Original News, Features & Opinion on Chicago, Illinois and America
Landlords’ beef with Summit Say $75 annual inspection fee per unit is too steep By Steve Metsch Nine months after it was approved and a few months after it was implemented, a new $75 annual safety inspection fee charged per rental unit was met with opposition by 10 or so landlords at the Summit Village…
Summit parking woes Couple takes troubles to the village board By Steve Metsch Parking is at a premium in Summit. And few know that better than Danny Spataro and Daniele Drain-Tinder. After getting no help from their landlord, the couple brought its case to the Summit Village Board on Sept. 16. They live in an…
Summit to get parking Demolition frees up much-needed space By Steve Metsch Much-needed parking may soon be available for businesses along Archer Road in Summit Using grant money received earlier this year, the village board voted unanimously Monday night to spend $10,000 to acquire a burned-out apartment building at 7641 West 61stPlace. “This is the…
Summit honors Kurcz Firehouse named for family that donated land By Steve Metsch An honor that was 20 years in the making has finally happened in Summit. At the urging of Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, the current village administration decided to dedicate the firehouse at 7339 W. 59th St. to the people who made it possible,…
Railroad flyover discussed Plan would have impact on Summit By Steve Metsch Reducing the risk of potential accidents, along with ending delays in commuter railroad service, are goals of a proposed “flyover” that could be built from Harlem Avenue alongside the canal to Willow Springs. It’s all part of sweeping rail improvements proposed by the…
Railroad “flyover” discussed Proposal would cut risks, move Summit businesses By Steve Metsch Reducing the risk of potential accidents, along with ending delays in commuter railroad service, are goals of a proposed “flyover” that could be built west of Summit Park. It’s all part of sweeping rail improvements proposed by the Illinois Department of Transportation…
New ambulance in Summit Automated lift among many improvements By Steve Metsch It took a few moments, but Summit firefighters were able to figure out how to operate an automated, self-loading stretcher during a demonstration to a visitor. Hey, it takes a while to learn all the bells and whistles in their new ambulance. They…
Summit wants new water meters Loan from state EPA may provide them at no cost By Steve Metsch Summit hopes to get a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to pay for new water meters at homes and businesses throughout the village. Village officials think Summit could qualify for a loan of up to…
Launching Summit’s future Tour of boat launch site reels in ideas By Steve Metsch For the first time in three years, the Summit boat launch on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was open to visitors on a recent sun-kissed morning. Invited by Summit Mayor Sergio Rodriguez, representatives from several organizations toured the site. Representatives…
Summit tables paving contract Officials to decide parking lot’s future By Steve Metsch The Summit Village Board on Monday night tabled plans to approve a $140,479 contract with M&J Asphalt, of Cicero, for the paving a gravel lot the village owns on 63rdStreet, behind Taste of Heaven on the west side of Archer. “We are…
Summit police promote pair Ortiz is first Hispanic lieutenant in village By Steve Metsch Monday night’s meeting of the Summit Village Board had a law enforcement flavor. Longtime lieutenant David Otto retired. Officer Steve Kirkolis was promoted to sergeant. And detective sergeant Mel Ortiz was promoted to lieutenant. Each was unanimously approved by the village…
Summit to test raffles St. Joe’s raffle to be closely watched by village By Steve Metsch The Summit Village Board wants to take a look at how raffles are run and how to best regulate them. With that in mind, the board approved an ordinance that would allow raffles in Summit, using one run at…
Saving money, improving safety Summit to buy used fire engine from Tinley Park By Steve Metsch With a little help from his friends, Summit Fire Chief Wayne Hanson is enabling the village to save hundreds of thousands of dollars and have a newer fire engine. When Hanson put the word out that, after being denied…
Summit family’s tradition continues Free Thanksgiving feast offered on Thursday By Steve Metsch For the seventh straight year, the Ponce and Zambrano families will be working hard on Thanksgiving Day, serving up turkey dinners will all the fixings for free to the needy, elderly and lonely. The Unforgettable Journey Organization will be serving from 11…
Summit OKs school crossing improvements Village board also plans to install LED lighting on main streets By Steve Metsch The Summit Village Board is moving forward with several infrastructure improvements. The board unanimously voted Oct. 16 in favor of a contract for improved crossings near schools and elsewhere. Summit will pay Mark-It Corp., based in…
Profirio resigns as Summit administrator Will stay through year on to help find replacement By Steve Metsch After two years as Summit’s part-time village administrator, Mike Porfirio has decided to resign effective the end of this year. The village board voted 6-1 on Oct. 16 to accept his resignation. The lone exception was trustee Sam…