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 Shape Oak Park looks to expand housing choices
Shape Oak Park is a new Village initiative focused on making room for neighbors at every age and stage of life. Empty nesters, young teachers, nurses, artists, growing families — they all need different housing options. And when Deborah moves into a smaller home that fits her life now, she opens up her previous home for a family that needs the space. That's how missing middle housing works: It creates a healthier housing ecosystem for everyone. Data shows that communities with more diverse housing types have slower rent growth and better affordability. Join the conversation by at www.engageoakpark.com/shape. The page includes a survey, a section where community members can submit questions and more details about the initiative. Also, be on the lookout for more ways to share your voice at upcoming pop-ups and workshops over the next few months.
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Free bags feature fresh
Pick Oak Park look
Pick Oak Park has a fresh new look just in time for the holiday season. During November and December the Village's Development Services Department is spearheading a campaign encouraging support for businesses throughout Oak Park’s 12 business districts. Free shopping bags with the new Pick Oak Park logo are available at Village Hall at 123 Madison St., the Village’s Economic Vitality Office at 1010 Lake St., the Oak Park Public Library's main branch at 834 Lake St. and the Oak Park Township offices at 105 S. Oak Park Ave. Grab your Pick Oak Park shopping bag and show your support while you shop small this season. Check out the Pick Oak Park directory to get started at www.pickoakpark.com/directory.
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Climate Ready Energy Grants
available for homeowners
The Village is offering Climate Ready Energy Grants to support Oak Park residents in making energy efficiency improvements to their homes. Eligible projects include everything from installing insulation and fixing drafty windows to switching to an electric water heater and installing solar panels or other renewable energy systems. All homeowners qualify for a $1,000 grant. Grants of $10,000 and $5,000 are available depending on income eligibility. Click here to learn more about how to apply. Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of various federal clean energy tax credits that end next month. Find details about a range of federal, state and local programs on the Village website’s Energy Efficiency and Electrification Incentive Programs page.
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Yard waste pickup winding down
Routine yard waste collection ends the week of Nov. 24–29 for bundled brush and containers of yard waste with a green sticker attached. This service is separate from the Village’s Fall Leaf Collection Program, which continues with weekly pickups through early December with no green sticker required. Outside of leaf collection, all other yard waste is picked up by appointment only during the winter months. To arrange a special yard waste pick-up call LRS, the Village’s waste-hauling contractor, at 844.633.3577 or email Service@LRSrecycles.com. Compost collection also switches to a bi-weekly schedule at a discounted rate during the winter. Visit www.oak-park.us/compost to see the winter collection schedule and for more information about the Village’s food scrap composting program.
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E.C.H.O. program working to enhance community safety
The Village's E.C.H.O. Program is an innovative initiative designed to enhance community safety and well-being by offering responses to non-emergency and low-risk calls for service through 911 dispatch. By addressing the unique needs of residents with specialized teams, the program aims to foster a safer, healthier and more connected community. Click here to learn more about the program and how it is making an impact in Oak Park.
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Tips for rodent proofing your property
With winter around the corner, now is a good time for Oak Park residents to take steps to prevent rodent infestations. The Oak Park Department of Public Health has tips for rodent proofing your property available at www.oak-park.us/rodentproofing. Suggestions include properly sealing building openings, pest-proofing doors and removing exterior clutter.
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