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Measures advance to facilitate Park
Dist. renovations
Legislation enables Park District to acquire the site of the Roos building
By SEAN JENKINS
FOREST PARK –Senate Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D – Maywood )
advanced legislation through the Senate Local Government Committee last Wednesday
that will allow the Park District of Forest Park to proceed with plans to revitalize the area
surrounding the Roos building, which has remained empty and boarded up nearly six
years as a result of the economic downturn.
“The Roos building was home to a thriving factory that provided jobs for hundreds of
citizens in the community,” Senator Lightford said. “Unfortunately, the site fell into
foreclosure due to the economic recession and has fallen into disrepair over the last few
years. This legislation will help the community rebound by giving them the means to begin
rejuvenating the area.”
The legislation proposed by Lightford would allow the Park District of Forest Park to adopt
a supplementary budget this year to take advantage of revenue generated by a tax
increase approved by Forest Park voters in February. That revenue will be used to
purchase the 2.5 acres on which the Roos building stands so that the Park District can
begin moving forward on plans for renovation.
Plans for reviving the area include a community garden, green space and a gymnasium, in
addition to space for programs for children and seniors. The project would be an
extension of the village’s largest park, which is adjacent to the Roos property at Circle
Avenue and Harrison Street. The construction is expected to last around 18 months.
“Thanks to Senator Lightford’s commitment to communities she serves, the Park District
of Forest Park will be able to fulfill the wishes of the residents to build and protect the last
open space in Forest Park,” said Larry Piekarz, the Executive Director of the Park District.
“It is my hope that this legislation will allow these plans to move forward as quickly as
possible,” Lightford said. “This project will help to enhance the quality of life for village
residents.”
The legislation passed the Local Government Committee by a vote of 8-0-0
Dist. renovations
Legislation enables Park District to acquire the site of the Roos building
By SEAN JENKINS
FOREST PARK –Senate Assistant Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford (D – Maywood )
advanced legislation through the Senate Local Government Committee last Wednesday
that will allow the Park District of Forest Park to proceed with plans to revitalize the area
surrounding the Roos building, which has remained empty and boarded up nearly six
years as a result of the economic downturn.
“The Roos building was home to a thriving factory that provided jobs for hundreds of
citizens in the community,” Senator Lightford said. “Unfortunately, the site fell into
foreclosure due to the economic recession and has fallen into disrepair over the last few
years. This legislation will help the community rebound by giving them the means to begin
rejuvenating the area.”
The legislation proposed by Lightford would allow the Park District of Forest Park to adopt
a supplementary budget this year to take advantage of revenue generated by a tax
increase approved by Forest Park voters in February. That revenue will be used to
purchase the 2.5 acres on which the Roos building stands so that the Park District can
begin moving forward on plans for renovation.
Plans for reviving the area include a community garden, green space and a gymnasium, in
addition to space for programs for children and seniors. The project would be an
extension of the village’s largest park, which is adjacent to the Roos property at Circle
Avenue and Harrison Street. The construction is expected to last around 18 months.
“Thanks to Senator Lightford’s commitment to communities she serves, the Park District
of Forest Park will be able to fulfill the wishes of the residents to build and protect the last
open space in Forest Park,” said Larry Piekarz, the Executive Director of the Park District.
“It is my hope that this legislation will allow these plans to move forward as quickly as
possible,” Lightford said. “This project will help to enhance the quality of life for village
residents.”
The legislation passed the Local Government Committee by a vote of 8-0-0