Robert J. Lifka

For the second year in a row, infrastructure improvements and maintenance headed the list of the five-year capital improvement plan (CIP) unveiled at the River Forest village board meeting.

Making clear the importance River Forest village officials place on a proposed Madison Street development project, trustees Feb. 9 approved a contract with Jasculca Terman of Chicago to perform strategic communications services related to the project.

Prelimanary Concept Drawing of 7620 W. Madison St. | Provided

As was the case three years ago, it only took two bargaining sessions for River Forest village officials and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 46 to reach agreement on a new three-year contract.

Describing River Forest’s financial condition as “remaining strong,” Rosemary McAdams, finance director, presented a balanced FY2027 general fund budget at the April 13 village board meeting.

River Forest officials are hopeful that their communication and outreach efforts will lead the village to a 2026 All-America City Award.

River Forest is poised to join a growing list of governments that have passed restrictions on the use of gas-powered leaf blowers or banning them outright.

River Forest officials are moving forward with a plan to turn a parking lot across from Village Hall into a park called Heritage Square by this summer.

River Forest officials are moving forward turning a parking lot across from Village Hall into a park called Heritage Square by this summer

Pedestrians crossing Lake Street in River Forest would have safer passage under a proposed project expected to be considered by the village board at its June 22 meeting.