News Flash

The Village of Park Forest Building Department has released real estate, occupancy, and building permit data for July through September 2025.

In July, the average home selling price was $146,202, down from $152,738 in June. Home sales ranged from $50,705 to $226,500. Of the 32 homes sold, 26 sold for more than $100,000, including six that sold for more than $200,000. The average selling price for the calendar year through July was $144,771.

Re-occupancy inspections for July revealed that 44% of homes were owner-occupied and 56% were rental-occupied. In June, the split was 64% owner-occupied to 36% rental.

The Village issued 89 building permits in July, with a total valuation of $701,182. In June, 91 permits were issued with a total valuation of $855,241.

In August, the average selling price was $104,909, with home sales ranging from $44,000 to $208,000. Twelve of the 22 homes sold were priced above $100,000, including one that sold for more than $200,000. The average selling price for the year through August was $140,975.

Re-occupancy inspections in August revealed 47% owner-occupancy and 53% rental occupancy. The Village issued 116 building permits with a total valuation of $1,467,960.

In September, the average selling price of a home was $136,201, with sales ranging from $40,000 to $225,000. Twenty-eight of the 40 homes sold were priced above $100,000. The calendar year average was $140,270.

Re-occupancy inspections in September revealed 63% owner-occupancy and 37% rental occupancy. The Village issued 65 building permits valued at $667,608.

A Village official said the data represents normal variation in the local housing and construction markets and should be viewed as a short-term snapshot.

“These reports provide a snapshot of activity from month to month,” the official said. “Things are always changing, so it’s important not to read too much into short-term variations. The data helps us track what’s happening, but not necessarily why.”

The Building Department compiles monthly reports to track home sales, occupancy rates, and construction activity within the Village.

As the warm season approaches, the Village of Park Forest would like to remind residents about the grass height ordinances.

Eshe McGee, the Village code enforcement manager, emphasizes the importance of maintaining well-groomed lawns for the overall aesthetic and environmental health of the neighborhoods. To comply with these regulations, residents must keep their grass, weeds, and uncultivated plants (excluding trees, ornamental shrubs, flowers, and other decorative plants) trimmed to a height of no more than eight inches.

McGee stated that the enforcement process begins with a warning to residents who may be unaware of the guidelines, asking them to mow their grass within a reasonable timeframe. However, repeated violations could result in fines of up to $750, which can be avoided through timely maintenance.

"During May and June, we often see an increase in complaints about tall grass," McGee said. "Now is a great time for residents to start thinking about how to manage their yards from now through the fall."

McGee mentioned that the department is preparing for the warm weather season and is currently looking to hire a code inspector whose primary responsibility will be enforcing grass height regulations.

"Residents should understand that the goal here isn't to generate revenue," McGee said. "Park Forest residents should keep their grass cut to maintain a neat and healthy lawn, prevent the spread of weeds and pests, and uphold property values, contributing to a pleasant and safe environment for themselves and their community."

Regarding vacant properties, McGee encourages residents to report any that they notice to the Building Department. She explained that the Village will then hire someone to mow the grass and asks residents not to take on this responsibility themselves, as it can complicate matters.

"Typically, you'll have that good neighbor who doesn't mind cutting a vacant property's grass," McGee said. "However, they often only take care of the front yard, which leads us to believe that someone is maintaining that property. Then we receive a call about the backyard, and we have to take care of that and keep the property on our radar."

McGee reiterated that it is best to report a vacant property and let the Village handle it. She said you can do so by calling 708-503-7703.

 To read the Village's code regarding grass height, click here.

The Village of Park Forest's tree canopy is primarily green; however, that will change over the coming weeks as colder air settles in. 

After the leaves change colors, they begin to fall, prompting the Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirre to remind residents not to rake leaves into the streets but to throw them in their yard waste bags.

"Residents need to rake up leaves in the parkway and private property and dispose of them using the lawn waste collection service that is part of overall garbage collection service," Ysaguirre said. "You'll need to use brown bio-degradable paper bags and purchase bag stickers from Village Hall."

Lawn waste pick-up service is ongoing every Tuesday until Nov. 26. Ysaguirre mentioned that the brown bags are sold at local home improvement stores. In addition, the yard stickers are available for purchase at Village Hall for $3.15. He emphasized the importance of disposing of leaves properly and not raking them into the streets.

