VILLAGE NEWS
Movie Night Under The Stars - August 6
Calling all movie lovers! The 2010 Movie Series, presented by The George Sollit Construction Company, continues on Friday,
August 6, at 8:00 p.m. The Village and Plainfield Park District will be showing Monsters vs. Aliens sponsored by Christoper B. Burke Engineering, Ltd.,
in Settlers' Park at the Richard A. Rock Amphitheater. Monsters vs. Aliens (2009) is an animated comedy featuring the voices of Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, and Paul Rudd, which is rated PG and has a run time of
94 minutes. Bring some popcorn and enjoy a movie under the stars!
Settler's Park is located in Downtown Plainfield, southeast of the intersection of Lockport Street and Van Dyke Road and just south of the Village Hall. Parking is available in the
Village Hall Parking Lot, on Village Center Drive and on Van Dyke Road. Terraced seating is available. Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions
will be available for sale and proceeds will benefit the movies in the park. If inclement weather is forecast, the movie will be canceled. For updates, call the Settlers' Park Event Hotline at (815) 609-6124. For more information, check out
the 2010 Movie Schedule!
August 9th Event to Feature Trees and Shrubs in Native Landscapes
Flowering native plants and showy grasses get a lot of attention in native landscapes, but native trees and shrubs can play a valuable role, too. These landscape staples will be the focus of the upcoming Green Village Lecture Series workshop, to be held August 9th, at 7 p.m., at the Plainfield Public Library, sponsored by Waste Management. Kelsay Shaw, of the Possibility Place Nursery in Monee, is the featured presenter.
The 2010 Green Village Lecture Series is generously sponsored by Illinois Landscape Supply. The program is a partnership between the Village and the Plainfield Public Library District to host monthly workshops with an environmental focus. Events are held the second Monday of each month, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Plainfield Public Library. To register, click here. For additional information, please contact: Jonathan Proulx, AICP, Village of Plainfield, (815) 609-6139 or Therese Chaves, Plainfield Public Library District, (815) 327-2505.
Lockport Street at Route 59 To Close
The east leg of Lockport Street at Illinois Route 59 will be closed to all through traffic beginning Saturday, July 24th at 7:00 a.m., weather permitting, and continuing until Saturday, July 31st at 5:00 p.m. This closure will allow for the installation of water main in conjunction with the Route 59 reconstruction project. Detour signs will be posted while the work is being performed and the detour route will utilize Route 59, Renwick Road, and Weber Road. Access to local businesses and residences will be maintained via the detour route and local streets. The work is being done by D Construction as part of the Illinois Route 59 reconstruction project. For additional information, please contact: Greg Heiden, Transportation Engineer, Plainfield Public Works Department at (815) 436-3577.
Railroad Crossing Closure
The 135th Street railroad crossing and the roadway, from Route 30 to Van Dyke Road, will be closed for repair Monday, July 26th through Monday, August 2nd. During this time, Canadian National will be reconstructing the railroad crossing bed and completing related patching. The detour route will utilize Van Dyke Road, Route 30, and 127th Street. Access to the Wilding Pointe and Enclave subdivisions will be maintained at all times. For additional information, please contact: Randy Jessen, Superintendent of Public Improvements, Plainfield Public Works Department, at (815) 436-3577.
Roadway Resurfacing To Begin
Beginning the week of July 26th, PT Ferro will be removing and replacing sidewalk ramps in Champion Creek, Walker’s Grove, and Wallin Woods. Once the new sidewalk ramps have been installed, work will begin on some of the roadways in these subdivisions. Various roadways in the subdivisions will be resurfaced as part of the Village’s MFT (motor fuel tax) program. Periodic lane closures are expected while the roadways are resurfaced. The entire project is scheduled to be complete by September 17th, 2010. For additional information, please contact: Randy Jessen, Superintendent of Public Improvements, Plainfield Public Works Department, at (815) 436-3577.
Village Representatives To Serve Up Burgers and Fries at Culver’s
The Village of Plainfield and Culver’s are joining forces to raise funds for United Way of Will County! On Tuesday, August 3rd, the Plainfield Culver’s will donate 10% of their proceeds between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. to United Way of Will County. During lunch and dinner, Village representatives will be serving burgers, fries, ice cream, and other Culver’s favorites to restaurant patrons.
Culver’s - famous for their frozen custard and butterburgers - is located at 13449 S. Route 59, on the northeast corner of 135th Street and Route 59 in Plainfield.
United Way of Will County works with local volunteers to identify and solve critical issues faced by many Will County residents. For over 70 years, United Way of Will County has continued to focus on making real, lasting change to improve people’s lives right here in our neighborhood. Help support United Way by joining the Village for a great meal at Culver’s on August 3rd!
Coffee with the Mayor - August 11
Please join Mayor Collins for coffee and conversation on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 at 9:00 a.m. at the Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street. All residents are invited.
Soda in Concert - August 12
The 2010 Summer Concert Series in Settlers’ Park continues with a concert by Soda, sponsored by The Plainfield Riverfront Foundation, on Thursday, August 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Settlers'
Park. "This all-star lineup captures the heart and soul of one of the most diverse playlists you'll find anywhere."
