Mayor Cunningham Looks Ahead to 2015

News Flash via the Village of Woodridge.

As 2014 comes to a close, the Village of Woodridge has several things to look forward to in the New Year. This includes infrastructure improvements, with resurfacing 71st Street off Route 53 and Woodward Avenue and signalization synchronizing to improve traffic flow on the horizon. In addition, those that make use of the services available at Town Centre will appreciate the parking lot resurfacing that is set to occur.

“Woodridge has a lot to look forward in the coming year,” said Mayor Cunningham. “The community continues to grow in ways that support our high quality of life. As I reflect back on 2014, I am thankful for the many in our community that make Woodridge such a nice place to live.”

Plans for the upcoming year also include a facilities study of the Police and Public Works departments. The aging facility that houses both departments will be carefully reviewed and the existing Town Centre municipal campus will be analyzed to determine how needs can be accommodated. Intergovernmental initiatives will continue in an effort to control expenses, which will include the Public Works Department furthering their efforts to aggregate purchasing power with other municipalities and achieve cost savings.

The groundbreaking of the Alden Foundation’s Woodridge Horizon will take place, which will provide housing options for seniors that seek to live in Woodridge as they age. Another highlight includes the Woodridge Park District’s advancing the Athletic Resource Center to be located on Janes Avenue near the intersection with 83rd street, with construction anticipated to begin this spring. Both of these projects fulfill the Village Board’s longstanding goal of continued reinvestment along Janes Avenue. Single family home construction will also continue in several locations throughout the community.

Village staff will also work toward implementation of new Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software that will offer improved customer service to residents and businesses. Once implemented, applications such as renewing a business license will be available online. Additionally, staff and residents alike will benefit from the efficiencies offered by the new software.

Removal of ash trees affected by the Emerald Ash Borer will advance quickly, with approximately 50% of all trees currently removed and the rest anticipated to be removed by spring 2015. The Village’s goal is to replace the removed trees over the next two years with high quality and a diverse species of trees which will be dependent upon availability from nurseries.

Said Mayor Cunningham, “I wish everyone a Happy New Year and the very best in the year to come.”

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