An assisted living quarters that was the subject of complaints will no longer be an issue for residents of Evergreen Park.
An ordinance was passed 6-0 at the Evergreen Park Village Board meeting Monday night to allow the village to acquire the property at 2701 W. 95th St.
The location was the former site of Genesis Place, which was designed to be a respite care and assisted living quarters with private and shared rooms. An array of personal support services for residents were to be provided in a home setting. The program was for individuals who had chronic medical conditions or disabilities with limited family resources.
The program was supposed to be an alternative for those individuals who would otherwise need long-term care replacement.
However, while the program had good intentions, the center became an issue for neighbors soon after it opened in 1999. Reports of Genesis residents yelling and walking through the area during late hours became an issue with many neighbors, who also complained about hearing frequent profanity.
Parking also became an issue as vehicles often were parked up and down the street, preventing residents access to the front of their homes.
The board approved the purchase of the property through eminent domain and to go ahead with condemnation proceedings. The land will be utilized for public parking or possible future development.
Trustee Carol Kyle asked Attorney Vince Cainkar how long the process would take? The attorney said the process would take between eight to12 months.
“Neighbors are going to be thrilled,” Kyle said.
Mayor Kelly Burke acknowledged that Genesis Place, despite several warnings from the village, had continued to become a problem. She believes taking over the site for parking or future development is best for the village.
Commend police
Police Chief Michael Saunders asked the board for a commendation for Officer Christopher LeCompte for his “outstanding work” as the case task force officer in the federal prosecution case against Charles Taylor, a violent felon with a lengthy criminal record, according to police.
Special Service Agent John Dougherty, from the FBI Chicago South, commended the efforts of LeCompte. Several local officers also testified at the trial.
Saunders said that LeCompte and the other officers “have greatly contributed to the safety and security of the community, showcasing exemplary professionalism and commitment to duty.”
Burke also applauded the work of LeCompte and members of the police department.
“I want to thank the officers and thanks to the local FBI,” Burke added.
In a related matter, Saunders requested and received permission to buy two police vehicles at the cost $45,019 each, and one police vehicle at the cost of $44,939. The total cost of the three vehicles is $134,977.
Cava, 9540 S. Western Ave., a restaurant that features Mediterranean food, is opening in Evergreen Park in the Plaza area. The board approved a license for the restaurant owners.
The board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Transportation regarding routine maintenance of state roads.
Burke and the rest of the board thanked Village Clerk Kelly Duffy, Beth Novotney, director of the Office of Citizen Services; Stacy Schuble, community engagement manager; Sarah Reisinger and volunteers who assisted in The Golden Age of Hollywood, a prom for adults ages 55 and over.
The event was deemed a huge success in its inaugural presentation.
“I think this will become an annual event,” Burke said.
The Evergreen Park Farmers Market is marking its 20th year and The Record Shop of 95th will be the market DJ each week from 10 a.m. to noon. The farmers market will be held each Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October at Yukich Fields, 8900 S. Kedzie Ave.
The Evergreen Park Police Department has begun its “Click It or Ticket” campaign through May 27. During this period, officers will intensify enforcement of traffic laws.
Village Hall will be closed Monday, May 26, in observance of Memorial Day.
The Evergreen Park Fire Department will host the annual Kids Health Fair from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, at the firehouse, 9000 S. Kedzie Ave.
The Evergreen Park High School Alumni/Foundation Annual Golf Outing will be held Friday, June 6, at the Coyote Run Golf Course. For more information, call 708-398-1286 or email foundation@evergreenpark.org.
Residents are invited to host their own garage sale from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and Sunday, June 8, at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St. Permit fees will be waived only during this time. Register at www.evergreenpark-ill.com.
A free concert will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 8, at Klein Park, 9700 S. Homan Ave. The StingRays will perform.
The Senior Health Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at the Evergreen Park Fire Department.
The board approved a summer schedule in which meetings on June 2, July 7 and Aug. 4 will be canceled. The next village board meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 16.