"I can't stress this enough: Please do not rake or blow leaves, grass, or debris into the street," Ysaguirre said. “It’s against Village ordinance, and you risk being issued a citation”

Leaves clog Village storm sewers, resulting in flooded streets. Residents, contractors, and businesses will be fined for raking or blowing leaves, grass, or debris into the street.

Ysaguirre said the Village is responsible for sweeping leaves that naturally fall into the street and curb line. Residents are asked to remove their cars from the streets during the week of street sweeping to ensure the most effective cleaning. He said the Village would announce the street sweeping schedule ahead of time via social media, the Village's website, and the digital signs in town.

As the warm season settles in, some Park Foresters will take on summer projects, including work on their homes and properties.

Code Enforcement Manager Eshe McGee said some work might require residents to get a permit to comply. She said it's best to call and ask before to be sure. "You'll need a permit if you're doing roof installation or repairs and replacements," McGee said. "Some people may not know that even if you aren't using a contractor, you'll still need a permit from the Building Department."

McGee said permits are required for a variety of improvements, from above-ground swimming pools to building a fence to the installation or replacement of a residential central air cooling unit.

"When residents make improvements to their homes and properties, it makes our community that much better," McGee said. "That's why it is crucial to ensure you get the proper permits to confirm the work is done properly."

McGee said that although some might find the process burdensome and time-consuming, building permits allow the village to ensure that construction and renovation work is code-compliant. MeGee reiterated that not all projects require a permit; whether or not you need one can depend on the location, size, and scope of the work being done. She said if you need clarification on whether your project requires a permit, consult with the Building Department and call 708-503- 7703.

Many Park Foresters are looking to declutter by having a garage sale. 

Code Enforcement Manager Eshe McGee said that before a resident starts setting up a table with vintage lamps, they need to know a few rules about garage sales.

"We want people to have garage sales because they help the community connect," McGee said. "However, we have  some Village ordinances to ensure they're done correctly."

McGee said you don't need a permit to host a garage sale. You can have a maximum of four garage sales per year, and each one can be conducted on up to three consecutive days. 

"For example, if you plan to have a three-day garage sale in June, you can have three more garage sales in the year," McGee said. "But  a person can't have one  sale going from Monday  through Wednesday and  then say their second  garage sale is Thursday  through Sunday—as that  would be consecutive  days."

McGee said garage sales can only happen between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m., residents cannot put items on the sidewalk or public parkway, and only one sign is allowed in your yard to broadcast the sale.

She said directional signs and banners are not permitted throughout the Village, and signs are also not allowed to be placed in the parkway.

 In addition to residents hosting their own garage sales,  the Village hosts a biannual Village-wide Garage Sale that will be held this September.

The Village of Park Forest presented Building and Community Development Director Larrie Kerestes with a retirement resolution at Monday night's board meeting at Village Hall.

Kerestes served the Village for over four decades and will retire on Friday. With many of his family and friends in attendance, Kerestes grew emotional at the podium as he reflected on his career, which spanned nearly 43 years.

"Park Forest provided us [with] a well-rounded upbringing," Kerestes said. "We grew [up] in an open, diverse, social-economic, cultural, and racial community. I've been very lucky to serve in the town where I grew up."

Kerestes is a Park Forest native and graduated from Rich East High School in 1974. He then continued his education at Prairie State College and graduated from Lewis University in 1979.

Kerestes began working as a housing inspector with the Village of Park Forest in July 1981. A year later, in September, he became the deputy building commissioner. His hard work continued to pay off as he was appointed building commissioner two years later, in April 1984.

Park Forest started to see an economic turn for the worse in the mid-90s. The Village's leadership team thought  Kerestes would be the perfect person to oversee a consolidated department. He was then appointed the Director of Building, Housing, Planning, Zoning, and Economic Development.

As director, Kerestes served on the management staff and worked with other leadership team members. Village Manager Tom Mick said Kerestes was a confidant to several village managers during his tenure and served as a guide to newer management staff members - where he taught them about budgets, protocols, and procedures.

Kerestes will retire on March 1 and continue to travel and be with his wife, and his two daughters and grandchildren.

