Village of Oak Park

Fun things are happening in the #OakPark SouthTown Business District at Carnival Grocery! In case you missed it, Stern Glass Works and Carnival Grocery hosted a wine-tasting event last month. More good times await at the SouthTown Shamrock Shenanigans from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 15. Bring your little leprechauns to the free, festive family event for a morning filled with lucky surprises, exciting activities and community fun. More information is at https://lnkd.in/gUUEn3k4

A dedicated and decorated public servant to the Village for 40 years, Fire Chief Ron Kobyleski has announced he is retiring May 10. Since beginning his career in 1985 he has held every rank within the #OakPark Fire Department, including the past three years as Fire Chief. Under Kobyleski’s guidance the Fire Department has responded to more than 26,000 calls since 2022. He also helped oversee facility improvements at Oak Park’s fire stations and worked to replace aging equipment. Read more about his accomplishments at https://lnkd.in/gTSuTruF.

Following a comprehensive national search, Carrie Marckess is the Village’s new Finance Director. She started in her new role Monday and will be primarily responsible for managing the Village’s finances, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting, accounting record keeping and reporting, decision support and analysis, and assessment and management of financial risks and emerging trends. She arrives in #OakPark after a successful stint as Assistant Finance Director for the Village of Bloomingdale. More information is at www.oak-park.us/marckess.

The Village collected more than $300,000 in hotel/motel taxes in 2024, marking the highest total on record and an 18% increase compared to 2023. The revenue comes from a 4% local tax paid by guests who stay in Oak Park’s local hotel, bed and breakfast and short-term rental establishments. With construction for a new Holiday Inn Express on Lake Street in progress and other signs of #OakPark tourism strengthening, Village officials anticipate the tax revenue will continue to grow in 2025.

Langston Kerman is the latest in a line of Oak Parkers who have made their mark as comedians. The actor, writer and comedian graduated from OPRF High School in 2005. He has acted in several shows, and last year he released his Netflix comedy special “Bad Poetry.” Check him out at https://lnkd.in/gej8CSb9. #OakPark

Craig Failor has been appointed the Village’s Development Services Director. The #OakPark resident has more than 22 years of experience serving the Village as the Village Planner and Planning and Urban Design Manager. He will oversee a Development Services Department that manages business services, planning, parking, building permits, historic preservation and zoning. Read more about his appointment at www.oak-park.us/failor.

An online survey is now available for community members who would like to provide input related to the proposed creation of a Dr. Percy L. Julian District along Chicago Avenue. Dr. Julian was a boundary-breaking chemist who lived in #OakPark from 1950 until his death in 1975. The survey and more information about the initiative can be found at https://lnkd.in/gVjTK3yU. Community input is an important part of the streetscape design process along the Chicago Avenue corridor, which would include site features and outdoor exhibits that tell the story of Dr. Julian’s life.

The Village announced it is delaying a major construction project planned for Oak Park Avenue in the Hemingway Business District until 2026. The Renew the Avenue project, which was expected to begin in earnest this spring, has been delayed after the Village received only one construction bid for the project. The bid was significantly higher than the Village Board’s approved budget for the work. The design team plans to revise the scope of the project to be in line with the budget. It is now anticipated that construction will begin in March 2026 and continue through November 2026. Read more about the decision to delay the work at www.oak-park.us/renew26 and find more information about the project at www.renewtheavenue.com. #OakPark

Keep track of Village of #OakPark job openings at www.oak-park.us/jobs. The latest job postings include Assistant Village Manager of Economic Vitality, Police Officer, Farmers' Market Assistant, Engineering Intern, Equipment Operator and Account Clerk.

When winter weather is forecast in #OakPark, the Public Works Department gets a jump on it by applying anti-icing brine to roadways throughout the Village. Public Works Director Rob Sproule explains the salt brine process in this clip. For more information about the Public Works Department visit https://lnkd.in/eFhr9DV.