Hanover Park close to finalizing more modern strategic plan

The last time Hanover Park worked on a strategic plan, shoulder pads, big hair and “ALF” were all the rage.

“Let's just say the document was getting stale,” Hanover Park Mayor Rod Craig said.

That's why village leaders are putting the finishing touches on a brand new plan that will replace a mission statement, vision, goals and objectives that date back more than 20 years.

Among the highlights are a focus on developing the mixed-use retail, residential and commercial area around the Metra train station known as Village Center.

It also includes an objective to work with the local community colleges and WorkNet to open an outreach center in town, as well as explore funding opportunities to develop Hanover Park's MWRD property as a regional sports complex.

And to “begin improving the overall image” of Hanover Park in order to make it a desirable place to live and raise a family, the strategic plan calls on the police department to continue its Area Response Teams (ART) program launched last January. The initiative aims to facilitate better strategic connections with residents to lower crime rates and curb gang violence.

Fire Chief Craig Haigh Thursday presented the rough draft during a board workshop.

Officials expressed support for everything in the plan with a few exceptions.

Trustees agreed they weren't fond of a portion of the village's new vision, which states Hanover Park will be recognized as a community that is a “safe” or “well-protected” place to live and work.

“It sounds like we're in this area that's ugly outside but we're ... in a bubble,” Trustee Lori Kaiser said.

Kaiser also said she wants the strategic plan to make some mention of striving to be fiscally responsible. Clerk Eira Corral had similar sentiments about the document including something about the village's focus on diversity.

Officials are working to develop a three-year implementation schedule and accompanying budget. They'll also brainstorm new slogans to replace Hanover Park's current “unity through diversity” motto, which never really caught on.

“It's all about incremental change,” Craig said, “and all these steps are going to make Hanover Park a better place.”