Thursday, January 29, 2026 | | |
Dear River Forest residents,
Community members are invited to participate in the conversation about the future of the Madison Street Development at an open house on Thursday, February 5. Resident input is a vital part of this process, and feedback can be shared in person at the open house or online.
At last Monday’s Village Board meeting, prospective developer Five Thirty-One Partners presented preliminary concept drawings for the proposed project at 7620 Madison Street, which initiated the Planned Development Process. No votes or actions were taken by the Village Board, and Five Thirty-One Partners will be required to submit a full planned development application prior to review by both the Development Review Board and ultimately, the Village Board. The application will include a new traffic study evaluating the potential impact on the neighborhood.
The Village’s Finance Department also recently presented the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). This is a planning tool that guides the Village’s annual budget process and long-term investments in infrastructure and capital assets of $10,000 or more - and identifies funding sources.
Sincerely,
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Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
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Attend Third Madison Street Development
Open House
| | Community members are encouraged to take part in a third open house for the proposed Madison Street Development on Thursday, February 5, from 6 - 8 p.m. in the Community Room at Village Hall. Attendees will have the chance to explore site plans, diagrams, and architectural renderings, speak directly with Village staff and the development team from proposed developer, Five Thirty-One Partners, and share their thoughts on the project. All residents are welcome and encouraged to participate. Additional project details and an option to submit questions or feedback prior to the open house are available here. | | Join the Casual Conversation | Have something on your mind regarding Village services or other local topics? Mark your calendar for the next, “Casual Conversation with the Village President” on Saturday, March 14, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the River Forest Public Library (Barbara Hall Meeting Room). This relaxed, drop-in style event offers residents an opportunity to connect directly with Village President Cathy Adduci and Village staff, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about current Village projects and priorities. | |  | Small Business Improvement Grants | The Village’s Economic Development Commission has launched a new grant program to support small businesses located within the Village’s Madison Street and North Avenue Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts. Eligible business owners may apply for funding to assist with approved improvements, including energy conservation and parking lot upgrades, accessibility enhancements, façade maintenance, landscaping and signage. This program is designed to help strengthen the local business community while enhancing the overall vitality of the TIF districts. Learn more here. | | | Make a difference in a child’s life by volunteering at the Oak Park–River Forest Infant Welfare Society’s third annual Children’s Clinic on President’s Day, which is Monday, February 16. Adults, students, children, and families are welcome to help brighten the day for young patients visiting the medical and dental clinic. This is a great opportunity to earn volunteer hours and give back to the community. Space is limited and registration is required by Tuesday, February 10 - children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Two sessions are available: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. or 12:30 - 2 p.m., with clinic tours included. To learn more or register, click here. | | Join the Oak Park–River Forest Chamber of Commerce for its annual “Bite Nite” on Friday, January 30, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Nineteenth Century Club. From beloved neighborhood favorites to hidden gems, there’s something to sample for everyone. Stop by and support local River Forest restaurants, including Roux by Romero, and leave with a new favorite dining spot - and maybe even a carry out order! Learn more here. | | | Support local youth by donating to the Youth Hygiene Closet before Monday, February 2! The Closet provides essential personal care items - like body wash, shampoo, laundry detergent, and more - free of charge, to youth in need. Donations can be dropped off in the collection box at the River Forest Public Library or at Lincoln and Willard elementary schools. For a full list of accepted donation items, click here. | | |
Statewide Paint Recycling Program
Debuts in Illinois
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Illinois residents and businesses now have a convenient, eco-friendly way to recycle leftover paint through the new PaintCare program. This statewide initiative offers free paint recycling at participating paint retailers and select government facilities. The program accepts both latex- and oil-based architectural paint products, including paints, primers, stains, sealers, and varnishes - as long as they are in their original containers with their labels intact. Drop-off sites accept at least five gallons per visit, and some locations can accept more. Larger quantities (100+ gallons) may qualify for free pickup. This program is funded by a small PaintCare fee added to new paint purchases. To find a nearby drop-off site or to learn more, click here.
| | River Forest Business Spotlight | | |
The Little Bits Workshop is a welcoming, creative studio where people of all ages and abilities can explore the art of upcycling - the transformation of discarded materials into thoughtfully crafted items of greater quality and value. From after-school workshops and special events to skill-building classes, there’s something for every curious creator. Registration for the workshop’s Summer MakerCamp opens January 31, and kids are invited to “Paint the Town” on Fridays as new public art projects begin this January - in partnership with the River Forest Public Library. Learn more about programs and upcoming opportunities 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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