Worth puts moratorium on learning centers in business districts

By Joe Boyle

The Worth Village Board has implemented a moratorium on additional learning centers from operating in the village’s business districts.

The board is voicing concerns originally brought up by the Real Estate Development Board (REBD) during their meeting regarding the recent proliferation of learning centers for students ranging in age from preschool to age 15 in business districts of the village along 111th Street and Harlem Avenue.

“We are not against the learning centers,” said Trustee Brad Urban during the Worth Village Board meeting on March 5.

“The REBD has concerns and right now we do have more learning centers in the business districts. It has become a concern,” Urban added.

Board members sought advice from Village Attorney Greg Jones on the matter and he said a moratorium could be set up to restrict any more schools from being set up in the business districts until a solution can be found.

Urban said that they would consider further feedback from the REBD on the matter. The REBD will hold their next meeting in April.

The concerns of the REBD — and members of the Worth Village Board — is due to the fact that the learning centers do not bringing in sales tax in locations that are in business districts. Jones suggested changing some of the zoning that would prevent too many schools from operating in business districts.

The current ordinance is very broad, according to Jones, and needs to be revised.

“Right now we have five schools in the business district and that limits our sales tax,” Urban said.

The board unanimously approved the moratorium on additional learning centers in the business districts. After the REBD discusses the matter next month, the village board will weigh all their options and make a final decision after six months.

Clubhouse remodeling

The board approved a contract with General Contractors, Inc., of Palos Hills, for remodeling portions of the Water’s Edge Golf Course Clubhouse. The cost of the remodeling will not exceed $18,500.

Trustee Laura Packwood, who is the chair for the golf committee, was delighted to hear the news. The project will begin soon and will take about three weeks to complete, according to Trustee Rich Dziedzic.

The board also approved an ordinance amending the village code to modify the number of available liquor licenses for Worth.

A resolution was approved for the Worth Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) for the lining of sewers. The application fee for the project is $400,000.

Mayor Mary Werner said that the Marrs-Meyer American Legion Post 991will host a St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich Weekend. Guests can purchase made to order reuben and corned beef sandwiches from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and Sunday, March 17, at the post, 11001 S. Depot St.

Guests can dine in for $8 and carry-outs are $9. Along with the sandwiches, everyone will receive chips and a pickle.

Art for the Season Arts and Crafts Festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at Stagg High School, 8015 W. 111th St., Palos Hills.

The spring craft show is sponsored by the Stagg High School Music Boosters. The entry fee is $3 (kids under age 12 can attend free). For applications, visit www.aastaggmusicboosters.org or call 708-974-7520.

The Worth Scout Troop 668 and Pack 3668 will present the 67th Annual “All-You-Can-Eat” Pancake and Breakfast and Bake Sale from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday, April 6, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11007 S. 76th Ave. Proceeds go to Scout Troop 668 and Pack 3668.

A Spring Arts, Crafts and Vendor Show will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20, in the gymnasium and cafeteria at Shepard High School, 13049 S. Ridgeland Ave., Palos Heights. Entrance is in the rear of the building at door 12.

Over 150 crafters and vendors will be participating. Concessions are offered all day and parking is free. Admission is $2 per person.

The Marrs-Meyer American Legion Auxiliary will hold their annual “New to You” rummage sale. Donations of items in good condition will include toys, games, kitchenware, small furniture, electronics (no tube TVs), small appliances, tools, home decor, holiday decor, books, DVDs, videos, and clean, undamaged clothing.

Donations will be accepted from noon until closing time Monday, April 22, and Tuesday, April 23, at the post. The rummage sale will be held Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26.

Packwood did mention that the fish fry being held at Water’s Edge Golf Course Clubhouse has been doing well on Friday nights.

“They have been killing it,” Packwood said.