All non-emergency City offices are closed on Thursday, July 4. In the event of an emergency, please dial 9-1-1. Garbage and recycling pickup will be delayed by one day this week.
ComEd Vegetation Management Activities Continue through Summer
The City has been provided notice that ComEd will be performing vegetation management activities in the West Chicago area from July through September that will include the transmission of herbicide treatment within the right of way in areas throughout the City.
The vegetation management activities are a key component of ComEd’s maintenance program to ensure system electrical reliability, as vegetation contact with ComEd equipment is a leading cause of outages.
The City has posted a map outlining the proposed properties that may be affected by the upcoming vegetation management activities on its website. [Updated July 2, 2024]
ComEd has provided a printed notification to any affected customers and property owners with statement of the vegetation management activities planned.
Residents are reminded that qualified herbicide applicators contracted by ComEd will be performing the work with supervisors and general foremen in close contact with the crews, ensuring that the work is performed properly.
For more information about vegetation maintenance along power lines and ComEd’s “Right Tree, Right Place” program, please visit: http://www.ComEd.com/Trees. Residents with questions or concerns should contact ComEd at (800) 334-7661.
Occupants Safely Evacuated from Structure Fire on Burr Oaks Drive
(Initial press release issued by the West Chicago Fire Protection District on Thursday, June 27, 2024)
At approximately 12:00 p.m. on 6/27/24, West Chicago Fire Protection District personnel responded to a reported structure fire at an apartment building located in the 800 block of Burr Oaks Drive. Upon arrival firefighters had light smoke showing on the third floor with evacuation in progress. The fire was quickly extinguished by fire personnel. All occupants safely evacuated the building and there were no injuries. The fire was confined inside the wall on the third floor center of the building. A fire origin and cause investigation was conducted which identified the cause of fire as accidental and related to plumbing torch work occurring within the bathroom of a third floor unit
All of the utilities remain in service. The majority of the building occupants returned to their living units. Two units sustained damage and as a result those occupants are being relocated to other vacant apartments within the complex. All of their belongings were undamaged. The scene was turned over to the apartment complex owner. The West Chicago Fire Protection District was assisted on the scene by several area fire departments and the West Chicago Police Department.
Keep Pets Secured on a Leash this Summer
As residents start spending more time outdoors this summer, the City reminds pet owners to secure their animals at all times. This measure helps prevent fines and ensures the safety of all individuals and their pets within the community.
In 2023, in response to a rising number of occurrences of dogs roaming without a leash and an increase in dog-related biting incidents, the West Chicago City Council adopted a new ordinance that mandates animals to be secured at all times. Additionally, the law establishes a tiered fine structure for owners of pets involved in attacks on people or other animals.
Under the new regulations, owners of any animal are required to restrain their pets with a leash, keep them within their own property or that of a consenting individual, place them in a crate or cage, or confine them inside a vehicle.
Furthermore, pet owners could face substantial fines if their animals engage in behaviors such as chasing, barking at, or biting people, vehicles, or another animal. These fines are no lower than $500.00 for the initial offense; $1,000.00 for the second offense; $1,500.00 for the third offense; each up to $50,000.00. These penalties are separate from any costs associated with the damages and injuries suffered by a biting victim as mandated by the County.
Despite the existence of relevant ordinances in DuPage County, the City introduced these additional measures to reinforce responsible pet ownership within its own jurisdiction.
Visit the City’s website for more information about animal control in West Chicago and DuPage County.
Explore the Great Outdoors in West Chicago This Summer
Join your community this summer and discover the wonders of the outdoors in West Chicago through the City of West Chicago and Healthy West Chicago's initiative, WeGo Exploring.
WeGo Exploring: A Community Initiative
WeGo Exploring is back to inspire residents to venture outside and enjoy the numerous attractions West Chicago has to offer. From expansive green spaces, trails, and parks to various outdoor art exhibits and events, there's something for everyone to explore and enjoy.
Discover and Share Your Adventures
To support your outdoor adventures, the City has created a dedicated webpage featuring a wide range of activities and destinations, brought to you by the City’s community partners, including Healthy West Chicago, the West Chicago Public Library District, the West Chicago Park District, and the Friends of the West Chicago City Museum.
Residents are encouraged to share their outdoor experiences through:
- Participating in scavenger hunts.
- Sharing photos on the WeGo Exploring webpage.
- Promoting their activities on social media.
Join the Summer Scavenger Hunt
The summer scavenger hunt is already underway and will continue over the next few months. Visit the WeGo Exploring webpage for instructions on how to participate and for details on the exciting prizes up for grabs.
There's so much to see and do in West Chicago this summer! Take the time to step outside and explore all the great outdoor opportunities waiting for you. Enjoy the fresh air, make new memories, and embrace the beauty of West Chicago's natural and cultural offerings.