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Message From the Mayor
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Spring is here, things are growing, it is a good time of the year. Our village is looking forward to new things coming our way. New businesses are coming, new projects are starting, and our finances are solid. We passed the budget, and it is balanced. We have rainy day reserves growing, our police pension fund is in good shape and all our projects are funded.
The Marion Drive flood control project will start sooner than expected, extra water will be stored underground. As we don’t need MWRD permits, the process will be fast-tracked. We are moving forward with the 75th Street and Cork Avenue drainage and Phase 1 has started. Our engineers are figuring out the size of the pump needed for the lift station among other things. The 90th Street ditch shoring up will start in June to stop erosion. The Public Works Department has their street paving and repair program set and it looks like another 2,000 ft will be improved this year.
There will be some disruption and inconvenience when the reconstruction of Cork Avenue, 79th Street and Archer begins. This is a big project, but when finished, will improve traffic and the village will look and function much better.
We are starting to make improvements to the sidewalks on the Southside of Justice between Wilkins and Players School to comply with ADA regulations. The bidding process was completed, and we will start this project this Summer.
Public Works is ready for Spring, maintaining grass and vegetation that is growing fast. Hopefully, we will get summer assistance through the Lyons Township Summer Program, but we have budgeted for extra part time help just in case. If you know a student (16-24 yrs.) who wants to earn some money, please have him or her contact us and/or Lyons Township.
We appointed our new Police Chief, Michael McNamara. His integrity and abilities made him rise through the ranks, he knows the village and is continuing the excellent work of the Police Department. Former Chief of Police Kraig McDermott retired, and we thanked him for his service. He did an excellent job. We are the best trained and equipped department around.
We started a partnership with GSI for the Smart Cities program to upgrade the infrastructure throughout the village which includes installing smart streetlights and components, including luminaire, smart grid controllers, advanced IOT sensors and mobile wifi. Palos Hills is currently on board with this program with other municipalities signing up daily. The future is happening fast.
On Saturday, May 20th, the Justice Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Rib Fest at Wilkins School. Keep your eyes on this event. They cook great ribs, so please attend.
In conclusion things are looking good, we are making steady progress and the village looks better every day!
Stay Safe and Healthy!
Yours Sincerely,
Kris Wasowicz
Mayor/Village President
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