The Village of Oak Park | 123 Madison St. Oak Park, IL 60302 | village@oak-park.us
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Oak Park offers a variety of services that can be accessed online from a computer, tablet or smart phone. Some of the services are managed directly by the Village, while others are third-party vendors authorized by the Village to conduct transactions.
The Village of Oak Park provides a wide range of services, from public safety programs like fire and police protection to support for housing, historic preservation and neighborhood relations. Don't see what you are looking for? Use the search feature at the top of the page.
Oak Park operates under the village manager form of government. A part-time, elected legislative body of a president and six trustees hires a professional manager to oversee the day-to-day administration of government programs and services.
Oak Park boasts excellent schools, world class architecture, shopping, dining and an extensive public transportation network. But Oak Park is more than a place – it also is a way of life. Use the links in this menu to learn more about our community and the many services available to residents and visitors alike.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
Here are links to some of the most popular items on the Village web site.
Week Ending January 10, 2025
Meetings scheduled for next week:
Click here to view this week's report via GovDelivery
Survey seeks input on future of Village municipal campus – The Village is seeking feedback from community members as part of the ongoing process for determining the future of Oak Park’s municipal campus. The Village is proposing a renovation of the existing Village Hall facility at 123 Madison St. and the construction of a new Police Department facility adjacent to Village Hall. An online survey and more information about the proposals can be found at www.engageoakpark.com/campus. An open house is also planned for 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Village Hall for anyone who would like to meet the schematic design team and review conceptual design diagrams.
Transportation Commission to review draft of updated Bike Plan – After months of gathering feedback and analyzing data, a draft of the updated Oak Park Bike Plan will be presented to the Village’s Transportation Commission at its meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 13 in Council Chambers at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. The draft plan can be reviewed at www.engageoakpark.com/bike-plan. Members of the community who would like to provide feedback on the proposed Bike Plan update can do so by providing public comment at the Jan. 13 Transportation Commission meeting or via email to transportation@oak-park.us.
Vision Zero update – A draft of Oak Park’s Vision Zero plan will be presented to the Village Board for a study session on Jan. 21, as recommended by the Transportation Commission during its Dec. 9 meeting. The Vision Zero team greatly thanks all residents and stakeholders who have contributed their input, personal experiences and time in the development of the draft plan.
Zoning Board of Appeals update – The Zoning Board of Appeals met on Wednesday and unanimously approved three requests. Massage Envy was seeking a special use permit to provide massage therapy at 971 Lake St., and the recommendation now moves to the Village Board. Massage Envy was also seeking a variance to locate on the ground floor within 50 feet of the Lake Street and Forest Avenue street lines, and the 4-0 vote to approve is the final approval for this request. Additionally, Sergiy Zamula was successful in seeking a variance to add an accessory dwelling unit to the basement of an existing two-flat building located at 820 S. Maple Ave., marking the final approval for this request.
Historic Preservation Commission update – At the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) meeting on January 9, the Commission held a public hearing for a landmark nomination application for 1132-42 Lake St., known as the Oak Leaves Building. The Commission unanimously voted in support of the landmark designation. The Commission also reviewed an amended National Register nomination for 1144 Lake St., known as the Marshal Fields and Company Store. This amended nomination will expand the nomination boundary and include the Oak Leaves Building as an annex to the Marshal Fields National Register nomination. The Commission voted in support of the amended National Register nomination. The HPC also reviewed two (2) Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications. The first COA application was pertaining to a 10-story rear addition at 1031-35 South Blvd., known as the Boulevard Arcade Building. There were 14 oral public comments and seven (7) written comments opposed to the COA. There was one (1) oral public comment and five (5) written public comments supporting the COA. After reviewing the application, the Commission deliberated on the Architectural Review Guidelines and voted unanimously to not approve the requested COA. The applicants may accept the decision, modify the proposal and resubmit or appeal the decision.The second COA application was pertaining to a one-story side addition at 644 N. Oak Park Ave. The Commission determined that the proposal meets the Architectural Review Guidelines, and through a unanimous vote, approved the proposed side addition.
