Washington Update from Our Congressman
I was pleased to have our Congressman Mike Quigley join in on Franklin Park’s Telephone Town Hall last month. Congressman Quigley believes that Representative is more than just a title; it is a job description. He has always been responsive to our Village’s needs and is very accessible to his constituents.
The Congressman provided an update on his efforts in Washington D.C. pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic and discussed his commitment to work to pass legislation to keep our communities safe and healthy. He discussed the growing economic crisis that has resulted from the coronavirus pandemic and indicated his support in legislation to expand assistance to families and small businesses during this difficult time.
Congressman Quigley also talked about the pressing need for additional funding for the U S Postal Service to meet the needs of Americans who rely on the mail for important services including prescription delivery. He argued that it is especially critical that the Post Office have adequate funding to manage the likely increase in vote by mail this fall due to the pandemic. By guaranteeing the Post Office was appropriately funded, he indicated that no one would be forced to choose between exercising their right to vote and protecting their health.We also discussed how as Americans, we have always embraced challenges and have used them as an opportunity to dream big as we did during the Great Depression. He is committed to working with Congress to enact a major infrastructure investment bill that would improve the daily lives of all Americans by creating a 21st century transportation network, rebuilding water systems, schools and other public facilities and making our electric and high-speed internet systems stronger. It would also create millions of good paying jobs for the American workforce.
Congressman Quigley’s district office staff is available to assist you with federal issues, including Social Security, Veterans benefits and immigration. You can contact his office at (773) 267-5926 or through his website at https://quigley.house.gov/.
Downtown Revitalization
Premier Luxury Apartments broke ground on its new luxury development located at 9600 Franklin Avenue. This six-story building will have 110 luxury rental units with four ground floor retail storefronts and dedicated parking. The building will feature two lobbies with fireplaces, a fitness center, a conference/media center, a rooftop patio, club room, pet spa/dog wash, and will incorporate the latest in soundproofed construction. The market rate apartments will include high end amenities and balconies; the developer expects monthly rental rates between $1,500 - $2,500. It is strictly a private sector development with no public financing obligations. The developer is not required to participate in any housing subsidy program and has indicated that no portion of the building will be set aside for housing vouchers.
We believe that this development will help attract additional investment along Franklin Avenue and into our downtown district. To further foster downtown revitalization, the Village is increasing parking capacity to alleviate potential congestion and to be available for the new retail and restaurant opportunities. Public parking spaces will increase from 595 to 792. The Village’s new parking plan includes shifting Metra parking spaces to the north side of the tracks off Belmont and Pacific Avenue.
Additional Metra parking will be available on Belmont Avenue at the former Police Station and at the Leyden News Agency building after it is demolished. These parking expansions will help keep our residential streets clear from commuter parking. Expanded parking also encourages mass transit use, relieves traffic congestion, and helps our environment. Elimination of these buildings will remove eyesores from the community. The parking plan includes new landscaping and seasonal plants, which will transform the area and attract new investment and visitors to the downtown district.
Our Community Needs You to Be Counted
The deadline to complete the US Census is September 30. If Franklin Park is under counted because not everyone responds, our schools, roads, library, and other programs will not get the funding they deserve. As citizens, we pay our taxes and as a community, we deserve to get all the federal funding we deserve to support our needs. For every person not counted, the Village will lose $1,600 in annual federal funding, or $16,000 over the next decade. For example, if just 20 individuals are not counted, the Village will lose $320,000 over the next 10 years.
The Census count should include everyone in your household, no matter their age, gender, or ethnicity. Please include anyone who may be living at your address even if it is just temporarily. The more people who are accurately counted in the Census, the more money Franklin Park will get from state and federal funds!
Complete the Census today at www.my2020census.gov or by calling (844) 330-2020. Census takers are in the community. If you need assistance in Spanish or Polish to complete the Census, please call the office at 847 (671) 8236. Please participate!
Be safe, be well,
Mayor Barrett Pedersen