Mayor's Night Out

Mayor David A. Gonzalez is hosting a series of community evenings designed to share information with residents on the city budget, capital projects and programs.

All residents are encouraged to attend and join Mayor Gonzalez for an evening of updates, information and idea sharing.

EACH SESSION WILL BEGIN AT 7:00 PM

DAY:                       DATE:                  LOCATION:

Thursday,      March 16^th        Wilson School, 422 W. 16^th Place

Thursday, March 23^rd Lincoln-Gavin School, 1520 Center Avenue

Wednesday, March 29^th Greenbriar School, 101 W. Greenbriar Avenue

Thursday,   March 30^th          Garfield School, 140 E. 23^rd Street

Wednesday, April 5^th               C.H. West Golf Course, 1112 Scott Avenue

Please call the Mayor’s Office at (708) 756-5315 with questions
or to request additional information.

Economic Development Overview-- Industrial

Revitalizing the industrial corridors along the east side of the city remains a primary focus for Mayor David A. Gonzalez.
The history and growth of the City of Chicago Heights relied heavily on the industrialization of the east side due to its booming industries and access to highways. In recent decades many cities, including Chicago Heights, experienced an industrial decline as major industries in the Midwest began to shift their manufacturing bases overseas.
"We see many opportunities to redevelop our industrial base because of our infrastructure and close proximity to the expressways,” Mayor Gonzalez said. "The east side of the city is experiencing new industrial growth and expansion of light industry because of the city's economic development initiatives and the work of the Chicago Heights Development Corp."
One important tool for revitalizing the industrial corridor has been the City’s aggressive approach to acquiring tax delinquent properties in the industrial areas. “Acquiring tax delinquent properties and reselling those properties to local businesses is one of the greatest assets the City of Chicago Heights can have for economic growth,” said CHDC Consultant Jack Hynes. The acquisition and reissuing of the delinquent parcels not only puts these properties back onto the city tax roll, but creates opportunity for local businesses to expand their facilities and create more job opportunities for city residents.

INDUSTRIAL HIGHLIGHTS

AAL Organic Food Recyclers

AAI Organic Food Recyclers purchased a 215,000 square foot vacant building at 300 Joe Orr Road.
- Previously tax delinquent property back on tax roll.
- Created 30 new job opportunities.

Gerresheimer Glass

Gerrsheimer Glass finished $15 million renovation.
- Renovation included updating offices and equipment.

NuFarm Americas, Inc.

NuFarm completed an additional $18 million update to their current facility.
- Consolidated their Canadian warehouse and moved it to Chicago Heights.
- Created 50 new jobs in the area.

Wilkins Rebuilders

Wilkins Rebuilders purchased tax delinquent property.
- Current 10,000 square foot building and 5 acre property now back on tax rolls.
Building $800,000 25,000 square foot warehouse.

K & S Tires

K & S Tires purchased a 25,000 square foot property at 300 State Street.
- Previously tax delinquent property back on tax roll.
- Will reactivate taxes on the property and invest $1 million in improvements.

Voestalpine

Completed a $3 million renovation to their current facility.

Signs, Signs, Everywhere a Sign!

Spring is approaching and with the warm weather, residents in the city will be hosting garage sales, estate sales, or a special neighborhood event by posting outdoor signage. The City of Chicago Heights wants to ensure that residents have the information they need to post their sign while observing the city ordinance for signage.
The ordinance states that signs or advertisements of any kind cannot be posted to sidewalks, crosswalks, curbstones, flagstones, pavement or any other portion or part of any public way in the city. Advertisements cannot be attached to any lampposts, electric light poles, telegraph poles, telephone poles, hydrants or any tree or plant, either on public or private property. The ordinance also prohibits posting advertisements to fences, posts, columns, trusses, gardens and railway gates, either on public or private property, or on any part of a bridge, viaduct, pole, box or fixture of any fire alarm system.
Signs advertising events can be put up on private property as long as the owner has given permission and the sign can stand on its own (as pictured).
There is obviously a long list of where signage should not be placed versus the short list of where signs may be posted. And the reason for that is simple—improperly placed, unattended, deteriorating signage is visually unappealing and may create a safety hazard—whether it is in a neighborhood, on public parkways or stuck to a utility pole. The limits on placing advertising or notices are even more specific, and residents have unanimously expressed their support for removing unwanted advertising.
Mayor David A. Gonzalez commented, “As residents or business owners, this information helps remind us all that we can ensure the beauty of our neighborhoods and the aesthetics along our city parkways and public spaces by observing the sign ordinance.”
If you are promoting an event or have any questions about advertising signs, please feel free to contact our Resident Services Department by calling 708-755-3106 or by submitting a request online, here.

City of Chicago Heights Joins National Mayor's Challenge for Water Conservation

Mayor David A. Gonzalez is joining mayors across the country in asking residents to make a long term commitment to manage water resources more wisely by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation — and in return residents can win a new Toyota Prius, water saving fixtures, and hundreds of other prizes.
The annual challenge, April 1- 30, is a non-profit national community service campaign to see which communities can best inspire their residents to make a series of informative and easy-to-do online pledges at mywaterpledge.com to use water more efficiently, reduce pollution, and save energy. Last year, residents from over 4,100 cities in all 50 U.S. states pledged to reduce their annual consumption of freshwater by 1.9 billion gallons, reduce waste sent to landfills by 42 million pounds, and prevent more than 87,000 pounds of hazardous waste from entering our watersheds.
To participate, residents enter online at mywaterpledge.com, and then make a series of online pledges to conserve water on behalf of the City of Chicago Heights.
Cities compete in the following population categories: (5,000- 29,999 residents, 30,000-99,999 residents, 100,000-299,999 residents, 300,000-599,999 residents, and 600,000+ residents).
Cities with the highest percentage of residents who take the challenge in their population category are entered into drawings for hundreds of eco-friendly prizes, including home improvement gift cards, home irrigation equipment, and a Grand Prize Toyota Prius. The challenge also features additional resources for residents to take their commitment of conservation even further, from regional water and energy resource issues to cost-saving tips at home.

The 6th National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation is presented by the Wyland Foundation and Toyota, with support from the U.S EPA WaterSense, The Toro Company, National League of Cities, Conserva Irrigation, and Earth Friendly Products (makers of ECOS).

Visit Outdoor Activities for More Information on Birding the Preserves!

News Around Town

Visit our Outdoor Activities page links to the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and for information on upcoming and ongoing events!

Forest Preserve District of Cook County Events

Click here for the Forest Preserve District of Cook County Spring Event Schedule.

Daylight Saving Time 2017

This Sunday at 2 a.m., your clocks will jump ahead one hour, marking the start of more evening sunlight for months to come.
Daylight Saving Time reminds us of the sun's daily effect on our lives and tells us spring is on its way.

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