Oak Park board passes resolution on transit crisis
The Oak Park village board unanimously approved a resolution urging the Illinois governor and legislature to provide immediate funding for the public transit crisis afflicting Pace, Chicago Transit Authority, and Metra.
“I think it’s very important that we convey a sense of urgency to our leaders in Springfield about this issue,” said Trustee Jon Hale.
The CTA was set to adopt deep service cuts and fair increases last Sunday, as part of its doomsday scenario, with state funding for the organization lacking.
But the elimination of 39 bus routes and layoff of 600 employees was delayed when the Regional Transit Authority, the CTA’s funding agency, approved a proposal by Governor Blagojevich to advance $24 million of the CTA’s 2008 subsidy for reduced fares, according to a CTA press release.
Cuts would affect the Ridgeland Pace bus route #315, Village President David Pope pointed out. Hale suggested possibly using village shuttles as a temporary substitute in the bus route’s absence.
“This is a crucial issue,” Trustee Ray Johnson said.
Board removes residential from DTOP service area
The village board approved an ordinance amendment Monday, removing all single-family residential properties from the self-taxing area that funds marketing and promotions for the Downtown Oak Park business organization.
Anthony Shaker of Shaker & Associates, owner of multiple properties in the tax area, voiced his opposition to the continuation of the special service area (SSA) during the public comment period.
“My remarks are not to be interpreted as a castigation of the Downtown Oak Park association; I want to make that clear,” Shaker said. “I oppose this continuation of the tax for both conceptual and operational reasons.”
Shaker believes that with the mall no longer in place downtown, the tax is no longer needed, which he compared to a goalpost shifting with the kicker in mid-kick.
“To subsidize the downtown Oak Park association is an erroneous concept,” he said.
A 60-day comment period is currently in effect, allowing property owners in the tax area to decide if the SSA should continue.
Backup generator grants
In the wake of last month’s thunderstorm ravaging Oak Park and its power supply, the village board took action Monday.
The board adopted a resolution to establish emergency backup power generator grants and long-term loans, specifically for special needs buildings like Mills Park Tower and the Oak Park Arms, which spent over 24 hours without power.
“This makes a lot of sense to me,” Trustee Greg Marsey said.