The concert will be held in Settlers' Park at the Richard A. Rock Amphitheater. Settlers' Park is located in Downtown Plainfield, southeast of the
intersection of Lockport Street and Van Dyke Road and just south of the Village Hall. Parking is available in the Village Hall Parking Lot, on Village
Center Drive, and on Van Dyke Road. Terraced seating is available. Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions will be
available for sale and the proceeds will benefit the concerts in the park.
If inclement weather is forecast, the concert may be held in the Village Hall or rescheduled. For updates, call the Settlers' Park
Event Hotline at (815) 609-6124. For more information, check out the 2010 Concert Schedule. For
more information on Soda, visit www.sodarocks.com.
The Polar Express Rescheduled - August 13
Calling all movie lovers! Celebrate Christmas in July when the 2010 Movie Series, presented by The George Sollit Construction Company, concludes on Friday,
August 13, at 8:00 p.m. The Village and Plainfield Park District will be showing The Polar Express sponsored by Waste Management,
in Settlers' Park at the Richard A. Rock Amphitheater. The Polar Express (2004) is an animated movie featuring the voices of Tom Hanks, Michael Jeter, Chris Coppola, and Peter Scolari, which is rated G and has a run time of
99 minutes. Bring some popcorn and enjoy a movie under the stars!
Settler's Park is located in Downtown Plainfield, southeast of the intersection of Lockport Street and Van Dyke Road and just south of the Village Hall. Parking is available in the
Village Hall Parking Lot, on Village Center Drive and on Van Dyke Road. Terraced seating is available. Attendees are also encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Concessions
will be available for sale and proceeds will benefit the movies in the park. If inclement weather is forecast, the movie will be canceled. For updates, call the Settlers' Park Event Hotline at (815) 609-6124. For more information, check out
the 2010 Movie Schedule!
Mayor Seeking Applicants for Historic Preservation Commission
Mayor Collins is seeking applicants interested in serving on the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). Members of the HPC are appointed based on a demonstrated interest and/or professional expertise and experience in the areas of archaeology, architecture, architectural history, art, art history, building construction, engineering, finance, historical and architectural preservation, history, landscape architecture, law, planning, real estate, and/or urban design. Commission members attend two meetings each month to review applications and make recommendations on historic preservation issues in the community. The Commission hears testimony from residents, developers, staff, and affected or interested neighbors or surrounding property owners. A Commissioner is required to have an open mind, demonstrated interest, an understanding of the Village's Historic Preservation Ordinance, and to apply individual judgment in the public interest while fostering an intellectual and factual examination of the issues together with other commissioners in a public setting.The Historic Preservation Commission currently has two openings which must be filled and resumes will be accepted until the positions are filled. The positions are unpaid. If you are interested in applying for the Historic Preservation Commission, please send your letter of interest and a brief professional resume to Mayor Michael Collins, via mail: Plainfield Village Hall, 24401 W. Lockport Street, Plainfield, Illinois 60544; fax: (815) 436-1950; or e-mail: mcollins@goplainfield.com.
Kendall County Community Survey
The Kendall County Regional Planning Commission has developed and regularly updates a Land Resources Management Plan (LRMP) to guide future growth and
development decisions made by the County Board. For more information on the existing plan,
go to http://www.co.kendall.il.us/zoning/lmrp.htm. In developing this plan, the County has
regularly surveyed residents to better understand their planning issues and concerns. Surveys were conducted in 1990 and again in 2000 by the University of
Illinois Extension. The 2010 survey includes many of the same questions used in the earlier surveys to allow for direct comparison.
The survey is primarily being conducted online. A random sample of residents will also be mailed a paper copy of the same questions. Print versions of the
survey are also available at selected locations throughout the County, including the County Office Building, libraries, and the YMCA. The survey will be available
until July 30, 2010. Survey results will be posted to the County's
web site. Click here to take the survey.
Amy Freeze To Present Tornado Program at Village Hall
The Plainfield Public Library and the Village of Plainfield are proud to welcome Fox News Meteorologist Amy Freeze to the Village Hall on Friday, August 27th at 10:00 a.m. Residents will have the opportunity to preview Amy's 20th Anniversary Plainfield Tornado program before it airs on Fox News. The event will include a special preview of the show, a brief presentation, and a question and answer period with the audience. The program will be repeated again at 1:00 p.m. Reservations are required. Please visit the Library’s calendar of events or call (815) 327-2515 to register. For more information, e-mail Tina Beaird.
Fox Chicago News Seeking Tornado Stories
From Amy Freeze, Chief Meteorologist at FOX Chicago News... I'd like to personally invite you to be part of our project for the 20th Anniversary of the Plainfield Tornado. Our goal is to remember what happened that day so that our community can be more prepared in the future.