"Let me thank my wife and my two daughters," Kerestes said. "Two daughters that have never known their dad not working and serving the residents of Park Forest. And to the grandkids, it's late now. It's time to go to bed. You got school tomorrow. Thank you."

With the housing market booming in some parts of the nation and leveling out in others, data shows the market is stable in the Village of Park Forest. 

In June, the average selling price for the month was $124,170. In total, 41 properties were sold; of that, 28 sold for over $100,000 and four sold for over $200,000. The June 2023 Real Estate Transfer Tax records include single-family homes, co-ops, and condos.

The average for the year is now $128,500. At last check, according to Realtor.com, there are 113 single-family houses listed, and they range in price from $35,000 to $329,900, with the average being $153,733.

Jerry Martin, the code enforcement manager for the Village, said he believes things will continue to trend in the right direction.

"I expect the houses to keep selling in Park Forest for the foreseeable future," Martin said. "A couple of weeks ago, I spoke with an experienced realtor that has been doing business in Park Forest for many years. The realtor advised that there is not enough inventory anywhere and that houses often sell in a matter of days."

Martin said he's hopeful to see new construction in the Village. He said developers will be looking to build on vacant lots, assuming the market stays the way it is now.

"A good example is 159 Shabona," Martin said. "This was a property that the Village had to demolish after the great recession. The lot has been vacant for years. In October 2022, a developer bought the lot and built a house. The same developer built a house on Monee Road that is listed for over $300K."

The occupancy ratio is another sign that the market is stable in Park Forest. It sits at 64% owner-occupancy to 36% rental occupancy for the year. While this is a slight dip from last year, it shows people are buying residences and making Park Forest home.

With the first day of summer on the horizon, Park Foresters are in their yards, making them beautiful. As the clean-up continues, there's bound to be yard waste, meaning residents must purchase a $3 sticker.

Code Enforcement Manager Jerry Martin said those stickers are required, so they'll be collected.

"The garbage company will not pick up the yard waste bags unless they have the $3 sticker on them," Martin said. "The stickered yard waste bags can be set out for the Tuesday pick-up day. "

Martin added the stickers can be purchased at Village Hall at the Water Department. He noted that the department no longer sells the brown paper yard waste bags but can be bought at any hardware or home improvement store.

Some may need clarification on why they must pay $3 for the sticker. However, that was the contract negotiated between the Village and Homewood Disposal to pay for the service. Some Villages don't require a sticker, but the overall rates for the service are higher - whereas, in Park Forest, those who use the service are paying for it and not everyone.

So what is yard waste? Homewood Disposal's website states that yard waste is grass clippings, leaves, dead plants, sticks, and bundled branches. 

Residents should not throw dirt, rock, stumps, sod, and food scraps in the waste bags - as those items are not considered yard waste.

Yard waste can be placed in brown paper waste bags or yard waste carts, not in plastic garbage bags.

For more information, click here. 

Job seekers, listen up! The Village of Park Forest is hosting a job fair on Saturday at Village Hall.

The fair will run from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., with several prospective employers on hand. Community Relations Coordinator Evelyn Randle said the event is a perfect opportunity for someone to showcase their talents if they want a new career.

"Each participant should come dressed to impress and have resumes in hand," Randle said. "Also, I'm unsure if there will be any on-site interviews. However, any conversation with a human resource specialist is an avenue to an interview."

The Commission on Human Relations is partnering with the Youth Commission for this year's job fair. The fair will be the department's second year partnering with the Youth Commission to provide jobs for young people to adults. 

Below is a list of employers who will be on-site for the job fair on May 27 at Village Hall, 350 Victory Drive.

• Pace
• Village of Park Forest
• Illinois Central School Bus Company
• Bank Financial
• 1st Step Childcare
• Davis Staffing
• School District 163
• OAI
• Speedway
• Nurturing Development Center

Residents across Park Forest are spending more time on their lawns as summer nears. Yard work often has residents looking for ways to dispose of yard waste.

