Michael Saunders, the retiring police chief in Evergreen Park, continues to receive honors with the latest being an award from the FBI.
Saunders was recognized on Sept. 30 by the FBI with a lifetime achievement award. The award cites his decades of law enforcement service and collaboration with the FBI in combatting violent crimes and street gang activity in the southwest suburbs.
Mayor Kelly Burke said that she went to the FBI’s downtown office with Village Clerk Kelly Duffy to see Saunders receive the award.
“Clerk Duffy and I went down with Chief Saunders to the FBI building,” Burke said during the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night. “It was very impressive and a well-deserved honor for the chief.”
Burke then noted that the Evergreen Park Youth Department will hold its annual coat drive through Nov. 30. Items can be dropped off at the Hamilton B. Maher Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St., and the Village Hall, 9418 S. Kedzie Ave.
The project is being offered under the guidance of Pyeisha Allen, who serves as the director of the youth department.
Ordinances approved
A license agreement was reached between the village and CSX Transportation for the property located at 3138 W. 95th St. to be developed. The building that was once on the property has since been demolished.
The property will be used solely for the purpose of parking operable vehicles and the area will be fenced in and maintained along the western boundary.
Another ordinance was approved amending Chapter 5 building regulations for rental housing in the village. New restrictions have been implemented on the length of leasing property in Evergreen Park.
New businesses
A Lift House Gym, 9539 S. Pulaski, was approved to operate in the village. The owners have been operating a gym in Chicago and said they would like to run a facility in Evergreen Park, where they now reside.
The owners said A Lift House Gym would concentrate on functional fitness and weight training. They added that personal training sessions would be offered at the gym.
The board also unanimously approved that Wildflower Charcuterie will operate their business in the kitchen of the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan.
Einstein Bros. Bagels has been approved to operate a bakery and restaurant at 2839 W. 95th St. Einstein Bagels operates several bakery and restaurants in Chicago.
“It would be a great addition to the village,” Burke said.
Upcoming events
The Halloween Parade will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, at Sexton Park, 9100 S. Rockwell. Burke said that this is a great family event.
A blood drive will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 24, at the Community Center. Residents can sign up at www.community.org.
A property tax appeal workshop will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Evergreen Park Library, 9400 S. Troy. Residents can check their exemption status at www.cookcountyassessoril.gov or call the Village Hall, 708-422-1551.
A hearing will be held to consider forming a Special Service Area 5 at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, at the Village Hall. The special service area being considered is east of Kedzie Avenue, north of 91st Street, west of California Avenue, and south of 87th Street for the Lead Service Line Replacement Project.
In a related matter, the Board approved a contract with Robinson Engineering regarding the Lead Service Line Replacement Project Phase II.
Village Hall will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day.