Development News for Beach Park, Illinois

Speed Bumps Approved for Beach Road; Broader Safety Concerns Remain

The village board discussed the ongoing traffic study for Beach Road and confirmed that speed bumps will be installed immediately upon completion of the study, which began Sunday at midnight and will last for seven days. While residents are excited about the speed bumps, concerns remain about other safety and parking issues in the Beach Road neighborhood. A long-term solution proposed by some residents is to remove direct park access from Beach Road and redirect it to Green Bay Road. Additionally, a resident presented collected garbage, including diapers, fast food wrappers, and drug paraphernalia found on their private property, highlighting ongoing safety and cleanliness issues in the area that they believe require further mitigation beyond traffic calming measures.

Village to Pass Credit Card Fees to Payers

The village board approved a motion to direct staff to revise the credit card policy, implementing a policy where payers will be responsible for credit card fees. This change aims to prevent the village from absorbing these costs, which have depleted village funds, particularly the water fund. The fees will be a minimum of $1 for bills up to approximately $45, with larger amounts potentially having a higher fee based on state of Illinois allowances. The implementation is expected to be nearly immediate, with updates to the website and signage, and potentially a notice on the next utility bill and in the newsletter. Direct debit payments and payments via check, money order, or cash will not incur these fees.

Village Hall Elevator Maintenance Contract Awarded to Lakeland Larson

The village board is recommended to approve a resolution accepting the proposal from Lakeland Larson Elevator Corporation for the maintenance and monitoring of the Village Hall elevator. This service will include required inspections, testing, reports, and 24/7 monitoring, with video camera capabilities. Lakeland Larson's proposal was deemed more reasonable in price compared to Schindler, the elevator's constructor. The annual cost is approximately $2,100. This contract is ongoing and involves state fire marshal oversight.

Conditional Use Permit Granted for Home-Based Small Engine Repair Business

The village board approved an ordinance for a conditional use permit for Richard Ayala to operate a small engine repair business as a home occupation at 12721 West 28th Place. The plan commission had unanimously approved the petition. Concerns from residents primarily focused on potential traffic and noise. The applicant, a corrections officer and former deputy, intends to maintain discretion. The permit excludes motorcycles and snowmobiles, focusing on equipment like grass cutters and blowers. While the definition of the use limits engine size, specific CC limits were not detailed in the permit conditions, with the applicant mentioning a maximum of a two-cylinder engine. Provisions for the disposal of waste fluids like oil and fuel are included and will be inspected annually as part of general business regulations.