We know some big changes are in store for our state and nation in 2009. A new president, who is promising major reform, will take office. The Illinois Legislature could impeach Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who is accused of selling state government to the highest bidder.
But what would you like to see happening in Bolingbrook in the new year? If you were in charge, what would you add to your list of New Year's resolutions for the village? Click the comments link at the top of the page to leave your thoughts.
A couple of major additions that are slated for The Brook in 2009 are already in the works. The Hidden Oaks Nature Center, a $5 million interpretive education center, is scheduled to be completed in the summer. And construction crews will break ground on a new library, featuring a green park theme, a larger children's area, more computer services and even a cafe.
An economic upswing, an end to political corruption and even some world peace certainly would be welcome. But let's think a little more locally. Here are a few items I would love to see at the top of the agenda of village officials:
Peterson case
I realize law enforcement officers can't exactly snap their fingers and suddenly find clues in an ongoing investigation. But wouldn't it be great if they could solve the case of missing mom Stacy Peterson?
Whether she really did run off, as her husband asserts, or if police find that she is dead, I'm sure it would give her family and friends some peace to know what happened to the 23-year-old wife of former Police Sgt. Drew Peterson.
The community also could, once and for all, either let Peterson get on with his life (if he is not accused of any wrongdoing), or authorities could finally move forward with the case. I'm just not sure I can handle much more of the national media leading its news coverage with camera crews swarming Peterson's home to report such important news as who the Bolingbrook resident is dating.
Road construction
OK. We have lived on the west side of town for almost eight years now. And that entire time, we have seen signs promising an extension of Kings Road to the south, along with a 95th Street extension to the north.
Could this please happen already?
I would like to argue that the lack of the extension to the north is a public safety concern. When Naper Blvd. floods to the north of Boughton Road, as it often does with any heavy rainfall, residents have to use Plainfield-Naperville Road to drive north. Although traffic isn't as bad now that Plainfield-Naperville Road has added two more lanes, it would still be nice to have another route to 95th Street.
And being able to access the subdivisions south of 111th Street via Kings Road would be much faster than driving out to Weber Road.
Outdoor recreation
Park officials have done an excellent job providing a vast array of parks and paths for biking and walking. Bolingbrook also is a prime residential area if you love to golf, with both the high-end Bolingbrook Golf Club in town, as well as the park-district's nine-hole course at Boughton Ridge.
But with all of the green space in Bolingbrook, I would love to see a few more creative outdoor recreation opportunities. Maybe a few sledding hills or an outdoor ice skating rink like those that are part of the Naperville Park District. A model airplane flying field, a disc golf course or some real off-road mountain biking trails would be a few ideas.
Shopping
Bolingbrook officials have been talking for years about developing the land near the south end of Weber Road that is slated for a new and improved Wal-Mart. I would love to hear about this project moving forward.
And while we're on the topic of shopping, I would like to make one personal request. If village officials continue with their remarkable efforts to bring top-name stores to The Brook, how about an Old Navy? I would love to have a few more choices when it comes to buying clothes for the whole family.
Mayor Roger Claar will be giving his State of the Village address on Jan. 15 in which he will update local residents on the status of the economy, housing and new business development. He often gives some scoops on what is planned in the new year, as well.
What would you like to hear included in his speech? Comment about it here.
Emily Neal is a 30-something wife and stay-at-home mom in Bolingbrook with three children. She also has a long history as a journalist.
Hi Emily,
Great list. One thing I'd like to see is more communication from the police. We have an investigation from June and have not been able to get a single bit of information on it. When we needed the police they were great, they came right away. But then it was crickets from that point on. Both my husband and I have called or stopped in to the police station 7 or 8 times in the last six months and can't get anyone to give an update. Maybe they operate on a don't call us, we'll call you system and there just is no information. But I'd even take that answer over the standard just leave a message and someone will get back to you one I always get.
Bolingbrook resident,
Thanks for your comment. I hope the police will respond to your requests in the new year. That sounds very frustrating. It was a great addition to the list!
Happy New Year!
I had heard last year that Mayor Claar was considering putting in a Costco near the new promenade. I think this would be a great asset to the Bolingbrook Community. I had heard that the mayor was reluctant, thinking it would take away business from the local Meijer. I don't feel that way because Costco is a store you buy things in bulk. However, I think Meijer can still do well because of the great sales they have weekly. I know I would continue to do my major shopping at Meijer, but would give Costco much of my business also. I would love to see a Costco built in Bolingbrook.
Judy,
That is an excellent idea! I had not heard about the Costco, but I would definitely love to see one in Bolingbrook. I think you are right, too. I would still continue to do my day-to-day shopping at Meijer, but I would much rather shop at a Costco IN Bolingbrook, rather than driving to Rt. 59. By not putting either a Super Wal-Mart or a Costco here in The Brook, it only encourages people to drive to other communities to do their shopping.
Emily
The Bolingbrook resident requesting information on their police investigation can contact me at 630/226-8601. I am the Chief of Police for the Village of Bolingbrook, I will determine the status of the investigation, and find out why they have not been contacted.
Kevin McCarthy
Chief of Police
Mr. McCarthy,
Thank you for your response. I hope you are able to make some progress in the investigation. Keep me posted!
Emily
I'd like to see Bolingbrook go back to doing a good job plowing the streets when it snows. We've lived here since 1999 and the Village did a great job, until last year. I realize that we've had a lot of snow and side streets come after main streets. However, it is obvious there's some scrimping going on. The difference is clear today as you driver into Bolingbrook from Naperville. I also traveled down sidestreets in Downers Grove this afternoon and they were plowed and salted. I got to my sidestreet (Rebecca Lane) and it was like going back in time 12 hours. The snow is still heavu on the street and, if there's a freeze like we're expecting, it will turn into a thick sheet of ice like in December that will stay until the rains come.
I have been noticing the same thing lately with the snow plowing. I'm always surprised when we visit a friend in Naperville that their street is plowed! We live on a side street and it seems to get plowed on about the second or third day after a big snow fall, and sometimes not at all.
I read in the Bolingbrook Sun 1-2 yrs ago that there was a free outdoor ice skating rink in Bolingbrook in one of the community parks. I never got the chance to check it out but what happened to it. Was it just a one time thing?
Hi Pat,
Thanks for your comment. I'm not sure about the outdoor ice skating rink. I will definitely check into that one!
Thanks,
Emily