New La Grange School Zone Planned

LA GRANGE, IL – La Grange has been notified that the state plans to designate a school zone on a part of Ogden Avenue, the village's leader confirmed Friday.

In an email to Patch, Village President Mark Kuchler said state Sen. Mike Porfirio informed the village of the development Friday afternoon.

A few months ago, La Grange resident Kristopher Serra asked area officials for a school zone on Ogden from Ashland to Gilbert avenues. Ogden is a state highway.

Serra said in an email to Patch that he requested the zone because of the schools and students in the area. The speed limit would be 20 mph during school, down from 30 mph.

Serra had Kuchler, Porfirio and state Rep. La Shawn Ford walking with his children to school. That led to a meeting with the state Department of Transportation.

In his proposal for a zone last year, Serra noted Ogden Elementary School, St. Francis Xavier School and Park Junior High School are in the area.

"After speaking to numerous residents, it has been noted that truck traffic has increased significantly over the last few years," he said in the proposal.

Kuchler said the village would put out a news release once it gets formal confirmation of the zone.

"In the meantime, I am very comfortable stating that the Village appreciates the efforts of Kris Serra and the hard work of Representative Ford and Senator Porfirio to increase the safety of our school children," Kuchler said in his email.