Evergreen Park to honor memory of fallen firefighter by renaming ice rink

 

Evergreen Park Mayor James Sexton said that an ice rink will be named in memory of a fallen firefighter who worked for the village.

Sexton also announced during the village board meeting on Monday night that the dedication service for naming the ice rink at 9000 S. Kedzie Ave. in honor of Daniel Capuano will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 at the park.

Capuano, 42, a Chicago firefighter for 15 years who had also served Evergreen Park part-time for 16 years, was killed in the line of duty on Dec.14, 2015, leaving a wife and three children. Board members said he was known as a devoted family man and was active in coaching his sons in hockey.

The mayor also informed residents at the meeting that they are in for a great culinary experience in April when a new restaurant, The Crazey Crab, opens at 9204 S. Western Ave., Evergreen Park.

Trustees voted unanimously at the Monday board meeting to approve a business certificate for the business, owned by Mike Lester and Mike Johnson and d/b/a Chicago Famous Seafood, LLLC.

Sexton described the planned menu items as down-home, Louisiana style goodness. The owner added that the restaurant is unique in the fact that most of its menu items are boiled instead of fried.

“All of the fish and vegetables, corn, broccoli, etc., are boiled, providing a unique, healthier flavor,” said Lester.

The owners will also be applying for a beer and wine liquor license. “We won’t have a sit-down bar, but patrons will be able to order drinks,” said Lester. The facility is expected to seat about 140.

Sexton urged him to get all his paper work in and to deliver all design plans and applications himself, in order to speed up the process.

“We want to get you in business, the sooner your cash registers start ringing, the sooner we get our share,” Sexton said, laughing.

The mayor also cautioned that the owners may want to reserve more space at the location. “I think the business is going to be a huge success.” The opening is tentatively planned for mid-April.

The trustees also approved an ordinance amendment to allow for an expansion at Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que, located at 2855 W. 95th St. The expansion will provide room for a sit-down bar in the restaurant.

Also approved was a resolution to provide village maintenance of streets and highways through Dec. 31 in the amount of $490,000. The resolution is approved annually.

In other action, approval was given to the purchase of a new ambulance at a cost of $138,933 to replace an ambulance purchased in 2001. Sexton said the purchase was a budgeted item.

Also, permission was granted to Public Works to go out for bids on the demolition of buildings located at 2942 and 2946 W. 95th St. The property will then provide additional parking for businesses in the area.