Mega Home Center owner Amjad Hamdan, family and staff celebrate the grand opening with Mayor Gonzalez and Jack Hynes, Economic Development Corp.

Open for Business!

This week the City celebrated the grand opening of Mega Home Center at 375 North Halsted. In 2016, the business purchased the location (formerly the old Eagle's building) and began renovations, investing over $1.2 million at the site.
The 30,000 square foot space is ready to offer residents an exciting new shopping opportunity. The new business provides a wide variety of quality furnishings that includes living and dining room sets, mattresses, rugs and home accents with plans to expand their product line.
In addition to the newly renovated building, Mega Home Center completed renovations to the exterior and landscaping of the property, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the city's northern commercial corridor.
On Wednesday, Mayor David A. Gonzalez attended the grand opening at Mega Home Center. “This is another example of the work we're doing with the Economic Development Corp. to turn a tax delinquent property into a vibrant business. Mega Home Center is a great addition and brings opportunities for residents and visitors to shop locally,” stated Mayor Gonzalez.

For more information visit Chicago Heights Economic Development Corp.

Click here for more before & after photos!

Living the Dream 2018

The City of Chicago Heights hosted the 21^st annual celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the CH Public Library last week. Dr. King led the Civil Rights Movement, which laid the foundation for the theory and practice of inclusion and diversity in American society and around the world. Though he was assassinated fifty years ago in 1968, Dr. King’s dream lives on, touching the hearts and minds of people throughout the world.
The theme for the 2018 Day of Remembrance Celebration was “Living the Dream,” serving as a reminder that when people promote equality, embrace diversity, and fight against injustice they create change.
“It is important that our community comes together to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and his message of peace, unity, and understanding,” said Mayor Gonzalez.
The event featured several speakers and performances honoring Dr. King's legacy.
Bishop Ronald White opened the event with prayer and Kim Stratton, a Grammy award winning gospel singer, followed with a beautiful performance. Dr. Terri Winfree, Prairie State College President, spoke about the importance of living Dr. King’s dream in our daily lives before a riveting performance from a Chicago based spoken word group, the Jacksons of Rhema Rhetoric. Local minister and nationally recognized author, Sophia Ruffin, returned this year as the keynote speaker. Her address focused on the importance and impact of purposefully continuing to live Dr. King’s dream.
God’s Purpose Praise Dance Group returned for their second year and were followed by a performance from Cornerstone Christian Youth group. Cameron Franklin, the MLK essay contest winner from Bloom 206, read his winning essay while his schoolmate, Kayla Jackson, served as the emcee for the event. Chicago Heights Kiwanis Club was recognized for their continued commitment to the community while Judge James “Jim” Williams was honored with the Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Scenes from the morning's events
Mayor Gonzalez with speakers, students, and honorees

Median Home Values Increasing

According to an article in Crain's Chicago Business, the median home value in Chicago Heights has increased by more than 15% in the last year.
Under Mayor Gonzalez’s administration, the City has obtained grants under the Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Program (APP) and the Blight Reduction Program (BRP). These grants allow the City to acquire tax delinquent properties and prepare blighted and abandoned properties for commercial or residential redevelopment.
"This is just the beginning," stated Jack Hynes, Economic Development. "We're going after the next round of grant funds to acquire more tax delinquent properties that can be put back on our tax rolls."
Click here to read the full article

Grant Programs in Action
County funding assisted in the demolition of the old Firestone building
at 14th & Halsted, creating a site ready for redevelopment.

Resident Services Department

The City of Chicago Heights Resident Services Department is the central intake center for resident questions, concerns, and requests for city services. Residents may call or visit Resident Services to voice a concern or make an inquiry. Resident Services forwards the necessary information to the appropriate department for follow-up. Since the launch of the new city website, Resident Services has been able to open another more dynamic communication platform for residents. From the home page of the website, residents can access the “Request for Services” link. The resident will be directed to an internal page that will allow the request to be reported electronically.
Click the green circle above to try out this feature.

Get the News You Want in 2018

As we enter 2018, stay informed and up-to-date on current events and projects happening in Chicago Heights. The website allows us to share information immediately to those that have signed up to receive our news alerts or updates. Visit or revisit the “How Do I” section of the site for a refresher on how to create your account and receive news alerts specific to your interests, in addition to receiving the newsletter. Begin 2018 with a new profile and stay informed with the news alerts that you want!

Need help setting up an account? Visit our Help Page here! Or call us at (708) 756-5315.

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In observance of President's Day, City Hall will be closed
Monday, February 19th.