Workshop for non-profits seeking federal grants – The Village invites non-profit organizations serving the Oak Park community to attend the annual mandatory Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) workshop for Program Year 2025 (which runs from Oct. 1, 2025 – Sept. 30, 2026). This virtual workshop will take place at 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Attendees will receive a comprehensive overview of the CDBG application process, including required documents, timelines and reporting obligations. Non-profits interested in applying for federal CDBG funding are encouraged to participate in this essential workshop. To register, please complete this form or visit www.oak-park.us/cdbg for more information about the CDBG program and how it supports the Oak Park community.
Public Health Department monitoring bird flu – Oak Park public health officials are currently monitoring the multi-state outbreak of the pathogenic avian influenza, also known as H5N1, or bird flu. Bird flu viruses do not normally infect humans, however, there have been 66 human cases confirmed by the CDC across the country, nearly all of which involved exposure to dairy cows or poultry. There have been no human cases reported in Illinois and the current risk to the general population remains low. Populations most at risk for contracting H5N1 are dairy farm workers, and anyone exposed to or in contact with birds, including backyard chickens. Click here to learn more about how backyard chicken owners can protect themselves and others from H5N1. Questions about H5N1 can be directed to the Oak Park Public Health Department at 708.358.5480 or health@oak-park.us.
Development Services celebrates a year of thanks – The Development Services Department’s 2024 Thank You Board filled-up fast and, as usual, by the end of the year was completely full. Pictured here is Director Emily Egan and Executive Assistant Bella Polidoro, who manages the board. Behind them are more than 100 thank you and congratulation notes, cards and e-mails from individuals or organizations who appreciated the exceptional service that Development Services provided in 2024.
Village Clerk coordinating service project – In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, the Village Clerk’s Office is inviting community members to join in a Day of Service activity to clean and revitalize Oak Park’s emergency overnight shelter. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to give back and make a positive impact in the lives of those who rely on local shelter services. The service activity will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18 at St. Catherine of Siena – St. Lucy campus, 38 N. Austin Blvd. Click here to sign up as a participant.
Volunteers needed to assist with sustainability events – The Office of Sustainability and Resilience is seeking individuals and groups wanting to take action by assisting the Village in planning and hosting sustainability events throughout the year, including an annual Earth Day celebration. Opportunities are available to serve on planning committees that help organize special events and to help with logistics on the day of events. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to complete an online sign-up form. For more information, email sustainability@oak-park.us.
Fire Department accepting hygiene items – The Fire Department is participating in the Oak Park Township Youth & Family Services Community Hygiene Drive. From now until Feb. 7, new and unused items like body wash, shampoo/conditioner, toothpaste and other personal care items can be dropped off at the main fire station, 100 N. Euclid Ave. Donations can be made at other participating locations or directly from the Township’s Amazon Wishlist at https://shorturl.at/CIvjE. To learn more about the drive, contact the Township’s Youth & Family Services office at 708.445.2727 or youth@oakparktownship.org.
New Public Health Director arrives – Greg Olsen, an experienced professional with a wealth of knowledge across the public health spectrum, joined the organization this week as the new Director of the Oak Park Public Health Department following a comprehensive national search. He comes to the Village from the City of Evanston where he helped oversee environmental health programs, emergency preparedness and response, community health programs and more in his role as Public Health Manager. More information is at www.oak-park.us/olsen.
Zayyad appointed to pair of IML committees – Deputy Village Manager Ahmad Zayyad has been appointed to two Illinois Municipal League (IML) committees. Zayyad was invited to join both the General Governance Policy Committee and the Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee in 2025. IML standing committees are a key element in the success of the League. By serving on these committees, Zayyad is enhancing the position of Oak Park and all Illinois municipalities in governmental relations in general.
Police, Fire departments welcome newcomers – Two new police officers and one new firefighter/paramedic were sworn in during a ceremony at Village Hall earlier this month. Pablo George and Deyaelibe Alcantar are the newest members of the Police Department as they begin training at the police academy. Pablo graduated from St. Xavier University with a bachelor degree in political science and a minor in criminal justice. Deyaelibe studied at the City Colleges of Chicago. Meanwhile, Adam Muentes is the newest member of the Fire Department as he begins his one-year probationary period.
