Wheaton's Adams Park Awarded Level 1 Arboretum Accreditation
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March 2023
CITY NOTES Wheaton's Adams Park Awarded
Change Your Clocks,
Change Your Batteries
Level 1 Arboretum Accreditation
W
Daylight Saving Time
begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, ith its winding
March 12. When you change walking paths,
your clocks, the Wheaton historic central
Fire Department also
fountain, abundant
encourages you to change
the batteries in your smoke green space and
detectors and carbon dozens of benches,
monoxide detectors, if they Wheaton’s Adams Park
are the type with replaceable has been a favorite
batteries. Replacing the
community spot for
batteries approximately
every 6 months helps ensure generations. The next
they operate correctly, and time you visit, you can
using Daylight Saving Time appreciate that you’re
is an easy way to remember in an arboretum.
when you last replaced the
Adams Park, the
batteries.
historic 2.5-acre City
Pedestrian Safety in park located adjacent
Downtown Wheaton to the Wheaton Public
With the warmer months Library and just for arboretums and several of whom are
right around the corner, north of downtown botanic gardens. International Society
Downtown Wheaton will have Qualifications cover of Arboriculture
even more foot traffic. As a Wheaton, recently
received official areas including the Certified Arborists –
pedestrian, it’s important to
always use the crosswalks Level 1 Arboretum variety of plant species, perform the care and
and obey traffic signals. Accreditation by the having an arboretum maintenance of Adams
Drivers should also exercise ArbNet Accreditation plan, accessibility, and Park, along with caring
caution by stopping for staffing to care for the for more than 20,000
pedestrians at crosswalks
Program and The
Morton Arboretum. park. trees throughout
and intersections, staying out
of crosswalks when stopped The City’s Forestry The City of Wheaton.
at intersections, and obeying Division received Wheaton’s Public “Earning this
posted speed limits. this designation by Works Forestry & status for Adams
achieving specific Public Grounds Park helps the
ComEd to Perform Tree Division’s 9 full-time community recognize
Trimming Soon standards of
Trees and branches professional practices staff members – what a fantastic
Continued on next page Continued on next page
CONTACT Police/Fire Emergency: 9-1-1 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by
General Information: 630-260-2000 searching for "City of Wheaton."
THE CITY Wheaton City Hall: 303 W. Wesley Street Send feedback to communications@wheaton.il.us
1 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday
CITY NOTES Continued from page 1
public resource we “Taking these extra database of the world’s
Continued from page 1
have,” said Forestry steps to receive arboretums and
that interfere with power
Superintendent Jason accreditation not gardens dedicated to
lines can create safety
Ackerlund. “Our only helps validate woody plants.
hazards and cause power
outages. Preventative tree goal is to provide a what we know is an The City of Wheaton
maintenance helps avoid diverse, informational outstanding park, but has maintained Adams
power outages. Starting and relaxing natural it provides educational Park since it was
this month, ComEd will environment for opportunities for the donated to the City
trim trees, branches, everyone to enjoy. community, as well,” by Katherine Adams
and vines that interfere When you visit the said City Manager Wells in 1943. As part
or have the potential park, you can see and Michael Dzugan. “This of a master plan to
to interfere with power
learn about many process is another make the park more
lines. In some cases, tree
more types of trees example of the City’s accessible, in 2019
removal may be required.
For more information, visit and plants than in your dedication to the the City completed
ComEd.com/Trees or call neighborhood.” environment and significant renovations
800-Edison-1 (800-334-7661). In conjunction with Wheaton’s urban to widen paths and
You can also view a map of this plan, the City also forest.” replace stairs with
impacted areas in Wheaton created an online The Morton accessible ramps to
by visiting the City's website. map with information Arboretum now lists different park features
on each of the park’s Adams Park as an Adams Park is
City Boards & Commissions
138 trees, of which accredited arboretum always free and is open
Seeking Applications for
there are 53 different in the Morton Register to the public year-
Open Positions
Do you want to make an species. of Arboretums, a round.
impact in the Wheaton
community? Get involved by
applying for an open position City Parkway Tree Pruning Program Underway
T
on one of the boards! The
following are accepting
he City’s Parkway preserve the natural crown of the
applications: Tree Pruning growth habits of the tree to promote
• Band Commission Program is City’s parkway trees, new growth and
• Bicyclist and Pedestrian underway for the and is also beneficial strengthen existing
Commission 2023 season as City for the following limbs.
• Downtown Design crews and the City’s reasons: • Eliminates weak
Review Board contractor, Winkler’s • Helps to maintain forks in tree stems
• Fine & Cultural Arts Tree Service, started a tree’s shape and and reduces the
Commission
pruning parkway appearance. weight on support
• Historic Commission
• Library Board
trees located South • Eliminates dead or limbs.
