Mayor James J. Sexton

 April 13, 2009

     It seems that the Spring/Summer season has been a long time coming.  We have patiently waited for the temperatures to rise and the color green to make itself visible once again.  We have plowed and shoveled more than our fair share of snow and experienced the difficult side of what this weather can bring yet I am proud to say that our various services and departments met these challegens head on and were successful in their efforts.  As a whole we look forward to the many fun events and activities that are a part of what makes Evergreen Park the wonderful community it is.

      The economic crisis that currently faces our nation certainly hasn't skipped over the Village of Evergreen Park or its residents.  We are all feeling the side effects that accompany a slowing economy.  One of the ways we are working toward keeping our expenses down and still maintaining our high standard of connecting with our residents, we have decided to include what would usually be presented in the format of a newsletter will now be in our Recreation Dept. book that reaches every household.  Please know that we have worked very hard to improve our website so that our residents can also access up to date information right at their desk top.  The Village Hall is always welcome to any inquiries our residents may have regarding policy, programs and events.  Evergreen Park and its residents have much to look forward to and that progrss is very visible.  Residents can see development taking place as they drive down our main thoroughfare 95th Street, as well as many of our side streets.  Intersections are being redeveloped, big businesses are under construction, roads are being improved upon and homeowners continue to make improvements to their property.  Yes, we all have to tighten our belts but at the same time we are investing in our future and necessary development.

     Evergreen Park is looking forward to the opening of Pete's Fresh Market a 55,000 square-foot grocery store on the former site of Frank's Nursery and Crafts at the northeast corner of 95th Street and Ridgeway Avenue.  A two-part project is developing at the corners of 95th Street and Kedzie Avenue giving a much needed lift to a very integral intersection of the community.  The Village looks forward to retail development.  A little further south on Kedzie, one of the community's popular restaurants, Chi-Tung, is preparing to open a new addition to its thriving business.  Opportunity is prevalent in a few other prime spots as well.  There is plenty of room for new growth in this community that holds onto its old fashioned values.

     It is with great pride that the Village accepted the 2009 Governor's Hometown Award for the Village Food pantry and its good  work.  2008 saw a significant increase in visitors to the food pantry, but because of fundraising such as the Annual Hot Rod Classic Car Show, and the hard work of a great team of volunteers, no one in need had to be turned away.  The Historical Commisssion is currently moving into its new home at 9745 S. Homan a renovated church that the Village purchased two years ago.  This building when completely renovated will be enjoyed by residents for many different activities.

     This year the Village's favorite event, the annual Independence Day Parade and Firework display will take place on Thursday, July 2nd.  The entire community gathers along 95th Street to watch this annual procession and then continue on, lawn chairs and blankets in hand, to Duffy Park for a spectacular firework display.

     Yes, Evergreen Park, along with many others feel the current economic slow down, but continues to experience positive growth and improvement.  You have my pledge that our administration will continue to spend your tax and fee dollars as if they were our own.  Even though we have been forced to cut back, we have no intention of compromising the pride and commitment we take in our fine community.  As always, please keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers and share what abundance you have with those in need. 

As always, I am honored to be your Mayor.

James J. Sexton, Mayor