Evergreen Park Mayor Kelly Burke said that new economic development is the key for a promising future, along with village services and activities.
The mayor provided an outline of events that will occur this year in Evergreen Park during her “State of the Village” address on Feb. 19 at the Hamilton B. Maher Community Center.
The presentation was given during a senior luncheon sponsored by the Office of Citizens’ Services.
Burke told an audience of just over 70 people that several new businesses have opened in Evergreen Park in the past year, including Mi Amor at 3339 W. 95th St.
The restaurant offers Mexican food and a variety of other Latin dishes. Mi Amor replaces Unidad, Burke said.
“JD Sports has opened up in the Plaza,” Burke said. “A restaurant has also opened up in the Plaza area called Cava, which is a Mediterranean restaurant that is popular with younger people. They have more healthy alternatives.”
The mayor also mentioned the Evergreen Social Whiskey & Board Game Tavern, 2855 W. 95th St., has opened and is across the street from OSF Little Company of Mary Medical Center.
“They have side rooms for birthdays, anniversaries and other celebrations,” Burke said.
Along with the addition of new businesses during the past year, Burke also reminded the audience that the Independence Day Parade will be held on the evening of Friday, June 26, along 95th Street. As usual, a fireworks show will follow the parade.
The mayor said that a grand marshal is being considered but the person has not been officially confirmed. News about the parade will be offered soon, she said.
The inaugural Leprechaun Leap 5K run will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 21, at the Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St. Burke said this first event is being held to have fun.
“This is a way to welcome spring and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day,” Burke said.
Registration is open for the run until March 16 and can be made by visiting the web site at www.evergreenpark-il.com or call the recreation department at 708-229-3373.
Burke also noted that the village can provide residents with community alerts to keep them informed on the dates of local board meetings and upcoming activities. The communications department for the village provides news Monday through Thursday.
The mayor also said that projects are ongoing, and that in the northwest portion of the village, road repairs have taken place, including curbs. That particular project has been completed.
“It’s a big job and now that it’s all done, it is just fantastic,” Burke said.
Maintaining alleys are also being done, the mayor added.
“We want to clean it up and keep it neat,” Burke said. “We want to keep it that way and to get rid of pests.”
The mayor also asked that residents do their part in keeping their alleys clean of overgrown grass and brushes.
Tree trimming is also occurring in the village, Burke said, and this year the southwest section is being cared for. Tree trimming will take place in eight sections of the village.
The mayor said that residents are assured that trees will be trimmed every eight years.
The mayor also said that occasionally some overgrown trees may overlap onto a neighbor’s property. Trees with weeds, or nuisance trees, could be removed with assistance from the village, which may reimburse neighbors up to $5,000 to help with removal.
Banners will be put up on street poles honoring local veterans, Burke said. More information about the program will become available in the near future. Banners are already hanging in Oak Lawn, Alsip, and Worth.
Burke also mentioned that residents can sign up for Smart 911 so they can receive emails about upcoming events and news alerts.
The mayor, responding to a question, said that training for SWAT law enforcement officers has been going on in the village. The training lessons have been occurring at vacant buildings in the village, including the old Genesis housing center, the mayor mentioned.
Another resident asked if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been active in the community? The mayor said their presence has not been felt in the village.
“We did not see much activity in this area,” Burke said. “I know there has been a lot in Chicago.”
Burke thanked everyone for attending the meeting and praised the women’s U.S. Olympic hockey team, which includes Abbey Murphy, a native of Evergreen Park and graduate of Mother McAuley.
“We are so proud of Abbey,” Burke said.
The mayor said that residents have a lot to look forward to, including the outdoor concert and fireworks show on Labor Day. She knows that more work is ahead and believes they can always do better.
“We’ve been working hard to attract businesses,” Burke said. “We know we aren’t perfect. We are always working to improve and would like to hear from residents.”