Thursday, April 14, 2022
Dear River Forest residents,

I was thrilled to attend a groundbreaking ceremony earlier today for the Lake and Lathrop project along with Trustees Respicio Vazquez and Robert O’Connell. This project started with a vision and a mission to remediate environmental contamination and make way for a quality development. We have achieved our goal and can now move forward with what will be a successful mixed-use development that anchors a key corner in the Village’s Lake Street Commercial District. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this happen!

During the April 11th Committee of the Whole Meeting the Board was presented with a balanced FY 2023 annual budget. View a copy of the presentation and annual budget here. Also during our Village Board meeting, Chief O’Shea presented information on the training the Police Department undergoes on a yearly basis to serve and protect our community. A copy of the presentation is available here.

The Oak Park/River Forest Chamber of Commerce will also be hosting a community blood drive on Monday, April 18 at the Oak Park Public Library from noon-4:30 p.m. Appointments are required and can be made here.

Finally, I hope that our residents who celebrate Passover and Easter enjoy the holidays with family and friends.

Sincerely,
Cathy Adduci, Village President
Village of River Forest
Lake and Lathrop Project groundbreaking ceremony, Thursday April 14, 2022. Pictured are representatives from Sedgwick Development, Village President Cathy Adduci, and Trustees Respicio Vazquez and Robert O’Connell.
Delay in Second Property Tax Bill Installment
The Cook County Assessor is continuing to certify property tax assessments in townships throughout Cook County, and because of this, the second installment of 2021 tax bills will likely be delayed. Updates will be provided as they become available. To learn more, click here.
Resurfacing Project
The Illinois Department of Transportation is managing a resurfacing project along Harlem Avenue, from North Avenue to 26th Street and work along the curb is expected to be completed this week. Residents are advised to use caution when driving in this area as the project continues throughout the summer. The Village will communicate more information as it becomes available.
Before You Dig, Call Julie!
April is National Safe Digging Month. Protect your loved ones and your property by calling Julie at #811 if you plan on doing any digging this spring. This is a free service that ensures underground utilities are not disrupted. Calls need to be made at least 48 hours before a project begins. After your call, utility workers will come out to your property and mark underground utility lines. To learn more, click here.
DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is hosting National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This event offers free and anonymous disposal of unneeded or expired medications. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, sharps and illicit drugs will not be accepted. Vaping devices and cartridges will be accepted, provided the lithium batteries are removed. Visit this link for more information.
Community Solar
Join fellow residents who have already signed up to get solar power for their homes through a community solar subscription with the Village’s program administrator MC Squared Energy Services. It will save you money and help reduce carbon emissions. Visit vrf.us/CommunitySolar to learn how it works.

To sign up:
1. Reserve your spot, using the account and meter number on your ComEd bill.
2. Complete your enrollment when MC Squared notifies you (via email) that a spot is open in a community solar project. 
3. The subscription fee will equal 80% of what you will save from the credit ComEd will give you for the electricity supply part of your bill. You will save 20% of that part of your bill. You can cancel your subscription at any time.
4. Watch for a credit on your next ComEd bill for the electricity supply cost. The cost of electricity distribution and other charges on your ComEd bill will remain the same.

For more information about enrollment notices, including a sample enrollment notice email, click here.
Business Spotlight
Shop River Forest! Good Earth Greenhouse is a local greenhouse located on Madison Street that offers a variety of plants and garden decor, consults with a garden coach, and a floral designer to help plan wedding or event designs. They are currently accepting orders for corsages and boutonnieres for prom in May. The Good Earth Greenhouse Cafe offers sandwiches, salads, smoothies and a wide selection of wine for takeout and delivery too! Stop by to shop or place an order for curbside pickup or delivery. To learn more, click here.

Shop River Forest! Please support our local businesses whenever possible! You can find a listing of River Forest businesses on the Village’s website. If you’d like your business to be featured in the weekly Business Spotlight, please send us an email.
What's Happening in River Forest?

Visit the River Forest Community Calendar at rfhappenings.com
to find out, today!