Berwyn on a roll

Monday, October 11th, 2010 10:48 AM

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By John Hubbuch

I don't know who does Berwn's publicity, but for the second time in a couple of months, it's the subject of a big flattering piece in the Chicago Tribune. The most recent was in Friday's paper. Those of us who live in Oak Park south of the Eisenhower are sometimes said to live in South Berwyn by our snooty neighbors to the north.

Whatever. In both of the two articles, Berwyn comes across as a less expensive suburb than Oak Park, but with restaurants, arts and gays--- like Oak Park. It's the ultimate win-win. Residents of Berwyn think they are moving up in the suburb pecking order, and Oak Parkers feel superior because another suburb aspires to be like them..

It kind of reminds me of when I went to Vanderbilt in the late 60's. We referred to Vandy as "The Harvard of the South". It was never entirely clear whether the designation was ironic or boastful.

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John Hubbuch from Oak Park

Posted: October 12th, 2010 7:06 AM

Roosevelt Road has been under continuous construction for a long time. I am hopeful that this collaboration between Berwyn and Oak Park will energize the whole area. Oak Park's focus on downtown causes us to forget that there is not just one commercial center,but many.

john murtagh from oak park

Posted: October 11th, 2010 1:54 PM

While on the Community Relations Commission (CRC), I contacted Berwyn's CRC to discuss possible joint projects.I received a welcome response but there was some hesitancy on their part. They said they were so busy they were not sure what they could fit in. Berwynites are passionate about building the city. They have great cooperation between the government, businesses, and a sturdy block of volunteers. The assimilation of Hispanic into a traditional Czech community has been a plus.

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