Politics & Government
Village Board Briefer: New Fitness Center, Zoning Changes, Police Retirements, and More
The bare bones of Monday's village board meeting.
The Village Board met this week, granted Planet Fitness a license and officially said goodbye to two retiring police captains with more than 60 years of experienceon the force between them. Here were a few hot topics:
Trustees Welcome Planet Fitness To The Plaza
Village trustee members voted unanimously to welcome fitness giant Planet Fitness to The Plaza shopping center, which is scheduled to occupy the space of former tenant Office Depot.
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After approving the motion, Mayor Sexton asked his fellow trustees to reconsider the fitness center's 24-hour hours, citing the good of the community. Other trustees noted that bringing a business like Planet Fitness to The Plaza would generate more revenue and revive the seemingly lifeless shopping center.
Zoning Changes for Commercial Districts
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Trustees approved a motion that will limit commercial districts to commercial organizations in the future, except in cases of special use. Village Attorney Vincent Cainkar said the initiative would help the village consolidate its tax base, with the hope of increasing revenue, and better separate commercial areas from residential areas.
Soccer Goal Safety
On the heels of a new law signed by Gov. Quinn, a new Evergreen Park ordinance was set into motion that creates higher standards for the equipment on local soccer fields. Essentially this new law dictates that PVC-based soccer goals with netting should replace the former metal-framed goals.
Congratulations, Thank You For Service
Capt. Greg Lecompte and Capt. Florian Karkoska are both retiring at the end of this month.
“A big thank you is in order tonight,” Mayor Sexton said of two men with more than 60 years of experience on the force between them. “They are two wonderful people, and we want to thank them both for over 30 years of service.”
The board offer more congratulations to the Evergreen Park Athletic Association for the 11- and 12-year-old All Stars who finished fourth out of 150 teams in the youth division at the Illinois State Little League Tournament.
Miscellaneous Items and Announcements
Village community members can look forward to several family oriented entertainment based festivals.
- Saturday, Sept. 10, community members can look forward to sinking their teeth into some finger-licking good barbeque and this year’s Rib Fest, from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. The fest will be held at St. Bernadette’s School parking lot.
- Friday, Oct. 7, all car lovers are invited to attend the Hot Rod and Classic Car Show at Yukich Field located at 8900 S. Kedzie Ave. from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. All of the proceeds from the event will go toward the Wounded Warrior Project.
- The Farmers Market continues on Thursdays of every month now from through October. Community members are encouraged to stop by from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Check back with Evergreen Park Patch for more on these stories and events.