Summit Oks hiring 4 new police officers

By Carol McGowan

Summit’s Neighborhood Watch is up and running again after pausing during the pandemic and it is starting to attract more residents. Last week’s meeting was another packed house.

The meetings take place on the third Thursday of every month. They start at 6:30 p.m., in the courtroom next to the police station.

The meetings begin with the Pledge of Allegiance and a prayer by Neighborhood Watch President Tula Beene.

Summit Village Administrator Jerry Hurckes thanked everyone for getting involved in the meetings. He said that’s how the village works … when everyone works together.

He discussed how economic development was a goal for village officials to help generate money. He said Summit as a village hasn’t raised taxes in a few years, and village officials are working hard to not have to do that.

Hurckes thanked the police, fire and public works departments for all of their hard work in making the village operate.

A representative of The Living Room spoke about their services that are free and available to anyone who is in need.

The Living Room-NAMI Metro Suburban, 7602 W. 63rd St., is open daily from 1-8 p.m. It’s a safe place where you can talk with a peer if you are experiencing life’s emotional stresses.

Their trained peer recovery support specialists use their personal experience to help you find and maintain your recovery.

The staff is 98% bilingual. Anyone 18 or over, can walk in to talk. This is open to anyone, not just village residents.

Police Lt. Ed Zeman encouraged everyone to sign up for Code Red if they haven’t already. It’s a reverse 911 and the village lets residents know of things going on with bad weather, emergencies, etc.

Recently, there has been a rash of attempted ruse burglaries. A group of people are going around either trying to sell fake jewelry, or posing as utility workers to distract whoever answers the door, so others can either gain access and burglarize the home.

They may even be trying to see who answers the door and ask questions about when someone is home. They may use this information to perhaps come back at a later time.

If you believe anyone like this has come to your door, you’re encouraged to call the police immediately so they can check it out. If you question anyone’s identity, the police can also confirm that they are legitimate.

Neighborhood Watch Secretary Bob Yonker even suggested getting a “beware of dog” sign, even if you don’t have a dog. He also stated the importance of being aware of your surroundings, and to not leave your door unlocked for any reason, even if it’s to take the garbage out or do yard work.

Police Chief John Kosmowski said the village has allowed him to hire four new police officers. Two are lateral, who have come from other departments, and two will be going to the police academy.

He said that in March, there were 945 parking tickets issued in the village, 242 ordinance citations, 139 state tickets, 83 arrests, 29 traffic accidents, and 944 service calls.

Residents voiced concerns about vehicles going through stop signs in town, and the chief mentioned that the officers will be on the lookout for that.

The next neighborhood watch meeting will be on Thursday, May 19, at 6:30.

In other Summit news, at the village board meeting on April 18, it was announced that Benny’s Gorditas at 62nd and Archer Road will open as a restaurant and for gaming.

The village approved an annual contribution to I&M Canal National Heritage in the amount of $2,760.

There was a new ordinance approved that will not allow Air BNBs in Summit. This decision was made in response to some being used as “party houses” in other areas.

A resolution was approved authorizing an intergovernmental agreement between the Township of Lyons and the Village of Summit for the 2022 Lyons Township summer Employment Program.

This allows teens to work during the summer in the village at various jobs.

Summit has also recently approved work to be done on 72nd Court, 73rd Avenue, and 74th Avenue between Archer Avenue and Hanover Street.

They streets, curbs, and driveways will be re-done, along with pavement widening. They will also do drainage adjustment, and replace sod where needed.

The next Village Board Meeting will be May 2 at 7 p.m.