Around and About in West Chicago - 23 Jan 2008

     Despite the unfavorable weather conditions, more than 200 persons attended the National Surface Board of Transportation Open House forums Jan. 17 at St. Andrew Golf and Country Club. The meetings covered the proposed purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway by the Canadian National Railway. CN proposes to divert some of its freight train traffic to the EJ&E tracks. In our community there are five at-grade crossings located at Church Street, Ann Street, Washington Street, George Street (pedestrian only) and Hawthorne Lane. Before the sale can be finalized, CN Railway needs to have the approval of the Board and the open house meetings help the board identify what issues need to be examined and assessed for the required environmental impact study. Impact areas considered include forest preserve and recreational land, economy, noise, vibration, safety and air quality.

     The amount of freight trains is expected to increase from 10 to 31 per day, with the trains being longer in length. According to information on a spreadsheet from the DuPage County planning department, “it is possible the trains will be two-miles in length,” explained Ron Ackerman, chief of the West Chicago Fire Protection District. Ted Olsen, a resident on Clara Street, said, “The slightest increase in train traffic, plus the length will make all the streets in our area almost impossible to cross.” Both Ruben Pineda and Russ Radkiewicz, Ward 3 Aldermen, expressed their concern of safety issues for the southwest portion of the community.

     Pineda said, “In any type of emergency—accidents, crime, fire, medical—the minutes it takes to respond make a big difference.” The blockage of the grade crossings can increase response time from a minute and a half to nine minutes, he explained. Ackerman added, “Although the referendum passed for the construction of a new station on the south side, if there is a working fire, more than one engine is needed and fast.”

     The safety of youths walking to the high school is a major issue. “Many cross these tracks now and the increased freight train traffic would make the crossings much more dangerous for them. If the sale is approved, the conditions need to include either an underpass or bridge walkway over the tracks on George Street,” said Pineda.

     Another safety issue with a high level of concern involves the increase of hazardous material that could occur. According to the DuPage County report, the expansion would be from 31 carloads per year to 301 carloads per year.

     In addition to the safety issues, the sale could have an effect on both downtown redevelopment, the northern industrial park area and, in a smaller way on residents living on the north and south sides of Hawthorne Lane, west of Route 59. Ward 1 Alderman Jim Beifuss said, “In planning the long range goals for downtown redevelopment, the City was looking at the planned STAR (Suburban Transit Access Route) as part of the rejuvenation with a station located in the area and drawing more persons to visit the businesses. If the area becomes freight laden, the appeal lowers for attracting businesses.”

     To resident Don Smith, the safety and economic factors are very important, but the sale also has another aspect. “The quality of life and/or lifestyles, which we take for granted, could be reduced, as part of the route traverses not only through West Chicago, but also through other communities. It runs through or close to forest preserves, prairie paths and other recreational areas. This could have a profound effect on birds and wildlife native to the habitat. Persons could lose the enjoyment of nature, and you cannot bring this back once it is lost.” During the meetings, project team members recorded vocal comments. Some attendees filled out comments forms. Persons still have the opportunity to present comments on the proposed sale by calling the toll-free project information line (800) 347-0689 or by e-mail, www.stb.dot.gov and look for the E-Filing tab. The deadline is Friday, Feb. 1.

     Project team members said the review could take 12 to 18 months. The Board “has a choice of three options—approve, disapprove or approve with options,” said team member Ron Devernson.

     At the meeting Monday, Jan. 21, City Council passed a resolution objecting to the proposed acquisition of to the EJ&E West Company by the Canadian National Railway Corporation. It included many of the same concerns voiced at the forums. The formal resolution will be submitted to the Surface Board of Transportation, said City Administrator Michael Guttman. Mayor Michael Kwasman had earlier stated, “This issue is very important to West Chicago and we are going to continue to follow it very closely.”

AROUND AND ABOUT

     Heide Morris is conducting a ceramics class from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 26, and Sat. Feb. 16, at Gallery 200, 200 Main St. At the first class students construct a snowman tea light candle holder and glaze it at the second class. The price is $12. To sign up, call the gallery at (630) 293-9550.

     St. Mary’s Parish School, 147 Garden St., is hosting an Open House from 9 a.m. to noon and from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29. In addition to the first through eighth classes, the school offers full day preschool and kindergarten. For further information, call the school at (630) 231-1776 or visit the Web site www.stmarywc.org.

     The library’s program, “Record Keeping,” is at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30. Kathy Reuter, University of Illinois Extension educator, presents guidelines on what to keep and storage tips. She also tells how to find and receive records that have been lost or misplaced.

