Arlington Heights honors Mulder’s work on transit

Arlene Mulder helped turn a vision of a renovated train station in downtown Arlington Heights into a reality, and now her role in the building’s construction will always be a part of it.

Officials Tuesday afternoon dedicated a plaque at the station in honor of Mulder’s 22 years as an elected village official, the last 20 as mayor.

“This is to recognize not only (Mulder’s) service to Arlington Heights, but her service to the region on transportation,” Village Manager Bill Dixon said.

Mulder, who said she’s had a fondness for trains since childhood, is a member of the Metra Board and is chairwoman of the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission.

The renovated train station opened along Northwest Highway in 2000 as part of the overall vision for downtown Arlington Heights that was carried out under Mulder and village trustees.

“The work was an honor and the accomplishments were never by just one person,” said Mulder, who noted neighboring communities like Mount Prospect and Palatine have followed suit in developing downtowns around a central train station. “It’s a model that has been replicated up and down the railroad.”

Mulder was elected to the village board in 1991 after 12 years on the Arlington Heights Park District Board. Two years later she was elected to the office of village president, a post she held until she decided to retire earlier this year.

“I don’t miss the work, but I do miss the people,” Mulder said of her retirement.