The Rundown: Palos Heights City Council Begins to Clear Way for Parking Lot

The Main Story

The Palos Heights City Council voted 7-0 to accept the lowest bid for demolition and clean up of the vacant building located at 12219 S. Harlem Avenue. (Alderman Michael McGrogan was absent.)  The city has received one bid and is waiting for two more. The contract will be awarded to the lowest bidder.  Demolition is expected to take place within the next few weeks, city officials said.

Once the property is cleared it will be used for a municipal parking lot complete with landscaping. During a Municipal Grounds and Property Committee meeting last week, aldermen said the lot would be used to encourage business on Harlem Avenue and might be a permanent space for the farmers market.

Palos Heights was awarded a grant by the state to cover some of the costs of the project.

The Votes

• The Council voted 7-0 to approve a retail license for the CVS Pharmacy that is set to open Oct. 24 at 11859 Southwest Highway.

• The Council voted 7-0 to extend their support and services for the Beautification Committee's programs and events as well as the First Midwest Bank Southwest Half Marathon.  Both agreements are contingent upon the approval of the 2011 budget.

The Tidbits

• Chalet Florist will be opening a location at 12250 South Harlem Avenue in the space previously occupied by T.J. Grinders.

• Early voting will take place at City Hall from Oct. 12 -28, Monday through Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Residents must bring a government issued photo ID.

Public Hearings

A public hearing has been scheduled before the Liquor Commissioner on Oct. 7 at 5:15 p.m.  The hearing is to consider the approval of a liquor license for Carmen's Jazz Bistro at 7210 W. College Drive.