Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: May 8, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

City of Darien Website

Weekly eNews - May 8, 2025

Mayor's Message

“Advocacy involves promoting the interests or cause of someone or a group of people.”

- Unknown

On Wednesday, May 7, I will be traveling to Springfield, Illinois, along with other elected officials to “advocate” for our Darien residents and for residents throughout DuPage County and the State of Illinois. As elected officials, we have a fundamental responsibility to act as advocates for our constituents, ensuring that their voices, needs, and concerns are heard and addressed in the policymaking process. I believe that by championing the interests of our residents to our state legislative representatives, we build trust in government, promote accountability, and ensure that public policies reflect the diverse realities of the people we serve.

As your Mayor, I am committed to keeping you informed about proposed legislation in the Illinois General Assembly that directly impacts our Darien community and your tax dollars. There are numerous issues confronting the state legislature this spring, and based on how those issues are resolved, they could have a negative impact on our Darien Community. Among other issues, three that we will be directing our attention to with state legislators are the following:

Public Safety Pensions – Understanding potential legislative changes and how they might impact our local budget and your taxpayer contributions;
Local Government Distributive Fund (LGDF) – We will be advocating for the restoration of crucial funding that supports local projects and services. Since 2011, the City has lost out on over 14M in LGDF funding;
Public Transportation – The state legislature has been working to assess several pieces of legislation dealing with mass transit reform, how it's governed and where the funding to support necessary changes will be derived.

Not only will we advocate on your behalf down in Springfield on these and other key issues, but I also want to introduce you to InvestInCommunities.org, which is a valuable resource providing reliable and up-to-date information on legislative efforts that affect Darien taxpayers. InvestInCommunities.org will provide you with key insights on not only the three policy areas I mentioned, but it will also cover other key issues that can impact local taxpayers. Please know that your Darien elected officials will work diligently down in Springfield to represent your interests and those of other communities in DuPage County. I urge you to visit InvestInCommunities.org to stay informed regarding ongoing initiatives, and if possible, contact our state legislators to share your perspective. Through our efforts in Springfield and your contacting our state representatives, we will be working together to ensure that our Darien Community continues to grow and to thrive.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for your continued commitment to our community.

Alderman Kenny, Alderwoman Sullivan, Mayor Marchese, and Administrator Vana in Springfield with DuPage Mayors and Managers.

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Swearing-In Ceremony

At the May 6 City Council Meeting, Alderman Kenny, Alderwoman Sullivan, Alderman Schauer, and Alderman Belczak were sworn in to office. Chief of Police Greg Thomas and Director of Municipal Services and Community Development Dan Gombac were also sworn in as Department Heads.

Cop on a Rooftop

Support Special Olympic athletes alongside the Darien Police Department by coming out to the Dunkin' at 7532 S Cass Ave on Friday, May 16!

National Police Week: May 11 - 17

National Police Week occurs each May, paying special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others. In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15 as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15 falls as National Police Week.

National Police Week is a collaborative effort of many organizations dedicated to honoring America’s law enforcement community. Learn more. Thank you to the members of the Darien Police Department for keeping our community safe.

2025 Concrete Replacement Program

The City of Darien will be providing residents interested in replacing their driveway, apron and City sidewalk the opportunity to participate in the 2025 Concrete Replacement Program. Suburban Concrete, Inc. is the vendor for the program this year with pricing as follows:

Driveways

Sidewalks

Apron w/fiber mesh

Curb & gutter

Sealer

$ 20.00 per square foot

$ 9.00 per square foot

$ 9.50 per square foot

$ 33.00 per lineal foot

$ 4.50 per square foot

Residents may be able to obtain a lower price quote from a local concrete company. Suburban Concrete, Inc. may be higher as they pay employees prevailing wages established for DuPage County. Private companies may not be required to pay those same employee rates. Additionally, Suburban Concrete, Inc. uses a cement mix of 6:1 as others may use a less expensive/desired cement mix ratio of 5:1.

Residents interested in participating in the program should contact Diane with the City of

Darien at 630-353-8102 to request a proposal.

The deadline to participate in the program is June 30.

DuPage County Traffic Safety Plan Event

Join the City of Elmhurst and DuPage County to learn about the DuPage County Safety Action Plan. This is an opportunity to engage in family-friendly activities, understand the plan’s traffic safety recommendations, and learn about the new Safe Travel for All initiative to reduce serious injuries and traffic fatalities on our roads. Stop by to learn how the plan is taking shape to make roads safer for people throughout DuPage County. Lean more about the plan here.

