The village of River Forest is on the verge of great opportunities. The village board needs to heed the advice of Daniel Burnham and “make no small plans.” During my time as village trustee (2009-2013), the village’s corridor study was completed, the Lake Street TIF allocations were developed, property was purchased at Park and Lake, Lathrop and Lake funding was secured and Town Center incentives were put in place. The Town Center incentives have assisted in bringing full occupancy to the development.
The time to act is now. The village board needs to turn words into actions. During the next four years, the village board must invigorate the development of the Lake Street TIF projects. As trustee, I will use every possible means to assist in the advancement of these projects.
As the discussions of the North Avenue and Madison Street TIFs move forward, the property owners in the affected areas should be invited to village hall to share ideas for the maximization of our potential business zones. Early input from property owners would encourage a team effort toward the common goal of development.
Next month the village’s largest-ever infrastructure project will begin on the north side of town. Eighteen million dollars of storm water and sewer improvements will modernize the system and increase the values of the homes throughout the village. As trustee, I will take an active role in assisting residents with information and planning for the inconveniences that will accompany the construction. I was proud to work on the development of the plan, and I look forward to the completion. I encourage all River Forest residents to familiarize themselves with the aspects of the construction phases.
The Northside Stormwater Management Project is “no small plan.”
Advancements in technology usage will improve efficiency throughout the village. It is the village board’s responsibility to equip village employees with the tools they need to perform their duties to the best of their abilities to better serve the residents.
My four years’ experience as trustee is twice as many years of service as half of the current board members. I am prepared to step right in and get back to work. Institutional knowledge is an important asset I possess. I look forward to implementing the development ideas that have been cultivated over the last six years.
Collaboration and cooperation with all elected bodies in River Forest will be a priority for me. Each board has its own mission, but they are, by definition, complementary to each other, not adversarial. Improved communication among these groups is needed. Closer working relationships will benefit the proposed TIF planning and many other aspects of governance and efficiency.
The plans are in place. It is time to move River Forest’s potential from paper to concrete. My career background, public service experience and passion for River Forest has me uniquely qualified to advance our village’s growth and character for many years to come.
For more information, please visit www.michaelgibbs4rf.com. I will be honored to have your vote on April 7.