I am writing to express my opposition to the proposed “O’Hare Flyer,” a high‑speed passenger rail service currently in preliminary planning stages.
Over the past several weeks, our neighbors in River Forest have raised numerous concerns about the project, and I share many of the issues highlighted by President Cathy Adduci, the River Forest Board of Trustees, and their engaged residents. Melrose Park Mayor Ron Serpico and Cook County Commissioner Maggie Trevor, representing the Cook County Forest Preserve and the West Central Municipal League have also joined in voicing their opposition.
Despite the scale and potential impact of this project, affected municipalities have not been provided with adequate information or complete analyses regarding traffic impacts, public safety implications, emergency response disruptions, noise, vibration, or infrastructure demands. Without these studies, they are being asked to evaluate a project without understanding its consequences.
Although the proposed route uses existing rail corridors alongside the Blue Line and Eisenhower Expressway, Oak Park should stand with our River Forest neighbor and other affected communities in insisting on transparency, data, and meaningful engagement. The project also threatens Thatcher Woods, a valuable regional resource used heavily by Oak Parkers throughout the year.
I call on the project sponsors to communicate clearly with all municipalities along the proposed route and to release detailed plans and analyses for public review. Investment in the CTA Blue and Green Lines, systems already serving thousands of Oak Park residents daily, would be a far better use of public funds than a high‑speed service that would simply pass Oak Park by.
I look forward to working with our neighbors in River Forest, Melrose Park and the Cook County Forest Preserve, Chicago, and other communities along the route to press for answers and explore alternatives.
I encourage residents who share these concerns to contact state Senator Don Harmon, state Representative Camille Lilly, and County Commissioner Tara Stamps.
Jim Taglia
Oak Park village trustee