Oak Forest Development News
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City Council Meeting: 06/23/26
Published: Jun 24, 2026
Oak Forest Launches Urban Forest Management Plan; Independence Day Celebration Announced
The city is initiating a new tree inventory and management planning project, having awarded $60,000 to Great Lakes Urban Forestry for this initiative. The project aims to conduct a comprehensive inventory of public trees and develop a long-term management plan to maintain and enhance the city's urban forests. This follows a period where the city lost approximately 800 trees, highlighting the need for proactive management. Additionally, the Oak Forest Veteran Commission is hosting an Independence Day celebration on Saturday, June 27th at Gaelic Park, featuring live music, food trucks, and fireworks. Tickets are $10, and registration is required online.
Crescent Green Lift Station Upgrade Approved; Contract Awarded to Steve Spees
The City Council approved a contract award for the Crescent Green Lift Station improvements project to Steve Spees, with a base bid of $525,000 and an alternate bid of $114,000 for a backup generator, totaling $639,000. Public Works Director Mike explained that the existing lift station has been experiencing constant clogging of pumps, motors, and impellers due to aging components, making parts difficult to obtain. The project aims to resolve these ongoing issues by replacing the aging lift station. Although Steve Spees was the low bidder, they initially failed to acknowledge addendum number two, which specified a more robust pump. However, upon follow-up, it was confirmed that all four bidders had access to the information in the addendum through the pump supplier, who is the sole supplier for all bidders. The council also approved a separate agreement with H.R. Green for construction engineering services for this project.
H.R. Green Selected for Engineering Services on Oak Park Avenue Resurfacing Project
The City Council is moving forward with engineering services for the Oak Park Avenue resurfacing project, which spans from 147th Street to 159th Street. The project is scheduled to receive grant funding in 2027 through the Illinois Department of Transportation. To prepare for this, Phase 1 and Phase 2 engineering services are required. The city followed a specific Quality-Based Selection (QBS) process, advertising for proposals from qualified engineering firms and receiving six submissions. A selection committee, composed of the Public Works Director, Assistant Public Works Director, and Street Superintendent, reviewed the proposals and scored them. Based on this scoring, H.R. Green was recommended to perform the engineering services, citing their experience with the city, including work on Oak Park Avenue, and familiarity with the existing drainage issues. The next steps involve negotiating the cost with H.R. Green, which will be presented to the City Council for approval.
Irish Fest Permit Approved; Farmer's Market Rescheduled, Advertising Options Explored
The council considered and approved a special events permit and a temporary Class K liquor license for Chicago Gaelic Park for an Irish Fest event to be held on August 21st, 22nd, and 23rd. They also approved the execution of an agreement between the city and Bosco's Marketplace for the licensing of a farmer's market. The farmer's market was rescheduled for tomorrow, June 24th, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the 157th Street Metro parking lot, after being canceled the previous week due to inclement weather. The market will feature local vendors, food, baked goods, and entertainment. The council also discussed the potential use of electronic signboards for advertising, possibly obtained from FEMA or the Oak Forest Hospital, to promote upcoming events like the fireworks fest.
Oak Forest Council Considers Ban on Kratom Products Following Resident Testimony
The council discussed a proposal to ban kratom and kratom alkaloids, such as 70H (also known as 'gas station heroin'), within Oak Forest. A resident, Connor Devine, presented personal testimony about his experience with dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms after using these products, which are reportedly sold at local convenience stores and smoke shops. Devine highlighted that neighboring communities like Tinley Park, Orland Park, and Lockport have already implemented similar bans. The council expressed general agreement on the need to address the issue and indicated they would consult with legal counsel to explore the feasibility of such a ban, with the city manager tasked to research the matter further.
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The Oak Forest News archive
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City Council Meeting: 05/26/2026
Memorial Day Ceremony 2026
C.O.W. Meeting: 05/26/2026
Cop on a Rooftop 2026
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