Woodridge Mayor Posts Reopening Updates

Press release from the Village of Woodridge:

May 22, 2020

Dear Neighbors:

As our State prepares to move into Phase 3 of Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, I wanted to take a moment to provide an update to our community.

Woodridge’s Response to Governor Pritzker’s Restore Illinois Plan
Livelihoods have been dramatically affected by the Coronavirus, and the pandemic has been unforgiving to many of our citizens and businesses. Many business owners, for example, who have spent their careers nurturing their businesses, are seeing their investment and livelihood hang in the balance. For this reason, I’ve had many individuals contact me asking why the Village of Woodridge isn’t taking a more aggressive stance to defy Governor Pritzker’s Executive Orders. I assure you that the Village Board of Trustees and I continue to advocate with the Governor’s Office and our local legislators and to share our community’s concerns.

One important way that we amplify our voice in Springfield is through our municipal councils of government. Recently, the Illinois Municipal League, the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, and the Will County Governmental League - all three of which Woodridge is an active member- have been strongly advocating with the Governor to reconsider the boundaries of the health regions within northeast Illinois, for example. Our position is that DuPage County’s health metrics should not be aggregated with a more densely populated health region that includes Chicago.

Placing DuPage County in a different health region is more reflective of our county’s population density, and would allow our distinct health sub-region to more quickly transition through the next phases of the Restore Illinois plan - so long as our health data was meeting the necessary benchmarks set forth in the Governor’s plan. This advocacy position in Springfield is based on the belief that our residents and business owners want to do the right thing: to re-open responsibly and safely so that we can sustain our local economy through these very challenging times.

Re-Opening Under Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois Plan
I am pleased to report that earlier this week Governor Pritzker announced that our State is on track to officially transition to Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan effective May 29. In anticipation of that announcement, I’ve been receiving many calls and e-mails from businesses seeking guidance on what public health safety protocols they should consider putting in place in order to re-open on May 29.

I am pleased to report that the Village has established a dedicated webpage that seeks to consolidate various public health resources specific to the business community. The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC), Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), DuPage County Health Department, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce provide helpful guidance and reference materials that will help business owners develop their own re-opening plan. Also, I would encourage business owners to also consult their state or national trade association (e.g. the National Restaurant Association) for additional guidance and best practices.

Gradual Re-Opening of Village Hall
The Village is also working on developing a phased re-opening of our Village Hall. We have truly appreciated the flexibility and adaptability of our residents, businesses, and Village employees over these last 2.5 months. I’m proud that the Village has been able to provide many of our services remotely via phone, e-mail, and the web. Even with the upcoming transition to Phase 3, we recognize that many individuals may still be uncomfortable with entering public buildings at this time. For this reason, the Village continues to encourage our residents and businesses to conduct Village-related business transactions remotely.

Effective June 1, however, we will begin the process of gradually re-opening the Village Hall to the public. For those who are unable to complete their Village business transaction remotely, the Village will begin to offer in-person services on an appointment basis only throughout Phase 3 of the Restore Illinois plan. We hope that by offering an in-person appointment option that we will continue to safely and effectively accommodate our residents’ unique service needs. We thank you for your cooperation and patience as we transition together.

Moving Forward and Staying Strong
As we move into Phase 3, I urge us all, as neighbors, to maintain our resiliency and compassion for one another. Let us continue to support one another during this challenging time, and offer each other hope and encouragement.

Perhaps now more than ever, I am also calling on all citizens in Woodridge to double down, and continue to shop and dine locally. Many of our businesses and dining establishments have provided us important services, employment opportunities, and fun memories. Please consider lending your support now, so that they will remain important fixtures in our community for years to come. Note: With the encouraging news that outdoor restaurant dining will be permissible under Phase 3 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan, the Village will be working quickly to support our local restaurants and pubs on developing safe outdoor dining spaces for all to enjoy!

On behalf of the Village Board, the Village of Woodridge, and myself, I want to thank all of you, our Woodridge neighbors and businesses, for all of your support, community spirit, patience, and kindness as we have navigated together though these challenging times. Going into Phase 3, let us all make a concerted effort to lead by example, and model the appropriate public health behaviors, like wearing facial coverings when in public, out of respect and courtesy for one another. Doing so will help us make important progress together toward re-opening our community safely and responsibly.

As we will honor Memorial Day this Monday, please remember our Veterans, our fallen soldiers, and the brave men and women serving our country today. Let us never forget! #WoodridgeTogether

Warmest Regards,

Gina Cunningham, Mayor

p.s. And a warm Village “shout out” to our 2020 graduates! We are all so very proud of you, and we congratulate you on this wonderful milestone in your life. Our community wishes you the very best in the years ahead.

This press release was produced by the Village of Woodridge. The views expressed here are the author’s own.