This page contains an AI-generated summary of the Village of La Grange’s Board Meeting that was held on January 13, 2025. For your convenience, a video of the meeting is embedded on this page.
To follow the Village of La Grange on YouTube, where the videos are originally hosted, please visit https://www.youtube.com/@villageoflagrangeofficial363.
General Updates:
- Meeting Opening: The meeting was called to order by President Kuchler. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Clerk Saladino.
- Swearing-In Ceremony: Brandon Aoa was sworn in as a probationary police officer, joined by his family and friends. Joe Mana, a new part-time property officer with 28 years of law enforcement experience, was also welcomed. EDITOR NOTE: We will fix the officers names once we can confirm the spelling.
Key Discussions:
- Traffic and Safety Concerns:
- Residents raised issues about speeding and heavy commercial traffic due to construction detours near 49th Street and East Avenue.
- Suggestions included speed limit signage, weight limit restrictions for trucks, and enhanced police presence to mitigate safety risks near parks and schools.
- Proposed Developments and Zoning Requests:
- Zoning Variation at 449 South Stone Avenue: After extensive discussion, the Board approved a zoning variation for a relocated garage and driveway to improve safety. The decision was supported by analysis confirming no sightline obstructions.
- Special Use Permit at 30 South La Grange Road: The application for a co-working space with retail was sent back to the Plan Commission for further review, citing concerns about the adequacy and viability of the proposed retail component.
- Infrastructure Projects:
- The Board approved resolutions for improvements under the Illinois Highway Code for resurfacing projects on Brainard and Shawmut Avenues, and an intergovernmental agreement with Western Springs for the Gilbert Avenue project.
Public Concerns:
- Flooding Issues: Residents inquired about progress on the flood mitigation project in the LT West Field area. Staff indicated positive momentum and anticipated updates in the next meeting.
- Sewage Relief Point: A resident requested the replacement of an open sewage relief point in Sunset Avenue with a closed one to prevent unsanitary conditions during heavy rains.
- Holiday Lights: Positive feedback was shared regarding holiday lights, with requests for an extended display period.
Administrative Actions:
- Consent Agenda: Items including infrastructure resolutions, vehicle purchases, property disposal, and meeting minutes were approved unanimously.
- Village Prosecutor: Trustee Augustine recused herself from voting on agenda items related to the Village Prosecutor.
Upcoming Events:
- Inclusive Community Conference: The fifth annual Building Inclusive Community Conference was announced, emphasizing collaboration among local organizations.
Key Takeaways:
- The Village Board remains committed to addressing traffic safety concerns, advancing infrastructure projects, and fostering community engagement.
- Development proposals continue to undergo rigorous review to align with the Village’s zoning and strategic priorities.
- Residents are encouraged to voice their concerns, and the Board is actively engaging with them to address issues.
Next Steps:
- Updates on the flood mitigation project and traffic safety measures are expected in future meetings.
- The Plan Commission will re-evaluate the special use permit for the co-working space and retail proposal.