Village of Riverwoods

We Need Your Input

We have a wonderful opportunity to come up with new uses for the old police building now that the police department has moved. The building is adjacent to the Village Hall and can share parking. About half the structure is a three-bay garage, no longer used. I thought it would be a simple step to tear down interior walls, lay down some carpet, paint and add lighting and, presto, a rather nice large meeting room for residents. About 1,400 square feet on the first floor. We have a second floor that can be finished or just used for storage.

There are about 40 different groups that use the Village Hall for various reasons -- Homeowners' Associations, the Riverwoods Preservation Council, Riverwoods Book Club, Seniors, Big Band, etc. In the past there have been occasions when more than one group wants to use the Village Hall at the same time. At some Village meetings, it can be difficult to accommodate a large number of people who wish to attend and hear the speakers in one chamber.

As Mayor, I prefer that we use this newly available space as a meeting place to accommodate our residents and related groups. My concept is for a small community center. I would like to put in a kitchen along with a second bathroom. I have had requests to use the building for birthday parties, music classes, or a day care facility. Some uses could bring in income to offset expenses, but that doesn't seem primary to me.

As we know, remodeling projects are never so simple. At our last meeting, the Trustees raised many interesting questions: what do residents want most? What public uses are most needed? Do we need more video/audio capabilities? What should we do to anticipate long-term needs? Will the cost be justified by the benefits?

Good questions. So, before proceeding with this project, the Village Board and I invite you to tell us what you would like to create with this space. What activities you would like to take place there?

Please make your ideas and suggestions known to us. We'll have a suggestion box at the Village Hall. Consider attending a Board meeting and sharing your ideas. If you prefer, e-mail me at Williamskaplan@riverwoods-IL.net or write me at Village of Riverwoods, 300 Portwine Road, Riverwoods, IL 60015.

The Village Board welcomes your participation to help us make the wisest decision.

Best regards,

William S. Kaplan, Mayor
Village of Riverwoods