To apply, complete of Roosevelt Road, broken branches • Reduces the
the City's online Boards & West of Lorraine Road, and limbs that can possibility of future
Commissions Application. North of 22nd Street, fall off at any time. damage to the tree
and East of Blanchard • Reduces tree limbs by high winds and
Employment Opportunities Street. Residents can and branches that storms.
The City of Wheaton has expect to see City occasionally grow • Maintains adequate
the following employment owned and contractor too close to utility visibility and
opportunities available:
owned bucket trucks lines. vertical clearance
• Administrative Assistant
and chippers in work • Thins the crown of for vehicle and
• Civil Engineer - Capital
Improvements
areas. Signage will a tree to improve pedestrian traffic.
• Civil Engineer - Summer be present to notify airflow, which is For more
Internship residents they are beneficial. information or
• Crossing Guard entering an active tree • Reduces branches questions, please
• Part-Time Social Worker pruning work zone. that are crossing or contact the City of
• Public Safety Analyst The City’s Parkway rubbing together. Wheaton's Forestry
Summer Laborer Tree Pruning Program • Allows sunlight Division at 630-260-
To find out more, visit is a program that helps to penetrate the 2122.
2 www.wheaton.il.us/jobs.
Participate in the City’s Sewer Reimbursement Programs
issues or prevent future issues on their property.
The 3 Sewer Reimbursement Programs include:
• Residential Sewer Backup Prevention Program:
Prevents future sewer backups into your
home by rerouting basement plumbing to an
overhead sewer. The City will reimburse 75%
of eligible repair costs, up to a maximum of
$8,000.
• Sanitary Sewer Service Line Reimbursement
Program: Replaces your entire sanitary service
T
he City of Wheaton is committed to reducing line to fix breaks in the system. The City will
sewer issues in our community. In addition to reimburse 65% of eligible repair costs, up to
the extensive investments made in improving $13,000.
the portion of the sanitary sewer system • Foundation Footing Tile Disconnection
maintained by the City, we also offer several Program: Disconnects illegal direct connections
reimbursement programs to assist residents in to the City's sewer system. The City will
making improvements that will address immediate reimburse 100% of eligible costs, up to $5,000.
Community Relations Commission Accepting
Nominations for 2023 Good Citizens Awards
T
he Community Relations Commission is seeking group who make generous and extraordinary
nominations for individuals and groups for the contributions to the City.
City of Wheaton’s 2023 Good Citizens Awards This may be volunteer service for a school,
now through Friday, March 31. religious institution, nursing home, civic group, or
The categories for nominees are: nonprofit organization.
• Student (elementary, middle, high school, or To nominate someone, fill out an online
college) application at https://www.wheaton.il.us/
• Adult goodcitizens by Friday March 31, or mail your
• Group application to Wheaton City Hall, Attn: Andrea
Nominees must be current Wheaton residents Rosedale, 303 W. Wesley St., Wheaton, IL 60187.
who go above and beyond for the benefit of The Community Relations Commission will review
Wheaton and its citizens. nominations and honor award recipients at the
3 This award helps recognize a resident or Monday, May 15 City Council meeting.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
Wheaton Community Welcomes Economic Development
high-profile projects downtown. operator new to the area,
across the City. The City Council has signed a lease to
Last year, the also recently approved occupy the former Ultra
successful Tax Increment several significant Foods space near the
Financing (TIF) projects in the downtown, Target shopping center. A
District #2 Main Street demonstrating the multi-tenant development
Redevelopment Project success of the Downtown is under construction
came to its completion. Streetscape Project as on the site of the former
TIF #2, established in a catalyst for business Macaroni Grill restaurant,
1999, revitalized the Main investment. Construction which will include a drive-
Mayor Suess Street Corridor into a is under way on Liberty through Chipotle; and
vibrant, thriving mixed- Flats, an 18-unit, 4-story Nordstrom Rack and
W
heaton’s business use center. This project apartment development J.Crew Factory stores will
community is added $40 million in at the southwest corner be joining the Danada
thriving, and equalized assessed value, of Liberty Drive and Square East Shopping
there is much to celebrate, an increase of 346.4% Wheaton Avenue. The Center.
including new businesses from 1999 and produced City also approved a Another strong
establishing themselves several successful 334-unit apartment economic indicator
in Wheaton; development redevelopment projects development to be built illustrating financial health
of both residential and and infrastructure on the block bounded by in Wheaton is the City’s
commercial properties; improvements including: Wheaton Avenue, Liberty annual sales tax revenues.