     “Texas Hold ’Em,” sponsored by the West Chicago Rotary Club and presented by Chicago Charitable Games, takes place from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6791 hall, 431 N. Neltnor Blvd. Santo Maria’s Ristorante is serving Pine Bush Chili and barbequed pork sandwiches. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s community and international projects. For further information, call Ed Hedeen at (630) 836-1972.

     Mark your calendar for the library’s program, “How to Raise A Money-Smart Child,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6. Roger Smith, an Edward Jones financial advisor, discusses how to start young children on the right financial path by teaching them about the importance of saving and investing.

     The library’s Books for Lunch Program, “Forgiveness: The Gift You Give Yourself,” is at noon Thursday, Feb. 7. Betty Barsley-Marra, educator from the University of Illinois Extension, discusses the positive value of forgiving. Just bring a sack lunch. Beverages and desserts are provided. To make reservations for any of these programs, call the library at (630) 231-1552, Ext. 4.

     A good story about West Chicago appeared in the Jan. 15 issue of “The “Business Ledger” newspaper. You can read it by going to the Web site, www.thebusinessledger.com.

     The Grand Re-Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at Jewel took place Thursday, Jan. 17. City officials present were Mayor Michael Kwasman, City Clerk Nancy Smith, Treasurer Don Earley, Ward 2 Alderman Ron Monroe, Ward 3 Alderman Ruben Pineda, Ward 6 Alderman Nanette Connelly, City Administrator Michael Guttman and Police Chief Don Goncher. Welcoming guests at the event, Bob Hughes, Central Area Vice President, said, “I am quite impressed that so many of the city officials are here, more than we normally have at ribbon cuttings events.” Mayor Kwasman stated, “The new improved look to the store is beautiful….money wisely spent in West Chicago.” District Manager Steve DeSantiago agreed. “The store really needed the face lift. The last remodeling project took place in 1995.” Continuing in the community spirit Jewel presented $1,000 to Northwest DuPage Walk-in Ministries for the site here. Accepting the check for the organization, Ken Walker said, “We service around 550 families a month here, both with food and assistance with needs. Thanks so much this generous donation.” Jodi Gallagher, Jewel Store Director, and Frances Mound, Osco Store Director, thanked both the employees for the extra efforts put forth during the remodeling project and especially the customers who continued to shop during this time. Shopping at the store Thursday, I found it to be a pleasant experience—wider aisles, new flooring, woodwork design and new signage to mention just a few of the updates.

     Community High School students recently sent two laptop computers to Angola as part of the ongoing WeGo 2 Africa project. To purchase the computers, students in their advisory classes raised more than $800. The computers were purchased from the One Laptop Per Child program of trying to empower the children of developing countries to learn by providing a laptop to every school-age child.

     Friends of the Library are seeking more members. Membership forms are available at the Adult Services Desk. Through funds raised at the Spring Book Sale, the organization supports the library’s educational and cultural programs and adds special materials to the library’s collection. Persons with books to donate to the sale may drop them off at the circulation desk.

     In May, the City Museum is opening an exhibit to highlight the 1933 World’s Fair. The Museum is capturing the importance of the fair, with the display of handouts, photographs, entertainment venues and personalities. “This fair highlighted the new look, smooth designs, futuristic. Prefab was a new concept of building, a smooth architecture, so different from the 1893 Expo. The entire event was a ground breaking look at the future, one that caused excitement both for persons attending and also those who had exhibits,” explained Museum Curator Sally DeFauw. Souvenirs from the fair include bookmarks, booklets and samples from various businesses. “Because of the large-scale of the event, the museum is trying to portray the historic era. Thus Items donated or loaned do not have to be from persons who lived in West Chicago. For more information, call the museum at (630) 231-3376.

     Wayne Township’s new Power Point program received the Mighty Message Award at the Townships of Illinois conference. “The program defines township government and focuses on various aspects and on programs our township offers. It is our proactive way of answering the questions—what is a township and what do you do in your building (27W031 North Ave),” said Bill Newell, Wayne Township Supervisor. The program includes a profile of the township, a description of the duties of elected officials, community programs and events. Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family services provides counseling and support for youth and families in both Wayne and Winfield Townships. “This and the senior activities are ones that are popular and have been around for quite a few years,” he explained. Special meetings include programs on emergency procedures, fraud and identity theft. “Last fall, we held a Recycling Extravaganza, collecting electronics, clothing and other miscellaneous items. From this we were able to donate more than 100 glasses and hearing aids to the Lions Club.” Newell stressed, “The presentation is not just by rote, but involves interaction with the audience.” For more information, call the Wayne Township office at (630) 231-7140.