🌱 Oak Park Library Extends Parking + New Daycare 'Kiddie Academy'

Good morning, everybody. It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Oak Park-River Forest Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening locally.

But first, today's weather:

A t-storm in the a.m.; breezy. High: 83 Low: 61.

Here are the top three stories in Oak Park-River Forest today:

1. Oak Park Library will receive 25 Avenue Garage permits, freeing up space in its own garage for staff and visitors. Under a new agreement, the village is providing the library 25 parking permits for a period of five years at a reduced rate for its Avenue Parking Garage. The agreement addresses the issue of minimal staff parking following increased in-person operations after the pandemic, and the additional employees that have been hired in the last two years. (Wednesday Journal)
2. Four Irving Park neighborhood associations have called for the downsizing of a new affordable apartment complex tailored to Native American tenants. Affordable housing developer Full Circle Communities is partnering with Native American-led nonprofit Visionary Ventures for a seven-story building with 45 apartments at 2907 W. Irving Park Road tailored to Indigenous people. The site is on an empty lot, and is among 24 affordable developments that received $1 billion in city support in 2021 through highly competitive low-income housing tax credits. A petition has been circulating to try and stop the current proposal from moving forward—it currently has 300 signatures. (Block Club Chicago)
3. Redevelopment is underway at the former H.J. Mohr & Sons Co. property, as construction crews began turning the smaller part of the two-property parcel into a daycare. Once built, Kiddie Academy will inhabit a 13,100-square-foot childcare facility, the foundation of which has already been laid. The opening date has not been confirmed, but the facility will be in a convenient location for parents who need to use the Eisenhower Expressway or CTA blue line on their commute. (Wednesday Journal)

Shoutout to our premier local sponsor:

Have you or a loved one been a victim of sexual abuse? Attorney Tod M. Urban is a survivor of abuse himself who can help you understand your options. After 35 years as a prominent criminal defense attorney, Tod has focused his practice on helping others who have shared his experience. He’s compassionate and has deep expertise in navigating the legal complexities required to get justice and peace of mind. Visit here to learn more or call for conversation today.

Click here to get your business featured in this spot.

Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Thursday, August 17

• Open Playgroup At Oak Park Public Library (10:30 AM)
• The Oak Park Writers Group At Oak Park Public Library (7:00 PM)
• Silent Movies On The Porch: "Safety Last" At Pleasant Home (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Oak Park and Cook County residents who were impacted by severe weather and flooding in July are now eligible for FEMA Individual Assistance, which could include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the storms. Click the link to learn more. (Village of Oak Park, Illinois via Facebook)
• Are you looking for an indoor venue for a wedding reception or large meeting? Look no further, The Forest Preserves of Cook County's 2024 permit application for indoor private event rentals is now available. Click the link to learn more. (Forest Preserve District of Cook County via Facebook)
• Are you interested in helping your local community? The Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation team needs help on Sunday, Oct. 29 for its annual Trunk-or-Treat event. Click the link to learn more. (Lincolnwood Parks & Recreation 🌳 via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Donuts to your door this Saturday! Order Do-Rite by Friday. (August 19)
• Bridal Event (August 19)
• School of Rock Open House (August 20)
• LIMITED QUANTITIES: George's Deep Dish Award-winning pizza is coming to you. Order by Monday. (August 23)
• Malnati Brain Tumor Institute Summer Rooftop Celebration (August 30)
• How To Protect Your Business: Avoiding 6 Common Mistakes (August 31)
• High Holiday Services 2023 (September 15)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.