and strong economic • Wheaton Property Drive, Hale Street, and After the City experienced
growth reflected through Partners (120 E. Willow Avenue, which a 5% decrease in sales
sales tax revenues. Liberty Drive): a large is an investment of
tax revenues in 2020, we
Wheaton homeowners class A mixed-use approximately $100
have experienced a sharp
building. million. A new owner
and developers continue positive turnaround,
• Wheaton 121 Luxury of the property at the
to invest in properties with a 26.6% increase
Apartments: a northwest corner of
across the City. The City’s in 2021 and another
306-unit luxury Main and Front Street
Building Department 1.1% in 2022. While part
residential apartment also plans to renovate
has seen an increase in of this growth can be
development. the building to house a
homeowners investing attributed to a change in
• Redevelopment Grant new retail and restaurant
in interior remodeling sales tax legislation that
Programs: TIF #2 tenant on the ground
fueled by a rise in more now provides sales tax
provided financial floor with a new office
individuals working assistance to more tenant on the second floor. to the City from online
from home. The City is than 130 business In the next 6 months, 3 purchases, continued
also seeing a significant owners for new signs, new restaurants will be increases demonstrate
investment in improving awnings, façade opening along Front Street the strength of the local
multi-family housing. With improvements, as in Downtown Wheaton. economy.
832 commercial permit well as retail grants Between 2021-2022, the In Wheaton, you’ll
applications in 2022 alone, for making interior City also welcomed 83 see the many signs of a
this 41% increase from improvements. new businesses to the successful business and
2021 reflects that several • Downtown community. residential community:
multi-family housing Streetscape Project: There are also plans new businesses bringing
subdivisions are making a $35.7 million multi- in store in several other more opportunities
significant improvements year infrastructure commercial corridors. to shop, dine and
to each individual project that brought On Roosevelt Road, do business locally,
living unit within their updates and the City approved the surrounded by a thriving
complexes. Wheaton also improvements to redevelopment of the residential community
welcomed a total of 40 underground utilities, vacant PNC Bank at To all our businesses
new homes in 2021 and roadways, lighting, Roosevelt and Naperville and residents that call
2022. This all illustrates and signage while Road to become a new Wheaton home, we
a substantial level of creating wider, more urgent care facility and appreciate your hard work
investment into Wheaton pedestrian-friendly day care center. VASA and support of the City’s
4 that coincides with several sidewalks throughout Fitness, a national fitness continued efforts.
Wheaton Police Officers Making Lunchtime Visits with
Community School District 200 Elementary Students
Wheaton Police officers visited Wheaton's Community Unit School District 200 elementary schools
during lunch as part of the Police Department's community outreach efforts. This program provided
opportunities for students to get to know the officers who serve in their community and have positive
interactions with them. Thank you to the students and school staff for the welcome and all the great
questions! We appreciate the continued partnership with District 200 to create safe school communities.
Reminder on Campaign Signs in Wheaton
A
s we are in the campaign signs:
spring election Size: Campaign
season, the City signs must be no more
reminds residents than 16 square feet in
and businesses of residential districts or
Wheaton’s restrictions 32 square feet in non-
on where you can and residential districts.
can't place campaign Location: Signs must
signs. be on private property.
These requirements They must not be in
are part of the City’s the parkway, generally
Zoning Ordinance the area between the
to help ensure the sidewalk and the street,
safety of drivers or on any other public You can read the and $500.
and pedestrians by property. Signs can’t City’s ordinance To report signs that
maintaining clear sight be attached to a tree or related to signs. Under are not meeting these
lines and discouraging utility pole, regardless Wheaton City Code, requirements, you can
distractions to drivers. of whether it is on public violations can result in use the City’s Service
Requirements for or private property. a fine between $100 Request Form.
5
UPCOMING EVENTS
Candidate Forums - Council Forum High School, Clare Woods electronic recycling
Wheaton City Council The City of Wheaton Academy, and Inklude collection. This is a drive-
and District 200 will record these forums, Studio on display at some through event where
Date: Thursday, March 2 and they will be available of Wheaton’s women- volunteers will help
Time: See below after the event on the owned or -managed unload items from your
Location: Wheaton City City's website. More businesses. Presented by
car. There is a charge
Hall, 303 W. Wesley St. information about the the Wheaton Community
The Wheaton League event is available on Relations Commission, for all TVs and monitors
of Women Voters will the Wheaton League of Downtown Wheaton at this event. For more
host a Candidates Forum Women Voters website. Association, and DuPage information, see the City's
in which candidates for Art League. Visit https:// website.
