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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
HONORING THE VILLAGE OF FOREST VIEW ON THEIR 100th ANNIVERSARY
WHEREAS, the Village of Forest View was founded on December 10th, 1924, when 46 inhabitants voted unanimously to establish their local government, and was incorporated into the State of Illinois the following month; and
WHEREAS, the first elected officials of Forest View were President John Edward Nosek, Trustees Harry Fisher, James Rychly, William Kadlec, James Matuska, Albert Charvot, and Stanley Wadulak, Clerk Thomas Logan, and Police Magistrate Joseph Nosek; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Forest View’s charter noted that all elected positions were filled by recent veterans of the ‘Great War’ that ended in 1918 (World War 1); and
WHEREAS, The Village of Forest View is situated at the southwest end of the “Chicago Portage,” that bridged the continental divide between the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River basin. Its geographical and economic significance is recognized as a National Historic Site at the 4800 South Harlem Avenue of the Cook County Forest Preserve District; and
WHEREAS, the early years of Forest View dealt with the corruption and crime caused by Al Capone and his brother, Ralph, leading to Forest View becoming a stronghold for organized crime; and
WHEREAS, in response to organized crime, Forest View citizens pushed back to dismantle Al Capone’s operation and regain control of their village; and
WHEREAS, Forest View experienced a resurgence after World War II. This was in large part to the annexation of the Clearing District south of the canal, which was a vibrant transportation hub for the nation’s second largest urban economy; and
WHEREAS, Commonwealth Edison chose Forest View to be the location of the 600 Megawatt Ridgeland Generating Station in 1949. The facility incorporated such state-of-the-art innovations such as High Pressure, High Temperature boiler technology with multi-stage steam extraction efficiencies, an automated coal handling system, and an integrated generation and transmission substation in a centralized control room. Its 30 plus years of service created employment and added significant tax revenue for the village; and
WHEREAS, in the early 1950s, a housing boom occurred under the leadership of local developer Walter Baltis to keep up with increased demand of people who wanted to live in Forest View. These houses were known for their quality construction and affordable prices; and
WHEREAS, in 1954, the Stickney-Forest View library was opened; and
WHEREAS, in 1955 the Forest View Fire Department started utilizing resident volunteers; and
WHEREAS, in 1960, the first 17 miles of the Southwest Expressway (now I-55 Stevenson) were completed, increasing transportation options and access to Forest View; and
WHEREAS, in 1974, Forest View celebrated its 50th Anniversary and made a proclamation rededicating the village to veterans of later wars; and
WHEREAS, in 1978, the construction of a new Municipal Building and Police Station was completed; and
WHEREAS, as of the 2020 census, the village’s population reached 792 residents. Forest View is a diverse municipality, with 45% of residents identifying as white and 48% identifying as Hispanic or Latine; and
WHEREAS, Forest View is a strong partner with other local governments and municipalities that the village borders. Students in Forest View are served by Lyons School District 103 and J. Sterling Morton High School District 201’s Morton West, and Morton College District 527; and
WHEREAS, memories from Forest View residents recall neighborhoods filled with a close knit community of families. Residents are heavily involved in the local little league, the Forest View Women’s Club, the Senior organization Golden Panthers, with many block parties and informal neighborhood gatherings also common; and
WHEREAS, as of their 100th anniversary, the Village Board is made up of President Nancy Miller, Trustees Richard Hubacek, Mike Grossi, Jim Sudkamp, David Liska, Maria Ramirez, Midalia Nevarez, and Clerk Laura McGuffey; and
WHEREAS, the Village of Forest View has contributed much to the culture, economy, and spirit of Cook County, and has passed ordinances and resolutions to strengthen the cooperation and ties between Cook County and Forest View; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Village of Forest View has been a strong and committed partner to the initiatives and goals of Cook County and has worked tirelessly to support their residents; 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 honor the Village of Forest View on their Centennial Anniversary in 2024.end