The old saying “The more things change, the more they stay the same” could apply to Holland Drive in Crete.

Village officials voted last week to change the name of the road to Lumber Street, since Holland Company has moved from Crete.

According to the resolution approved by the board, changing name was necessary “to effectuate proper planning and traffic management.” The resolution also notes that “Holland Drive is a continuation of Lumber Street to the north.

Rather than renaming it after a new company, the board voted unanimously to change it back to Lumber Street.

Only one address on the road – Ray and Wally’s Towing – is affected by the change and village officials said “They’re fine with it.”

In another matter during the July 14 meeting, the board heard Administrator Michael Smith report the Planning Commission was convened to discuss a project for a car wash at Volbrecht and Steger Roads. 

In his report, Police Chief Scott Pieritz presented his monthly recap of stats that highlighted STEP Grant “Speed” dates, Tip-a-Cop at Aurelio’s, and National Night Out, which are scheduled in coming weeks.

“The Crete Police Department will be participating in this campaign,” he said. “Speed Day is July 23. In addition, the ‘Speed Campaign’ will run from July 8 to August 1, and officers will be conducting extra patrols specifically looking for speeding violators. “Speeding tickets are expensive, are considered a moving violation against your driver’s license, and can affect your insurance rates. As always, we would rather have compliance than conduct enforcement. Please slow down and obey the speed limits in our town.

“We have partnered with Aurelio’s Pizza Crete for a Tip-a-Cop fundraiser that will benefit the Special Olympics Illinois and their athletes,” he continued. “Join us Tuesday, July 29, from 4 to 8 p.m., to support this cause, with great food and friendly faces.”

Pieritz also reported the annual National Night Out will take place August 5, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., at the Monee Reservoir, 27341 Ridgeland Avenue in Monee. The free, family-friendly event is geared to promote police-community partnerships. Crete PD is again partnering with the Will County Forest Preserve District, Forest Preserve Police, Monee Police Department, and other entities. The Crete Police Department will have Operation BBQ Relief (https://operationbbqrelief.org/ ) at their tent this year. 

In addition, Pieritz reported the Crete Police Department is testing for a new list for entry level patrol officer candidates, with more information at https://applytoserve.com/Application.aspx?ID=738.

“We are looking for good men and women who want to serve their community,” the chief said, adding, “Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tent at the Crete Area Chamber of Commerce Farmer’s Market last night! We ran out of goodie giveaways, met with interested police officer applicants, and highlighted National Night Out in August. As always, Pawfficer Lilly stole the show.”

In other reports, the board heard:

  • Trustee Jamie Healy voiced thanks to the Emergency Management Agency, the police department and the fire department  for attending the Farmer’s Market “Super Hero” night.
  • Trustee Holly Milburn reported on Police Commissioners progress on the Eligibility List for new hires. The LCC budget is being worked on, with the final meeting taking place on July 24.
  • Mayor Mark Wiater noted the 2025-2026 budget is being finalized, aiming for the July 28 meeting for passage.

During the Citizens Speak segment of the meeting, Crete Park District Supt. Biesterfeld spoke about the OSLAD Grant and that their board is fine-tuning some of their ordinances to correspond with the village.

Also, a few neighbors shared their concerns regarding a particular neighbor and their “ongoing parties” that  include “noise, parking, loitering, lascivious behavior, intimidation, and trespassing.” The problem house also has planted “privacy” bushes over the property line. 

At the same time, neighbors from Ronald Road reported on the yearly Fourth of July party that has outgrown the neighborhood. They commended Crete PD on their kind and helpful attitude. 

And finally, Williamsburg resident Ernest Jones would like the ponds owned by the village to be maintained more often.