Thursday, August 14, 2025 | | |
Dear River Forest residents,
Thank you to all who attended Saturday’s “Casual Conversation” where we had a great turnout and discussed the building permit process and infrastructure projects. You can learn more in an article below. Our next “Casual Conversation” will be on November 15, so please save the date!
With the new school year starting, drivers are reminded to stay alert and use extra caution as students walk or bike. Always follow school zone speed limits and keep your focus on the road - please put phones and other distractions away. You can review updated E-bike and E-scooter regulations here.
Finally, the Food Truck Rally is coming up on Friday, August 22 so I hope to see you there. This event is the result of one of many partnerships the Village is involved with; we work with our Park District and the Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest to bring this popular event to the community. You can find more information in an article below.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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Click the Video Below to Learn about an Event Friday, August 22 that Salutes our Older Residents!
Senior citizens and their caregivers are welcome to attend! Need a ride? Call Luke at the Village at 708-714-3526 by Thursday, August 21.
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The Village continues to monitor the foreclosure litigation between Wintrust Bank and Lake Lathrop Partners, with the next court date scheduled for Friday, September 12. Recently, Lake Lathrop Partners decided not to appeal the judge’s February ruling, which upheld the Village’s decision to deny the developer a new building permit for continued work at the Lake & Lathrop site. Earlier this summer, the judge denied the Village’s request for a court-ordered demolition of the existing structures on the property.
Once this litigation concludes, the Village will remain committed to the original goal for this key commercial site: to attract the highest and best use for a new development that will benefit the entire community.
| |  | North Avenue Construction | |
The Illinois Department of Transportation recently approved two projects on North Avenue. Work will include resurfacing, along with intersection and traffic signal improvements.
Utility work is already underway and paving will begin soon. Drivers may want to consider alternate routes, as there will be delays once work begins. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and obey the posted speed limits in work zones. For more information, click here.
| | | "Casual Conversation" Recap | | Part of last Saturday’s “Casual Conversation” event focused on the Building Department and how its job is to ensure the public’s safety, and the maintenance of buildings and structures throughout the Village. Building and Zoning Inspector Christian Luis answered questions about the Village’s permit process for home projects, and provided guidance for businesses planning to build or renovate. Questions ranged from, “Do I need a permit if I’m upgrading my HVAC system?” to “What happens if my contractor doesn’t apply for a required permit?” Inspector Luis also explained how violations are discovered. Additionally, some residents expressed confusion about whether their homes contained lead pipes, which is related to the State-mandated lead pipe replacement program. By taking a brief survey here, you can help provide information to the Village to determine your water line materials. If you have questions, please contact the Public Works Department. | | Save the date for the Food Truck Rally on Friday, August 22, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Keystone Park West in The Depot parking lot. Hosted by the Village, River Forest Park District, and the Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest, this summer event features an evening of food truck favorites, live entertainment, a beer tent, and fun for all ages. To view the full lineup of food vendors and events, click here. | | | Junior Citizens Police Academy Recap | The Police Department recently concluded another successful session of the Junior Citizens Police Academy, a summer favorite that offers local youth a hands-on introduction to public safety careers. This year’s academy offered an up-close look at a Police K-9 Unit and opportunities to explore Fire and Police department equipment. Held annually in partnership with the Oak Park Police Department, the program continues to inspire young participants through engaging, real-world experiences. | | | Comprehensive Plan: From Vision to Reality | | The Comprehensive Plan lays out the vision for River Forest’s future - but it’s more than just a collection of ideas. It serves as a clear, actionable roadmap to guide growth and development across the Village. With specific steps and priorities, the Plan helps turn vision into reality. A key part of its success depends on collaboration; Village leaders, residents, local businesses, and government partners all play roles in moving the plan forward. Over the next few years, the plan outlines a range of potential projects, such as the construction of new parks, improved roads, and local business development and support. It also emphasizes the need to regularly monitor progress and make adjustments when needed. With this thoughtful, community-driven Plan in place, River Forest is well positioned to grow in a way that reflects, and protects, what makes it such a unique community. To learn more about the Comprehensive Plan, click here. | | |
The Switch Together Solar Program makes solar panel installation more affordable through significant group-buying discounts. Optional upgrades such as battery storage and electric vehicle chargers are also available. Installers undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure participants receive high-quality work from trusted professionals.
The Program also includes free educational webinars and in-person events to guide residents through the process and benefits of going solar. On average, households see $5,139 in savings on a premium installation, with a 30% federal tax credit providing additional benefits. Under new legislation, only expenditures made by December 31, 2025 qualify for this credit - so act now to lock in your savings. Registration is free, with no obligation to purchase a system.
Sign up here by Wednesday, September 3.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
Hub Kitchen recently celebrated its one-year anniversary as a dynamic hub for food entrepreneurs, driven by their love of cooking. Offering affordable, fully equipped shared kitchen space, the location supports a variety of culinary ventures and helps local businesses grow. Learn more here.
Please support local businesses whenever possible! If you have a business located in River Forest with a valid business license, it can be featured in the Village’s business spotlight. If you’d like your business to be featured, please send us an email. You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s Shop River Forest website.
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