🌱 Pete's Fresh Market Delayed Again + Mobster Tour + Armed Robberies

Good morning, neighbors. It's Thursday in Oak Park-River Forest and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

A morning shower in places. High: 68 Low: 60.

Here are the top three stories today in Oak Park-River Forest:

1. The opening of a Pete's Fresh Market store on Madison Street in Oak Park is facing yet another delay, this time by at least two months. The project manager, Eugene Grzynkowicz, explained to the Oak Park Village Board that utility companies, particularly ComEd, are causing ongoing setbacks, resulting in a delay of approximately two to two-and-a-half months. This delay comes after the original approval of plans in February 2021 and groundbreaking in December 2021. (Subscription: Chicago Tribune)
2. On Sunday, Oct. 1, a Mobster-themed tour "There Goes the Neighborhood Tour," will explore the local gangster history of Oak Park and River Forest. The tour visits 15 houses that were once occupied by prominent mobsters, exploring their criminal careers, and the unique characteristics of each home. Learn more here. (Visit Oak Park via Facebook)
3. Oak Park police have issued a warning regarding a series of armed robberies and a carjacking that took place during the early hours of Sunday in the northern part of town. There were four armed robberies, one carjacking, and an aggravated assault that seemed to be an attempted robbery, with a potential connection to similar incidents in nearby Chicago. While no serious injuries were reported, police are increasing patrols in the area and collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to address the concerns, urging community cooperation and vigilance to ensure safety. (CBS News)

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Today in Oak Park-River Forest:

Thursday, September 28

• Shake, Rattle & Read At Euclid Square Park (10:00 AM)
• Chicago Waffles Opening At 726 Lake St. (7:00 AM)

From my notebook:

• Mark your calendar for the Brookfield Arts Festival on Saturday, Sep. 30, at Kiwanis Park. Enjoy local beer, activities, food, and more from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Visit Oak Park via Facebook)
• Oak Park Main Library now has 14 carrels with a computer at each on the third floor. They also added more outlets and moved the computers for a better studying experience! (Oak Park Public Library via Facebook)
• On Oct. 14, a new mural will be unveiled on South Boulevard at Scoville. The mural was created to honor young lives from Oak Park River Forest High School who have passed too soon. (Oak Park Area Arts Council via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Laura Ruiz, REALTOR® at REALTY OF CHICAGO — (Visit website)
• Laurie Christofano, Realtor | RE/MAX In The Village — (Visit Website)
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Featured events:

• 2023 Illinois Statewide Solar Tour (September 30)
• Oak Brook Artisan Market - Sat-Sun, Sep 30-Oct 1 (Oakbrook Center) (September 30)
• Illinois Woman's Press Association Fall Writer's Workshop 2023 (September 30)
• Starting with the Romantics... (October 1)
• Crafts & Drafts Handmade Market (October 1)
• Open House (October 1)
• Savory Crust empanadas makes for an easy--and delicious--dinner at home. Order by Wednesday. (October 4)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Thursday off right! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.