7 p.m., followed by the regular session.

Commander Julius Moore, who is retiring after 20 years with the Park Forest Police Department, will be recognized for his service. A resolution acknowledging his dedication to public safety is expected to be approved during the meeting’s consent agenda.

Police Chief Brian Rzyski commented on Moore’s career: “Commander Moore’s professionalism and commitment to the community have been invaluable over the past two decades. He has set a high standard for those who will follow.”

In addition to honoring Moore, trustees will consider two property-related measures. One item on the agenda is an ordinance requiring registration of foreclosing mortgaged properties within Park Forest. Village Manager Jon Kindseth presented the proposal to hold mortgage lenders accountable for maintaining foreclosed properties and to ensure the Village is notified when foreclosure proceedings begin.

Park Forest had previously implemented a Vacant Property Registration Ordinance after the 2008 housing crisis. The proposed foreclosure registration ordinance would expand on this by applying similar requirements to properties in foreclosure.

Kindseth explained that the ordinance aims to prevent property blight and protect property values by making sure the Village can contact responsible parties during foreclosure processes. “By adopting this ordinance now, we’re taking proactive steps to stabilize our housing market before the next economic downturn,” Kindseth said in his briefing.

He also noted that foreclosure filings in Park Forest have decreased from over 750 a decade ago to about 120 in the past year. However, recent changes to state law have removed the requirement for banks to notify municipalities when a foreclosure is filed. The proposed ordinance would restore that communication and give the Village oversight.

Another agenda item is a resolution to authorize a formal fence agreement between the Village and the Forest Brook Townhome Association. The agreement defines access rights for utility maintenance where the Association’s fence was built over a public utility easement.

Assistant Director of Public Works Nicholas Christie stated: “This agreement helps clarify responsibilities and prevent confusion for future property owners or association members.”

Both meetings will be held in the Boardroom at Village Hall, located at 350 Victory Drive.