Residential Aggregation Program

The March 20, 2012 ballot will contain a referendum question regarding the Village’s aggregation of residential electric accounts.  The referendum would allow the municipality to seek competitive quotes for its residents’ power costs to see if they can beat the ComEd rate. If a lower rate is available, residents would then purchase their power through a new supplier.  The power would continue to be billed and delivered by ComEd.  Those who do not want to take part in the program would be able to simply opt-out of participation.

Please click here for a complete overview of this initiative.

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Public Input for Army Property Redevelopment Study

A website has been created and will be up and running for the duration of the planning study.  Background information about the study, the site, and relevant facts and details are included, along with opportunities for public input to be shared with the planning team.  A link to the website can be found on the Village’s website or by using the following link:

http://www.landvision.com/forestpark/armygrant/

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Electronics recycling no longer a choice – it’s the law
 

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency electronic waste is the fastest-growing segment of the nation's garbage. Electronic items such as computer monitors and televisions contain toxic materials such as lead, chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, and zinc. When electronics containing these materials are not recycled or are disposed of improperly, these hazardous materials can contaminate ground water and present other environmental problems. 

The Village of Forest Park wants its residents to be aware of a new State of Illinois electronic waste landfill ban which goes into effect January 1, 2012. Under this state law, waste haulers are not allowed to collect and dispose of electronics as waste.  Items banned from the landfill include: televisions, monitors, computers, printers, game consoles, electronic keyboards, scanners, fax machines, VCRs, DVD players and recorders, digital convertor boxes, and many other small electronic devices.   

A representative from Allied Waste, hauler for the Village of  Forest Park stated, ”beginning January 1, 2012, our contractor will no longer collect electronics placed in its dumpsters or carts.  These items must be recycled by a registered collector, recycler or manufacturer.  If included in a residential garbage receptacle, it will be left behind.” 

For several months now Forest Park has been promoting its electronics recycling site where residents can drop off unwanted electronics, free of charge.  The E-waste drop off site is located at the Forest Park Public Works Building, 7343 W. 15th Street (15th and Hannah) and accepts items from 7:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. weekdays. 

The Village and Allied Waste are requesting your assistance by helping to spread the word.   

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Youth Recreation Night every Wednesday at the Howard Mohr Community Center from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. – Video games, Board Games, Music, Basketball, Noc Hockey and lots more. Cost is $1.00 per child or one can of food to support the Food Pantry.  All Grammar School Students welcome.

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Dodgeball every Tuesday Night from 6:30 to 8:00 PM – students 2nd grade through 6th grade are welcome.  Cost is $2.00 per student.

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IMPORTANT!  Want to stay up-to-date on new events or important meetings?  Please log on to www.forestpark.net and join our e-newsletter on the homepage.  It’s a really great way to learn about new events and breaking news and the only way we can connect to you in the quickest possible way! 

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Open to the public - Free Mulch! Take as much as you want. Please stop by Public Works at 7343 W. 15th Street.

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Did you know that the Forest Park Police Department has its own website? The Forest Park Police is happy to bring this new site to you which offers a wide variety of useful information. Please visit the site at www.forestparkpolice.net and check them out today!

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Electronics Recycling: The Village of Forest Park has partnered with Vintage Tech Recyclers and the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency to bring the convenience of recycling electronic equipment to our hometown as part of an on-going weekly event. Effective immediately, you may dispose of your unwanted electronics such as televisions, copiers, monitors, laptops, printers, etc., at the Forest Park Public Works building located at 7343 W. 15th Street between the hours of 7am and 3pm, Monday through Friday. Click here to view acceptable items - Click here to view unacceptable items.

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Township programs: Forest Park Senior residents can take advantage of many free services offered by Proviso Township including Medical rides for appointments, Recreational and Shopping rides to area stores as well as the Oakbrook and Yorktown malls on certain days, and Handyman Program Services who will make minor home repairs for a nominal fee of $5.00. Please call 708-344-7430 for transportation services and 547-4001 for the Handyman Program.

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First Time Homebuyer & Foreclosure Prevention Seminars: Hosted by the West Cook Homeownership Center, 200 S, 5th Avenue, Maywood, is offering a number of seminars throughout the year. This is free and open to anyone in Cook County. Please call Priscilla Ian at 848-7150 to obtain a schedule for the seminars or for more information.

Try and keep your community in mind as you shop for gifts and household needs– many local proprietors have what you are looking for. Please consider shopping the strip along Madison Street, Roosevelt Road or off the beaten path and support your local business all year long –

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