Details:

When: Wednesday, May 21, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: At the intersection of York Street and the Illinois Prairie Path by Wild Meadows Trace
Parking and transit: Street parking is available. Pace Route 332 has multiple stops near the pop up location.

Save a Life - Donate Blood

The Indian Prairie Public Library and the Darien Woman's Club are sponsoring a blood drive on Tuesday, May 13 at the library. Donors will receive a coupon for a FREE pint of Culver's frozen custard AND be entered to win a vacation prize (see flyer for more details).

Schedule an appointment by calling Vitalant at 877.258.4825 or at vitalant.org and use group code: ORD0398G. Walk-ins are welcome!

Darien Garden Club Plant Sale

Come by the Darien Garden Club's Plant Sale on May 17 to start your summer garden. The sale will be held at St John Lutheran Church from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn more at dariengardenclub.com.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and there are many resources in DuPage County, in Illinois, and nationwide for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis. Call or text to get support through one of the help lines listed below or click here to see more resources in DuPage County.

DuPage County Crisis Line: Call 630-627-1700

Countywide phone line for DuPage residents staffed by local counselors available to respond and provide support for those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Crisis Text Line: Text REACH to 741741

Crisis Text Line is available for any crisis, 24/7. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds from a secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Dial 988, then press 1 to access the Veterans Crisis Line (see below)
Dial 988, then press 2 to access Spanish language services
Dial 988, then press 3 to access LGBTQI+ affirming counseling

NAMI HelpLine: Call 800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264) or Text HELPLINE to 62640

Free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. Available Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 9:00pm CT. nami.org

National Bike Month

It's National Bike Month and we are celebrating bikes and the people who ride them! This year’s Bike to Work Week is coming up next week, May 12 - 18, and it is a great time to try riding to work, out to the store, or to see a friend! The League of American Bicyclists reminds us that there are lots of good reasons to consider biking:

BIKING IS FUN

Biking brings people together, encourages discovery, and fosters community engagement.

BIKING IS GREEN

Biking curbs your carbon footprint and reduces air pollution and reliance on fossil fuels.

BIKING IS HEALTHY

Bicycling can integrate physical activity into our daily routines.

BIKING SAVES MONEY

Biking cuts parking, gas, and other driving costs while reducing traffic congestion.

Backflow Testing

As a reminder, residents who have an irrigation system are required to have their backflow devices tested annually. The City’s database management partner, Aqua Backflow sends out an independent survey every three years for an inventory of devices that may require a backflow prevention device as required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Please contact Aqua Backflow directly at info@AquaBackflow.com or 847-742-2296 with any questions.

Metronet Update

Metronet is bringing its 100% fiber-optic network to Darien. This will provide residents and businesses with internet speeds of up to five gigabits per second for homes and up to ten gigabits per second for businesses.

Construction will be underway in the coming weeks, with the first customers expected to gain service before the end of summer. Residents and businesses interested in signing up for construction updates and pre-sale opportunities can visit metronet.com/il/darien.

Metronet has provided a tentative construction schedule for its fiber-optic cable installation throughout the city. Check out the map and schedule here. They may access rear easements on your property or be in front of your homes and businesses as they begin work. Crews are identifiable by ID tags and branded vehicles.

You will receive a notification from Metronet via letter and postcard approximately 30 days before construction begins in your neighborhood. You will also see large construction signs in your neighborhood’s entrance and smaller signs near your mailbox. You will likely notice pink flags and temporary paint marking existing utilities. Learn more.

If you have questions or would like additional information, contact the following Metronet staff:

Shana Brocket – Community Relations Manager – (812) 305-1000
John McGraw – Construction Manager - (870) 395-1130

Concord Elementary School Pursuing New Playground

In a proud partnership with our 501(c)(3) charitable organization CARE, Cass School District 63 is committed to a community fundraising effort to build a needed playground at Concord Elementary School. Our goal is to provide our children with an accessible, safe, and fun space to play, grow, and build lasting memories for current and future generations of children in our community. All donations are tax deductible through CARE, and there are five tiers of giving to recognize our bigger individual, family, and corporate donors. More details are under the link, including a rendering of the proposed playground!

Downers Grove Township Senior Services Monthly Newsletter

Click here to view the May issue of the Downers Grove Township Senior Services Monthly Newsletter. Catch up on upcoming events, programs, and trips, and learn more about services available to seniors.

ATTENTION DARIEN BUSINESSES

DBA Luncheon: Harnessing AI for Local Business Success

Wednesday, May 14

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Alpine Banquets, 8230 S Cass Ave., Darien

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