Homewood Disposal will pick up yard waste, but they have specific requirements: 

• Yard waste needs to be placed in brown paper yard waste bags AND have a sticker for disposal. The stickers can be purchased at the Water Department for $3 per sticker.
• Yard waste cannot be placed in plastic garbage bags OR exceed 50 pounds. 
• Bundled and tied branches should be cut to 3-4 foot lengths. 
• Yard waste is picked up on the regularly scheduled garbage days (Tuesdays). 
• The yard waste can be set out Monday night or on Tuesday mornings prior to garbage pickup. Residents will be required to remove any yard waste set out after the regularly scheduled pick up days as the yard waste is only picked up on regularly scheduled garbage days.
• Yard waste pick up will be from April 1 to Nov 30. 
• The link for Homewood Disposal’s Yard Waste Pick Up & Disposal Services: https://mydisposal.com/resources/yard-waste-stickers

All across Park Forest, residents are mowing their grass and planting their gardens as winter is behind them, and the sunny, warmer days of spring and summer lie ahead.

Village Code Enforcement Manager Jerry Martin says now is a perfect time to remind residents about the violations they can receive for allowing lawns to get too long. 

"The most frequent code violation we receive during May and June -- partially at the end of April if the weather is warm -- is tall grass complaints," Martin said. "Village code requires that the grass height not exceed eight inches."

Martin said that the Building Department responds to these complaints by issuing warning notices advising the property owner that the grass height exceeds eight inches and needs to be mowed within a reasonable amount of time. 

If the property is vacant, the Village assigns the property to be mowed by a contractor every two weeks at the beginning of the mowing season and every three weeks from the beginning of August for the remainder of the season. 

Martin added that occupied properties where the homeowner does not respond to a warning notice, or communicate with the Building Department after receiving a notice, could be issued citations.

"If residents receive a warning notice for a grass height violation and may need extra time because of extenuating circumstances, for example, the lawn mower broke, or they are trying to find a new lawn care professional, they should call the code enforcement inspector who sent the notice," Martin said. "We want to work with our residents."

Martin explained typically, the Building Department will issue a warning. However, if the tall grass ordinance is violated - violators could receive a citation of up to $750.

Martin said senior citizens in need of assistance locating mowing services are advised to contact Rich Township Senior Services at 708-748-5454.

Martin said he expects that the number of vacant properties requiring mowing will decrease as abandoned properties are re-sold after the abandonment process is completed. For more information on the abandonment process, click here.

For questions regarding lawn mowing as required by Village ordinance, contact the Building Department at 708-283-5611. 

The Housing Authority of Park Forest (HAPF) has implemented a new incentive for property owners this year.

Starting April 1., the HAPF is offering a one-time $300 signing bonus for units leased to new and current Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) participants. The program runs until Dec. 1, 2023, or until all funds have been used. 

Housing Authority Manager Tiffany Perry said the new incentive is a win-win for everyone involved.

"Participation in the HCV program is mutually beneficial," Perry said. "Voucher participants benefit by finding affordable housing in the Village of Park Forest, and landlords benefit by receiving guaranteed monthly Housing Assistance Payments (HAP). Landlords can lease up to three qualifying units."

The Landlord Incentive Program, made available through funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is designed to expand available housing resources for residents needing safe and affordable homes. The initiative encourages and motivates property owners to participate in the HCV Program.

Perry said interested property owners should contact her at tperry@vopf.com or call 708-283-5620 for more information on the Landlord Incentive Program.

Name any place, and more than likely, and you'll find abandoned or dilapidated houses. Unfortunately, the Village of Park Forest has its fair share of abandoned or run-down homes. 

However, the Village's code enforcement manager Jerry Martin said his department is proactively doing things to eliminate the eyesores.

"In the last 12 months, the Village has filed 75 abandonment cases. One of the realities is that these cases can take time to proceed through the court system," Martin said. "We expect most of these cases to be resolved in the next several months."

Martin said the Village has been using the abandonment process to address abandoned structures in the Village. He added it requires the attorneys representing a government agency to file a court case that petitions the court to declare a structure as abandoned.

Afterward, the court requires the attorneys to serve notice to the owners of record and interested parties. Part of serving notice requires publication in a local newspaper that an abandonment case has been filed and posting a notice about the court case to the front of the abandoned property. 

Martin said most of the abandonment cases in the Village are being addressed through a partnership with the Village and the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority (SSLBDA.)

"It's great that the Village partners with SSLBDA," Martin said. "A benefit of partnering with the SSLBDA is that they cover all legal costs."

