Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Spring is finally here, and it certainly was a winter to remember. Faced with near record-breaking snowfall and sub-zero days, Village services were put to the test. Through it all, with Public Works and Public Safety personnel on the front lines, and the office staff handling emergency calls for assistance, our Village services performed with tireless effort and got the job done.
This would not have been possible without the interagency support Willow Springs received working together with the West Suburban Water Commission. Besides dealing with seemingly never ending broken water mains, Commission staff worked side by side with Village personnel to handle the most extreme weather conditions. It is also appropriate to note the efforts of local youths who assisted stuck motorists and good-hearted neighbors who pitched in to assist seniors and those in need.
Knowing there’s something to be gained from every challenge, the Village reviewed and strengthened its procedures to further improve on public services. Public Works trucks are now equipped with GPS to ensure all areas of the Village are plowed in the most efficient method. After assessing the toll the harsh winter took on our machinery, the Village has budgeted for two new plow trucks to modernize the fleet.
The spring season means the Village is once again assessing streets as part of our annual Street Maintenance and Resurfacing Program. Implemented in 2008, the Village has invested nearly $2 million in local rebuilding roads. This has been accomplished through our local penny sales tax without impacting property owners. In addition, this year’s Street Program will address the permanent repair of the pot holes left from a winter of road salt and constant plowing. A permanent patch can only be applied in warm weather temperatures.
This summer, IDOT plans to add turn lanes, new signalization, a combined walk/bike path along Archer Avenue at Willow Springs Road. In addition, to assist the business community, the Village has worked with IDOT to line up the entrances of Old Willow and Market Street to improve accessibility.
I am pleased to announce that two Hazardous Materials Disposal Days are scheduled for this spring in our area; May 4 at Moraine Valley Community College and May 17 at 55th and East Ave. The EPA is once again funding this very useful program which keeps hazardous materials from contaminating our environment.
Our Village is rated one of the safest communities in the State, and the safest in the South Suburban area. Besides our peace of mind that living in a secure neighborhood brings, this rating positively affects our property values. You can read about the positive news regarding Willow Springs’ safety rating in Willow Springs Named “Safest” in Southland Region.
For a great example of how one person can make a difference, read the story, Worker Delivers the Goods on the Bad Guys, of a man whose decision to get involved and call the police helped solve a crime.
Please mark your calendars for the upcoming Village events, and please support the Village’s newly formed Events Committee as it plans a summer of great entertainment. Thursday, August 7, marks our 7th Annual Benefit Car Show. Due to tremendous support for the event, the Village has amended the Family and Veterans Relief Fund eligibility list to include more charitable Veterans organizations. Last month the Relief Fund approved a $500 donation to our local VFW post, in addition to assisting three other Veterans groups. Proceeds from the Benefit Car Show are distributed to needy families and Veterans.
Before you know it, school will be letting out. Please remember to keep our streets safe for our children.
Kindest Regards,
Alan