A 'Welcoming, Diverse' Arlington Heights Is Mayor's Hope For 2020

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL — The beginning of a new year includes plenty of discussion on resolutions which often include mentions of changes in one's health, career, bucket lists, trips and more. Instead of asking local leaders and readers to share what their personal resolutions are for 2020, Patch decided to focus on community goals, specifically those of Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes and residents.

On Jan. 3, Patch asked Mayor Hayes, "What are your top priorities for Arlington Heights this year?" and in an email to Patch provided a detailed and optimistic look at the Village's 2020 goals, using "we" and not "I." The goals specified by Mayor Hayes all fall under a plan to work together and continue improving as a welcoming, diverse community.

"As we begin a new year, we again look forward to working together with all of our community partners to further enhance the quality of life we enjoy in Arlington Heights," Hayes said.

The mayor noted that with the completion of the Village's new police station and municipal campus, the community's focus has turned to the "continued delivery of the high quality services our residents and businesses have come to expect."

Improvements to infrastructure including street repair, water main replacements, and storm water control projects will also continue this year, Hayes said, while not forgetting to thank all who've been impacted by the construction associated with the much-needed improvement work for their patience and cooperation.

"With so many residents and businesses looking to build or remodel/reinvest in our community, we are also focusing on ensuring that our building and life safety approval processes are as fair and customer friendly as possible," Hayes added.

Speaking of businesses, the mayor also mentioned a continued commitment to the long-term success of of all Arlington Heights businesses, including Arlington Park.

"Ultimately, our goal in the year ahead is to ensure that a welcoming and increasingly diverse Arlington Heights remains a great place to live, work, and play," Hayes said.

Thanks to Mayor Hayes' outlook, Patch was able to reach out to Arlington Heights Patch readers and neighbors and ask whether they agreed with the priorities mentioned in the mayor's response, in addition to if they believe there are other matters local officials should instead prioritize.

Arlington Heights neighbor Dan shared several thoughts in a response to Mayor Hayes' words, starting with the belief that Arlington Heights doesn't need any more diversity because "our city is already diverse." Dan also believes Arlington Park is never going to stay here, and the "city needs to be prepared for that."

Dan continued, claiming everyone is going to leave because taxes in Arlington Heights are "so (SIC) high" and almost "no one can afford to buy a home in Arlington Heights."

However, another neighbor commented under Dan's statements, writing, "Diversity is our strength in Arlington Heights." That same neighbor, ironically named Daniel, added, "Racism is not acceptable."

More: Village of Arlington Heights

Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments section as we will continue updating this 2020 goals piece for Arlington Heights.