Village Manager's Message

Friday, August 9th was the unofficial reopening of Lufkin Park as the fences came down. This Thursday, August 15th we will hold the Grand Reopening event starting at 4:00 pm with the ribbon cutting at 5:00 pm. There are still several elements that are not completed yet but are expected to be soon. The Sensory Garden items are set to be delivered and installed by late this week, or early the following week. Information signage is also being designed and manufactured. Other than waiting for the grass to come in, the entire project should be completed at the end of August or early September. The park project was delayed in part by an overlapping stormwater project in which DuPage County utilized $1.2 Million of its ARPA funds for stormwater improvements for the expansion of the existing Lufkin Pond to alleviate flooding in the area. In addition to the ARPA funds, the Village used an OSLAD grant from the State of Illinois of $400,000 and $375,000 in NEDSRA funds. This shows how partnerships with the State, DuPage County, NEDSRA, and other entities are incredibly important to the Village of Villa Park.

Today we will have a report from Three Leaf Partners (who purchased Catalyst) and Marquette about The Union mixed-use apartment development. We will also hear from the Village’s financial advisor Speer Financial, Inc. The Union is a critical project to the success of the St. Charles Commercial Corridor TIF District and the continued financial growth of the Old Town Villa downtown revitalization.

I attended the National Night Out event on August 6th. This was another example of the many partnerships that are important to the Village. In addition to Village Commissions, the Fire and Police Departments, Village elected officials, and staff, we had the Library, DuPage Sheriff, the Tri-Town YMCA, and others join us. The event allowed many of our residents to meet and get to know some of our outstanding police and fire personnel. It is especially important for our youth to understand that police are there to serve and protect.

Last Thursday morning I attended the District 88 Community Breakfast. District 88 and in particular Willowbrook High School is a tremendous partner of the Village. As Willowbrook Principal Dan Krause said at that meeting, relationships are so important. Later on Thursday afternoon, I worked with Suzanna Strangmeier of ComEd and David Lyon of Three Leaf Partners about The Union project. Then on Friday morning, I attended an event at DMMC to thank their corporate sponsors. I listened to part of the State of Public Transit Hearing held today in Naperville and available remotely.

I attended meetings with the Finance Department, with Kluber, Inc. and Village staff, with the internal BS&A licensing and permit group, and with department heads individually and together at the Department Head meeting.

Matt Harline

Village Manager

211 DuPage

The DuPage County Community Services Department is here to help all people in need throughout our community as the 211 DuPage service line provides an important entry point for residents seeking help. The 211 DuPage service line also provides referrals for housing, utility and rent payment assistance, eviction prevention, programs for seniors, caregiver support, food, health, and more. They also provide expert assistance, helping clients learn about various local, state, and federal programs, and then reviewing which types of assistance are appropriate for their situations. 211 DuPage provides the community with a free online database at 211dupage.gov. This online tool allows our team and residents to find social services available in the area. 211dupage.gov contains information about employment, mental health services, education, transportation, and other resources and programs.

• Residents can call 211 anytime, 24 hours a day 365 days a year.
• Text your zip code to TXT211 (898211) for assistance available nearby.
• Texting services are available from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm Monday through Friday.