The Plainfield tornado is the only F5 tornado to happen in the month of August – anywhere! Although its timing made it unique, a storm like it could happen anytime in our area. Would you be willing to share your story? First answer the questions below as in depth as you want. When you are done answering the questions, attach a picture of yourself and e-mail it back to me. We will include you in our anniversary coverage. Also you can attach any other photos you would like if you have them of the tornado damage from 20 years ago. If you don't want to share your story but know of someone who may want to, please let us know who! Send in your photo and answers to amy.freeze@foxtv.com. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any questions! Thank you in advance from Fox Chicago News and the WEATHERWATCH team!
Describe your afternoon of August 28th, 1990.
How did you first find out there was a tornado?
What is the first thing you did once you realized there was a tornado?
Do you know anyone that was injured or had their house damaged by the tornado?
Do you feel like you take severe weather more seriously now than you did prior to August 28th, 1990?
What was going through your mind after you saw the devastation the twister had caused?
After 20 years, what stands out the most in your memory from the tornado?
If you could describe the Plainfield tornado in just a couple words, what would they be?
Plainfield Tornado Community Commemoration
The 20th anniversary of the Plainfield tornado is being planned with a community commemoration on Saturday, August 28th at 3:00 p.m. This event will be held on the west bank of the DuPage River, just south of Lockport Street. As part of this anniversary, several trees will be planted as a living legacy to the victims that lost their lives. For more information, please contact Paul Fay.
Homes for Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops builds and remodels specially adapted homes for severely injured veterans at no cost. Homes for Our Troops is building a home in Plainfield for Army SPC Frank Pierson. Volunteers are still needed! Non-construction volunteers should contact Meaghan Lambert via e-mail or at (508) 823-3300 ext. 207. Licensed professional trades volunteers should contact Paul Vespia via e-mail or at (508) 823-3300. For more information on this project, visit Homes for Our Troops online.
Stand Up and Be Counted! - Census Representatives Visiting Residences
Census representatives are going door-to-door to households that have not yet returned their census forms. Residents are encouraged to provide the
enumerators with complete and accurate information. All responses are confidential. Census representatives will visit homes up to three times as
well as call households up to three times to obtain and record resident information for the 2010 Census. If no one is at home, the enumerator will leave
a door hanger that lists a contact phone number each time. Residents can then call the number provided to schedule a visit.
Every resident's cooperation and participation is important to insure the accuracy and completion of the 2010 Census! For more
information on the 2010 Census, visit www.2010census.gov.
Current Roadway Construction Projects
Route 59 project updates are available on the Route 59 project web site. IDOT has also provided updates on the Route 59 project via their Summer Newsletter.
The I-55 West Frontage Road, between Caton Farm Road and Route 30, is scheduled for the construction of sound barrier walls
until October 31, 2010, weather permitting. The roadway will be closed daily to through traffic during construction operations between the hours of
6:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Access will be provided to residents living in the subdivisions adjacent to this project. All barricades will be taken down and
the road will be reopened at the end of each work day. Detour signs will be posted while the work is being performed and the posted detour route will utilize
Caton Farm Road and Route 30.
Illinois Route 126 (Lockport Street), between County Line Road and Wallin Drive, is scheduled for roadway improvements including patching, bituminous pavement milling, resurfacing, aggregate shoulder installation, and pavement markings. The construction activities will begin during the week of July 6th and continue until September 15th, weather permitting. The road will remain open to traffic during construction; however, delays will occur when flaggers are used to direct traffic when one lane is closed during construction operations. For additional information, please contact: Greg Heiden, Transportation Engineer, Plainfield Public Works Department at (815) 436-3577.
Event Road Closures
Lockport Street will be closed from James Street to Route 59 (Illinois Street will be open.) for Cruise Nights
(Tuesday evenings, 5-9 pm, June-September). For more information on Cruise Nights,
contact MainStreet Plainfield at (815) 436-5510.
Canadian National Railway To Install Second Rail Line
Canadian National Railway has begun work in preparation for the installation of a second rail line between 111th Street and 127th Street. The railway's contractor is currently clearing overgrown vegetation, installing silt fence, and excavating in preparation for the installation of a new aggregate base for the second rail line. This work is expected to take approximately two to three months. The designated travel route for construction traffic is 111th Street to Normantown Road to 119th Street to Route 30.The second phase of the project is the actual installation of the second rail line which includes realigning a section of the existing track and adding a second track. This phase will also include at-grade crossing work at both the 127th Street and 119th Street crossings this summer. This project will link the existing second rail just north of 111th Street with the existing second rail south of 127th Street. The anticipated completion date of the project is November of 2010. For additional information, please contact: Randall W. Jessen, Superintendent of Public Improvements Plainfield Public Works, at (815) 436-3577.
Mayor's Column
Be sure to read Mayor Collins' June Column "Fun in the Summer Sun" in The Plainfield Enterprise (published 6/3/10).Water Conservation
As the weather begins to warm, please remember the Village's year round ordinance for outside water use:Lawn sprinkling for even numbered addresses on even numbered calendar days is permitted between the hours of 6-10 a.m. and/or 6-10 p.m.;
Lawn sprinkling for odd numbered addresses on odd numbered calendar days is permitted between the hours of 6-10 a.m. and/or 6-10 p.m.; and
The watering of gardens, trees, shrubs, and flowers (by use of a handheld hose or watering can) is permitted anytime.