Martin said once these cases are resolved, the Village can move forward and do what’s necessary to rid the community of abandoned and run-down homes.

Construction season is in full swing in the Village of Park Forest. The Department of Public Works (DPW) announced roadwork would begin on Shabbona Drive between Sauk Trail and Indianwood this summer, with crews preparing the area doing tree protection in the right of way, followed by sewer work on Monday, April 10.

The department said because of the street's condition, the entire road will be reconstructed. The project will include drainage improvements, complete curb and driveway apron replacements, and sidewalk repairs as needed.  

Motorists should expect parking restrictions in the area once work begins. Also, DPW asks cars to be parked on driveways, not the street, whenever possible. However, as the project progresses, there will be a time when residents will lose access to their driveways - which will happen when the curb and driveway aprons are replaced. 

The department will provide updates and notify residents ahead of time. The upcoming project will take place during working hours on Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is expected to last through August.

Area residents can expect common construction inconveniences such as traffic congestion, dust, noise, and heavy equipment. The Department of Public Works will follow up frequently with letters and door hangers advising on the construction progress.

If you have any special needs that DPW should be aware of, please get in touch with the department immediately. Additionally, if you have lawn sprinkler systems or invisible pet fences, please make that known so that DPW can limit any possible damage to these items. 

If you have any questions, please call 708-503-7702 or check the Village's website for updates.  

The prices of houses have continued to rise steadily in Park Forest over the last several years. In 2022, the average selling price of the real estate transfer tax stamp was $129,960. 

Larrie Kerestes, the community development director, said this bodes well for the Village of Park Forest.

"Higher house prices increase investment in the housing stock, resale values, homeownership, and decreases the property owners' share in taxes for the municipal portion," Kerestes said.

Housing prices have increased across the Village over the last several years. In 2015, the average cost for a home in the Village was $44,610. The price has more than doubled, with the average price at $130,000 currently.

Kerestes said there was 327 sales total, of which 276 totaled over $100,000, and 50 sales surpassed $200,000. In other words, 67% of sales were over $100,000.

In 2022, 863 Building Permits were recorded with a total cost valuation, including $13,976,723, with $172,444 collected in building permit fees. Since 2019, there have been 800+ building permits recorded over the last four years.

Mark Pries, the Village's finance director, said this trend shows people are investing in the Village.

"Another great thing we're noticing is the occupancy ratio," said Pries. "Right now, the owner-occupancy is 71% compared to 29% of rental occupancy, which means people are buying homes and investing in the community."

Pries said as the prices of homes continue to rise, and new development is underway in the Village, this means property across the Village has more value which shows Park Forest is a stable marketplace to buy a home.

The saying goes, "if you find a job that you love, you'll never work another day in your life." That rings true for Larrie Kerestes, who's worked for the Village of Park Forest for more than 40 years. Kerestes was honored at Monday night's Village board meeting for his service.

"I don't see it as work. It's my home," Kerestes said. "My parents moved here in December of 1952. My mother still lives in their original house. So, this is home."

Kerestes is a lifelong Park Forester. He began his career with the Village of Park Forest in July 1981. Then, he started as a building inspector and soon after was appointed as the Village building commissioner and has been the head of the Community Development Department ever since.

While he stood at the podium at a loss for words, Kerestes explained why he enjoys serving his community, a place he's always called home.

"It's an honor to serve the Village residents," said Kerestes. "It's an honor to be of service. This is my home, and I've been lucky enough to live here all my life. I think that's part of the reason why I haven't retired because this is just part of what I do every day."

The Village Manager, Tom Mick, said he believes Larrie's tenure, and the Village’s overall success in keeping good employees on the staff, is the result of a professional work environment. Mick said the Village prides itself on being a meritocracy: where employees are hired based on what they know, not who they know.

"The Village of Park Forest and its residents have been lucky to have Larrie’s dedicated service for more than four decades," Mick said. "A lifelong Park Forester and Rich East graduate, he knows so much about the community, its housing stock, business facilities, and its residents."

Mick said it is a pleasure to continue to have Kerestes on the team. He added, the Village is also grateful to his wife, Debi, and their daughters Ashley and Lauren, for sharing him with Park Forest over these many years.

Kerestes said he looks forward to continuing to serve the only community he’s ever known.