Wheaton City Council and We Are Women Art www.wheaton.il.us/
Community Unit School Exhibit womenshistorymonth for Women's History Month
District 200 Board will Date: Now-Friday, March an event map. Wheaton's Community
participate. All District 31 Relations Commission
200 and City Council Time: See link below Electronic Recycling has compiled a range
candidates on the April Location: Throughout Dates: Saturday, March 11
of local resources and
ballot have been invited to downtown Wheaton, view Time: 9 a.m.-noon
attend. 30+ pieces of artwork Location: Public Works events related to Women’s
Schedule: from local women artists Storage Yard, 820 W. History Month. Visit the
• 6:00 p.m.-District 200 from the DuPage Art Liberty Drive City's website to learn
Forum League, St Michael's Bring unwanted more about Women's
• 7:15 p.m.-Wheaton City School, Wheaton North electronics to the monthly History Month.
LIBRARY EVENTS
Visit the Wheaton Public Library website for details and for registration at wheatonlibrary.org/.
Seed Starting with STEAM Trio, national level. Provided preserve the landscape
Date: Wednesday, described as a dynamic in partnership with and culture of England’s
March 15 blend of traditional Irish the Wheaton League Lake District. Registration
Time: 7 p.m. and Celtic melodies with of Women Voters and required.
Location: Hybrid modern rhythmic ideas the City of Wheaton
Wheaton Public Library and chord structures. Community Relations Bombshells: Hollywood’s
225 N Cross St WPL acknowledges Commission. Registration Leading Ladies
Give your garden a support from the Illinois required. Date: Thursday, March 30
head start for the spring Arts Council Agency. No Time: 7 p.m.
growing season. Learn registration required. Living History: Beatrix Location: Hybrid
about the equipment Potter
Wheaton Public Library
and methods used for Women of Wheaton Date: Wednesday,
225 N Cross St.
starting seeds indoors Date: Tuesday, March 21 March 22
Remaining iconic to this
from a University of Time: 7 p.m. Time: 7 p.m.
day, join Film Historian
Illinois Extension Master Location: In-person Location: Hybrid
Gardener. Registration Wheaton Public Library Wheaton Public Library Dr. Annette Bochenek
required. 225 N Cross St. 225 N Cross St. as she discusses the top
Wheaton historian Meet this beloved Hollywood bombshells,
Concert: STEAM Trio and journalist Bob author and illustrator their history and legacies.
Date: Sunday, March 19 Goldsborough will whose skills went far This program will include a
Time: 2-3:30 p.m. share the history and beyond Peter Rabbit. multimedia presentation
Location: In-Person accomplishments of some Beatrix Potter overcame consisting of photos, video
Wheaton Public Library of Wheaton's notable barriers to keep women clips, and captivating
225 N Cross St. women who have made out of business and stories. Registration
Celebrate St. Patrick’s an impact at the local or science and worked to required.
6
Illinois Emergency Management Agency's DuPage County
(IEMA) Severe Weather Preparedness Month Early Voting
Program Began
T
his spring,
registered
voters can cast
their ballots for local
positions including
those on the Wheaton
City Council and School
I
Board.
n Illinois, the weather weather conditions, public when dangerous While Election Day
can change from Illinoisans are weather conditions are for the Consolidated
sunny skies to a encouraged to: expected. General Election
downpour of rain and • Update your family The National is April 4, the Early
thunder. While the communications Weather Service Voting program allows
variable weather is plan and state and any eligible DuPage
normal for many, it • Make a severe local emergency County voter to
is important to not weather management officials vote before Election
become complacent preparedness plan strongly encourage Day. All locations are
about severe • Build an emergency people to have a 100% compliant with
weather threats. The preparedness kit National Oceanic the Americans with
Illinois Emergency • Identify your safe and Atmospheric Disabilities Act. Early
Management Agency place to during a Administration (NOAA) Voting at the DuPage
(IEMA) and the National storm All Hazards Weather County Fairgrounds
Weather Service • Know the various Radio with battery started Thursday,
(NWS) have teamed weather watches/ backup. In addition to February 23, 2023.
up to publish a Severe warnings/advisories NOAA weather radios, For more information
Weather Preparedness The National Weather Wireless Emergency about early voting
Guide to help Service (NWS) is the Alerts (WEA) can locations across
Illinoisans be better official agency for provide lifesaving DuPage County and
prepared when severe issuing severe weather information about additional information,
weather strikes. watches, warnings and impending storms and visit DuPage County's
To stay safe in severe advisories to alert the emergencies. website.
CITY CALENDAR
City Council Meetings and March 2023
Planning Sessions are held 4 Coffee with Council, 10 a.m.
in the Council Chambers at
6 City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
Wheaton City Hall, 303 W.
13 City Council Planning Session, 7 p.m.
Wesley St. Coffee with Council
takes place in the Gamon 20 City Council Meeting, 7 p.m.
Room. Visit www.wheaton.il.us 27 City Council Planning Session, 7 p.m.
for a complete list of meetings
7
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