The Park Forest Board of Trustees will meet at Village Hall at 7 p.m. on April 20 to discuss a variety of agenda items related to economic development, public safety, and infrastructure improvements.
The meeting is significant for residents as it covers topics that impact local business growth, neighborhood revitalization, and essential municipal services. Residents are invited to attend and participate during the public comment portion.
A proposed ordinance would increase liquor licenses in order to allow Ambitions Bar & Grill to open on Main Street. The business plans include a restaurant, bar, event space with live entertainment and gaming, and a family-friendly dining environment during daytime hours. Trustees will also review several ordinances for selling Village-owned properties in the Eastgate neighborhood to Habitat for Humanity of DuPage and Chicago South Suburbs. This initiative aims to speed up rehabilitation efforts so vacant homes can return to productive use and rejoin the property tax roll; officials said Habitat has completed more than 20 housing projects locally.
Other items include updates to sections of the municipal code such as changes in business registration fees, police alarm regulations, and administrative adjudication procedures—intended to expand enforcement tools for hearing officers while aligning local ordinances with state law.
Infrastructure proposals on the agenda feature contracts recommended by Public Works: an annual purchase of water treatment chemicals exceeding $1 million through competitive bidding among multiple vendors based on specific needs; a $389,100 contract for sanitary sewer lining under a federal Community Development Block Grant program using trenchless technology; equipment upgrades at the water treatment plant; plus routine approvals like previous meeting minutes.
Public safety investments are also set for discussion. The board may approve purchasing a new ambulance via regional cooperative buying due to long production timelines—ensuring timely replacement when needed—and may approve a tower lease agreement with New Cingular Wireless PCS (AT&T) allowing cellular equipment installation at Blackhawk Water Tower. This agreement would generate monthly revenue while expanding wireless service capacity locally.
According to the official website, Village of Park Forest promotes community health through dedicated commissions and programs (official website). The village has received recognition for its sustainability efforts in town planning (official website) and operates under a council-manager government structure led by a mayor with six trustees (official website). It aims to strengthen economic conditions through collaboration (official website), demonstrates leadership in sustainability by supporting national climate agreements (official website), and offers educational opportunities via its Civic Leadership Academy addressing community issues (official website).
The full agenda is available online.