Make way for winter tree pruning – Oak Park residents are urged to move their cars from the streets when temporary no-parking signs go up to allow private contractors to prune parkway trees quickly and safely during the winter pruning cycle. A portion of the Village’s 18,000-plus parkway trees are scheduled to be pruned this winter. Crews will focus on trees located south of the I-290 expressway. Additionally, trees in the section of Oak Park south of Madison Street, west of East Avenue and north of I-290 will also be pruned. Contractors and staff follow the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) guidelines for tree care to address three key issues — tree health, resident safety and protecting property from damage. Residents may call 708.358.5700 or email publicworks@oak-park.us with questions or concerns about the type or quality of work being performed by contractors. More information is posted at www.oak-park.us/treepruning25.
Body-worn camera footage released – The Village this week released footage from five body-worn cameras from several officers and sergeants who were on the scene on the morning of Nov. 29 when Detective Allan Reddins was killed in the line of duty, including Detective Reddins. The videos were released in response to multiple Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests and media inquiries received by the Village and the Oak Park Police Department. More information is one the Village website.
Development Services staff to attend Business Academy event – The Downtown Oak Park Business Alliance (DTOP) will hold its first Business Academy seminar session of 2025 on Tuesday, Jan. 28. School is back in session with the first of three Academy sessions focused on branding, website and social media skills facilitated by representatives from Triton College. Several members of the Village’s Development Services Department will attend to both learn and to support DTOP’s ongoing business education efforts. The Jan. 28 Business Academy session will take place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Oak Park Library. The Session is free for DTOP businesses. Oak Park business owners or managers outside of DTOP’s boundaries can register online and participate for $10 per Academy session. Find more information and the link to register on Downtown Oak Park’s website.
Save the date for Bite the Burbs – Development Services staff is working with Visit Oak Park to make locally owned/independent restaurants aware of the 2025 Bite the Burbs promotion. Bite the Burbs will run from Jan. 31 through Feb. 8 and is a celebration of the art of cooking, local foods and the chefs who prepare them. This promotion is designed to bring increased business to restaurants, and participation in Bite the Burbs is free! Participating restaurants will provide special offers or prix fixe menus giving diners an opportunity to sample cuisine from a broad selection of restaurants at an affordable price. Visit Oak Park has a comprehensive marketing campaign for Bite the Burbs including digital media campaigns, blogs, PR printed collateral, as well as social media. Visit Oak Park will provide marketing materials to each participating restaurant to help with promotion. Restaurants interested in participating should contact Visit Oak Park Executive Director Annie Coakley at annie@visitoakpark.com.
Sewer televising update – The Village’s contractor completed most of the locations provided by the Public Works Department for sewer inspection over the past few weeks. Crews will return next week to complete the remaining location on Garfield Street, weather permitting. Partial lane closures are anticipated while work is ongoing.
Business site preparation on Roosevelt Road – A newly constructed car wash business is coming to the northwest corner of Roosevelt Road and Austin Boulevard. Driven Car Wash secured a Village demolition permit to remove the old bank building from the property last month, and the process of demolishing the existing building began this week. Driven Car Wash intends to build a new enclosed car wash on the site. More information about Driven Car Wash is at www.drivencarwash.com.
Two opportunities for families with young children – The Collaboration for Early Childhood’s Parent Leadership Training begins on Saturday, Jan. 25. Parents, grandparents, caregivers, aunts, uncles or guardians who care for young children are invited to participate in this free, powerful training series. Parent Leadership Training helps individuals advocate for their children and achieve their goals on a personal and community-wide level. Breakfast and child care will be provided. Additionally, the New Neighbor Play Date will take place at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 26. The Collaboration for Early Childhood welcomes all families with young children — especially those new to the area — to connect and play together at Wonder Works Children’s Museum. Families are invited to connect with others, learn about community resources, play and enjoy light snacks. Admission to the museum will be free for those who arrive before 10 a.m. and all are welcome to continue to play at the museum after event ends at 11 a.m. To see details about these and other Collaboration for Early Childhood events, visit their events page.
