Village of Carol Stream E-Newsletter

May 2024

Geek Fest 2024

Save the date for the Village's third annual Geek Fest on Saturday, June 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ross Ferraro Town Center. Entertainment includes inflatable bounce houses, arcade-style games, board and card games, and more. Enjoy food and beverages from local vendors, and browse pop-up shops from various pop culture vendors. Don't forget to dress to theme for the costume/cosplay contest! For more information, please visit the Village's events page.

Concert Series Begins June 20

Join us at Town Center this summer for our annual concert series! Taking place on Thursday nights, these concerts provide free entertainment and fun for the whole family. Concerts begin at 7 p.m. and typically run until 9 p.m. Our annual concert series is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Village's website.

Cop on a Rooftop Fundraiser

On May 17 between 5 a.m. and noon, the Carol Stream Police Department will be participating in Cop on a Rooftop, a fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.

Stop by the Dunkin located at 880 W. Army Trail Road, say hello to our officers, and support a great cause. You can also scan the QR code to the right to make a donation to the Special Olympics.

Beware of Home Improvement Scams

As homeowners look to take on projects this season, it is important to be aware of potential home improvement scams, which are on the rise in nearby communities. These types of scams typically involve unqualified contractors who provide poor or incomplete work, leaving homeowners responsible for costly repairs.

Recognizing the Red Flags:

Recognizing warning signs and suspicious behavior is essential to avoid falling victim to a scam. Some common red flags include:

Unsolicited Offers: In some situations, scammers will knock on your front door and say that they were working in the area and will offer to give you a great deal because they have leftover material. Most reputable contractors will not knock on your front door and offer services on the spot.
Refusal to Show Proof of Licensing and Insurance: Legitimate contractors should be properly licensed, bonded, and insured. If a contractor refuses to show this documentation, it’s likely that they do not have it and are unqualified.
No Written Contracts or Agreements: Always insist on a detailed, written contract outlining the scope of work, costs, and payment schedule for a project. Any contractor who refuses to sign a contract or agreement will likely not fulfil their promises.

Protecting Yourself:

Before starting a home improvement project, it’s important to do your due diligence to protect yourself from scammers. Helpful tips to be mindful of include:

Research Contractors: Research any contractor or company thoroughly before hiring them. Ensure that they are properly licensed, bonded, insured, and have positive references.
Get Multiple Estimates: Don’t settle for the first contractor you come across. Obtaining multiple estimates will help to ensure that you are getting a fair price.
Get Permits: The Village of Carol Stream requires building permits and inspections for many home improvement projects, such as paving a driveway or adding an addition to your home. Permits ensure that the project is in compliance with applicable codes, and holds contractors accountable for their work.

To learn more about the Village’s permitting process, or for any questions related to residential building projects, please visit the Village’s website, or call the Community Development Department at (630) 871-6230. If you feel that you have been a victim of a home improvement scam, please call 9-1-1 or visit the Police Department to file a report.

Motorcycle Awareness Month

May is known as Motorcycle Awareness Month, and users of the road are encouraged to "Start Seeing Motorcycles." With the warmer weather, more motorcyclists will be on the roads, and it is important for drivers and motorcyclists to take precautions to ensure everyone's safety.

Here are some essential tips for drivers to keep in mind:

Look twice before changing lanes or merging into traffic, and be sure to check your blind spots.
Give motorcyclists enough space to maneuver and enough time to adjust if necessary.
Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists. Do not merge in between groups or riders unless there is enough space to do so safely.

For more information regarding Motorcycle Awareness Month, please see the State of Illinois' web page.