In a recent social media discussion, some residents of Park Forest inquired about the appropriate way to alert the Village regarding their concerns. These topics can vary, including reporting potholes, noting that a streetlight is out, or raising issues about a neighbor's yard being out of compliance. There are various methods to contact the Village, but depending on the situation, some methods may be more effective.
How do I contact the Village, and who should I speak to?
The Village of Park Forest consists of ten departments: Administration, Building & Community Development, DownTown Park Forest, Economic Development & Planning, Finance (which includes the Water Department), Fire Department, Housing Authority, Police Department, Public Works, and Recreation, Parks & Community Health.
When contacting the Village about an issue, it's important to understand the responsibilities of each department. If you have concerns related to infrastructure, such as a malfunctioning streetlight, a pothole on a Village-owned roadway, or a broken traffic light, you should reach out to the Public Works Department. Even if determining whether a street is maintained by the Village or Cook County gets complicated, reporting your infrastructure concerns to Public Works will suffice.
The Building & Community Development Department should be your point of contact for issues like a neighbor's overgrown grass or potential unauthorized construction on a property.
If you visit a park and notice damage, graffiti, or unmaintained areas, please contact the Recreation, Parks & Community Health Department.
In case of an emergency, remember to call 911, and the appropriate department—whether police or fire services—will respond. The non-emergency number is 708-748-4700.
What method should I use to contact the Village's various departments?
People often turn to social media to voice their concerns. While the Village has a communications team monitors these platforms, it may not be the most effective way to reach the appropriate department. The best ways to contact various departments are by calling the Village or emailing.
The email addresses for every department head are on the Village's website under their respective departments. Sending them an email to inform them about your concern is one effective method of making your voice heard. Alternatively, you can call Village Hall and ask to speak directly with a specific department to report your issue. It's important to mention that the Village has a chatbot, Leafy, which can assist you in finding information on the Village's website.
What if my concern involves property damage like hitting a pothole or falling on an uneven sidewalk surface?
You can call Public Works to report the issue if you notice a pothole or an uneven sidewalk surface. However, if your car sustains damage due to a pothole, you should visit Village Hall at 350 Victory Drive to report the situation and fill out an incident report. Once you submit the form, it will be sent to the Village's insurance company, which will inform you of the next steps in the process.
What if I complained to a department multiple times and felt nothing was resolved?
Village staff work diligently to address every resident's concerns. However, if your issue has not been addressed promptly, you may contact the village manager. The village manager oversees the Village's day-to-day operations and can assist with your concerns through the appropriate department.
The village manager also hosts neighborhood meetings in collaboration with the Park Forest Board of Trustees and Village leadership. Residents in specific neighborhoods receive notifications about these meetings, where they can express their concerns. It is uncertain whether these meetings will take place this year, as the Village is searching for a new village manager to replace Tom Mick, who is retiring this summer. Nevertheless, the village manager is a good point of contact if your concern has not been adequately addressed.
How does the Village communicate with residents during emergencies?
Communication is a two-way street. The Village of Park Forest aims to keep residents informed during emergencies and about important community incidents, such as water main breaks.
To facilitate this communication, the Village uses the CodeRED Emergency Notification System. This ultra-high-speed telephone communication service is designed to deliver emergency messages and disseminate information that may be important to all or specific areas of the Village.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED so the Village can send necessary messages and ensure that the community stays informed. They can receive text message, emails, or phone calls - to both cell phones and landlines.
To sign-up, click here.