Some residents are raising objections to the implementation of police security cameras in Evergreen Park, which they say are an invasion of privacy.
Questions were raised about the Flock camera system during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night. Meg Miller, 26, who has lived in Evergreen Park all her life and who said she is a graduate of the School District 124 system, vehemently opposes the Flock cameras and said they are not necessary.
“Most businesses have security cameras,” Miller said. “We should not be giving cops shining toys that they don’t need. Cancel the contract.”
Flock cameras are used by several local municipalities, including Oak Lawn. Flock cameras are automated license plate reader systems used by police and, in some cases, businesses and neighborhoods. They capture vehicle license plates, make, model, color, and features like bumper stickers, logging data into a searchable cloud network.
The system has recently drawn criticism from people who claim that it can be abused. Proponents of Flock cameras said the system assists local police officers in trailing criminals and preventing crime.
One resident stated that Flock cameras helped police arrest offenders who were committing a crime in his neighborhood. Another resident said that the cameras assist police and are a valuable tool.
However, another neighbor said that Flock cameras can be an abusive system that can unfairly target innocent people.
Trustee Mark Marzullo weighed in on the matter and said that while he believes the critics are passionate about the subject, the Flock cameras have been a plus for the village.
“Since we had the Flock cameras, 152 instances of crime were prevented and we stopped crime,” Marzullo said. “We have 65 full-time cops and we could have 65 more. But we would have to raise your taxes to do it.”
Miller said that 40 Flock cameras are not necessary because not only businesses but also schools have security cameras.
New business
A business license was granted for a new bar/restaurant with two golf simulators at 3540 W. 95th St. A name has yet to be chose for the restaurant.
The facility will have 24 parking spaces. Video games will be added at a later date.
A public hearing will take place by the Zoning Board of Appeals at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, in the board room of Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave. A special use permit is requested to operate an automobile repair shop and vehicle yard at 3055 W. 87th St. and 8700 S. Utica Ave.
An ordinance was approved for a special use to allow a parking lot at 8859 S. Kedzie Ave. for vehicles being repaired at the adjoining 8843 S. Kedzie Ave. All vehicles must be parked within the fenced area.
The village signed an agreement with the City of Chicago to provide water for Evergreen Park. An ordinance was approved for Monarch Towers, 3325 W. 93rd St., to lease that location.
Food truck success
Mayor Kelly Burke applauded marketing and community manager Stacy Schuble, elected officials and vendors for a successful Food Truck Festival.
“It was a good night, good weather,” Burke said. “What I was hearing from people is that they would want to see more food truck festivals.”
The Evergreen Park Police Department will be starting the “Click It or Ticket” campaign through Sept. 8. During this period, officers will enforce occupant protection laws.
Upcoming events
A free concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23, at Klein Park, 9700 S. Homan Ave., featuring the StingRays. This concert was rescheduled due to heavy rains on June 21.
Free yoga under the pergola will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. Saturdays in September at Sexton Park, 9100 S. Rockwell, and sponsored by the mayor. A Labor Day concert will be held at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 7, featuring Wild Daisy. DJ services by the Record Shop on 95th will be provided. Fireworks will follow the concert.
Village Hall will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.
The Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce annual golf outing will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, at the Fountain Hills Golf Course. Contact the Evergreen Park Chamber of Commerce for tickets at www.evergreenparkchamber.org.
The Memories-To-Go event will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12 at Yukich Fields, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave. More information can be obtained by calling the Office of Citizens’ Services, 708-422-8776.
The E-Waste and Household Hazardous event Saturday, Sept. 12, will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave.
The St. Gianni Family Fest and Carnival will be held Friday, Sept. 18, and Sunday, Sept. 20, along the parish grounds, 10233 S. Central Park.
Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, at Klein Park. More information can be obtained by visiting www.christmaswithoutcancer.org.
No village board meeting will be held Monday, Sept. 7, due to Labor Day. The next village board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21.