With recent plans for a new mall on the former Evergreen Country Club property and a new bank that will appear in the heart of the village later this year, one would assume that the local economy is slowly rebounding.

And it's spreading from one end of Evergreen Park to the next.

Trustees last month approved a business regulation certificate for Zacatacos, a Mexican restaurant with locations in Chicago and Berwyn. The restaurant will share space at the 95th and Kedzie intersection, where a Chase Bank is under construction.

"It's been a dream of mine," Sexton said. "To have a Mexican food restaurant in the village."

According to Sexton, Zacatacos, whose other locations are in-and-out fast food operations, will have a sit-down restaurant in Evergreen Park.

Managers from Zacatacos were at the 23rd Annual Day in the Park in late June giving out food samples to residents. They are set to open their eighth location in the village later this year.

Another development that's up for discussion is a possible fitness center on the property of The Plaza, 9500 S. Western Ave. The Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public meeting to discuss the idea on July 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Village Hall.

Sexton said developers are asking to build a fitness center in the spot of a former Office Depot, which is now vacant.

More development in Evergreen Park means more jobs and a local economic stimulus.

According to Sexton the 450,000-square-foot outdoor mall at the former country club will be anchored by a 200,000-square-foot Meijer and 157,000-square-foot Menard's. It is expected to bring in about $4.5 million in property tax revenue and sales taxes to the local school districts and the village.

This development, along with a new restaurant and a possible fitness center, will bring jobs to the village and help Evergreen Park's economic recovery.