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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING LEYDEN TOWNSHIP ON THEIR 175th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, Leyden Township was established on April 2, 1850, at the house of Richard Fuller, and initially consisted mainly of prairie land with a timber strip along the Des Plaines River; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township is one of twenty-nine townships located in Cook County; and
WHEREAS, the area was originally known as Orison, and in the 1840s, farmers began settling there. The Chicago & Pacific Railroad laid tracks through the township in 1870; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township encompasses portions of several municipalities, including Northlake, Melrose Park, Park Ridge, Norridge, and Bensenville, as well as all of River Grove, Schiller Park, Franklin Park, and Elmwood Park; and
WHEREAS, the township has evolved from its agricultural roots to include a variety of residential and industrial areas; and
WHEREAS, the total population of Leyden Township is 93,096 as of the 2020 census; and
WHEREAS, Unincorporated Leyden Township is home to approximately 10,000 residents. Unincorporated Leyden utilizes the Melrose Park Postal Service and uses the Northlake zip code of 60164. The Leyden Fire Protection District and Cook County Sheriff's Police protect the unincorporated area; and
WHEREAS, currently, Leyden Township’s government provides services to the residents of the included municipalities, as well as a large unincorporated area; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township supports its senior citizens. The township reevaluates senior service programs every day to meet the needs and desires of three generations of older adults. Leyden Township senior programs continue to expand current and develop new programs and opportunities for this dynamic generation of older adults and have an eye towards the future; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township’s food pantry supports individuals and households access to food, maintaining food security and diet quality; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township collaborates with many community organizations to support food pantry services. Leyden Township community partners know the importance of donating to the food pantry because it allows the Township to better serve residents and provide resources for those in need. Individuals continue to donate to help fight hunger in their community, making a lasting difference; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township supports their veterans. Leyden Townships Veteran Liaison advocates for those Veterans and their respective family members who are either uninformed or have given up on seeking out earned benefits; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township is dedicated to building a stronger community through educational and recreational programming. By offering numerous activities and events, Leyden brings residents with diverse backgrounds and common interests together. Leyden Township currently has five parks, one boxing gym, a community meeting room, and one community center; and
WHEREAS, the Township with collaboration of local businesses, Sheriff’s Police, the Leyden Fire Protection District, surrounding municipalities, Manage Care Organizations, Health Care Providers and Leyden Family Services believes in celebrating as a community. Community events are constantly held throughout the township, including National Night Out, a Christmas Tree Lighting, and Leyden Township’s Health Fair; and
WHEREAS, Leyden Township, from leadership to their constituents, have always strived to build a township centered around strong community ties, commerce and business development, and support for the municipalities and the residents located within Leyden Township; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the accomplishments and contributions of Leyden Township over their 175-year history should be recognized and honored; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President and the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby celebrate and honor Leyden Township on their 175th Anniversary in May of 2025.
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