Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Tom Mick Village Manager | Village of Park Forest
Cook County Commissioner Kisha McCaskill attended a Park Forest Board of Trustees meeting on Monday night, where she expressed her interest in supporting the local community through assistance and resources.
During the meeting, McCaskill addressed the board during the public comment section, stressing her intent to collaborate with Village leaders. "I just wanted to come out and let you all know that I have not forgotten about Park Forest," she stated. "You all are extremely important to the 5th District."
The 5th District includes the Village of Park Forest, parts of several southern suburbs, and extends to the South Side of Chicago. McCaskill highlighted the importance of keeping local officials informed about potential grant opportunities to fund various projects. She remarked on the missed opportunities by some communities to utilize these grants and expressed her aim to help Park Forest make effective use of available funding. McCaskill noted that Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle is making efforts to ensure funding is available to the southland area.
In a press conference held last August in Park Forest, Preckwinkle announced that the Village would receive approximately $460,000 in grant funding for a construction project on Forest Boulevard. This project, scheduled to begin this summer, will involve the removal of the entire southbound street section and the relocation of road lanes to the east.
Park Forest officials mentioned that the Forest Boulevard revitalization would create green spaces in the downtown area. They have developed conceptual plans for a proposed linear park to include public spaces, botanical gardens, and water elements.
During the meeting, Park Forest Board of Trustees acknowledged McCaskill's visit with gratitude. Trustee Erin Slone said, "I just have a comment. I want to thank you for coming out. We hadn't had a visit from the county in a while, so I really appreciate you extending that branch of service to us."
McCaskill was appointed as the Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District in January after Monica Gordon, the former commissioner, was elected as the Cook County Clerk. Reports indicate McCaskill holds a Ph.D. in public administration and organizational leadership, along with a master's degree in public service administration and a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology from Western Illinois University.
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