W E D N E S D A Y
January 22, 2025 Vol. 45, No. 29
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JOURNAL @oakpark
FitzGerald’s named to National Register of Historic Places
of Oak Park and River Forest
Page 24
Oak Park hopes to strengthen and revitalize the local economy
The vitality plan is expected in March By LUZANE DRAUGHON Staff Reporter
Stamp of approval STORY BY GREGG VOSS, PAGE 10 TODD BANNOR
Oak Park’s own Betty White and Historical Society Director Frank Lipo celebrate the soon-to-be released Postal Service stamp of the much-loved entertainer who was born here.
Oak Parkers say they like the community’s small businesses and walkability, but they want to see lower taxes, more parking and more access to public transportation, according to a preliminary report from an economic development firm the village hired to draft a plan to help bolster the village’s economy. Camoin Associates Inc., hired in July 2024 to create a comprehensive economic vitality plan, has not yet finalized its report. The village board is expected to adopt it in March after recommended strategies are reviewed at a community open house and final tweaks, including addressing board feedback, are made. The goals of the project, according to Camoin, are to develop an economic vitality strategy with baseline metrics and provide short- and long-term objectives to strengthen Oak Park’s tax base and local economy. See VITALITY PLAN on page 3
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