Joliet residents can now use their smartphones to report code violations and track the response, according to a news release from the city of Joliet.
“This is an excellent way for community members to get involved in the beautification of the city,” said Gideon Blustein, government affairs director for the Three Rivers Association of Realtors. “It’s a fast and easy way to let city officials know of health and safety issues that need to be addressed.”
The mobile application, GoRequest, was first introduced in 2013. The free app is compatible with Apple and Android devices, and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, respectively.
The city said that, while the app has been successful, GoRequest depends on residents reporting problems they see around town.
“We would like to encourage Joliet residents to report excessively tall grass, weeds or other code violations,” said Alfredo Melesio, director of neighborhood services. “The online reporting helps our team prioritize, track and report progress so residents know their concerns are being addressed.”
Local information and address is automatically available through a smartphone’s GPS. Users can then select the type of issue from a pulldown list, attach a photo and supply contact information. The app assigns each submission a tracking number, which can be used to follow up on the city’s response to the violation notice.
Residents can also file a complaint online at the city of Joliet’s website, cityofjoliet.info. Click on the “I Want To” tab and select “file a complaint online.” The website also provides a tracking number on submissions.
For more information or to file a complaint over the phone, contact the city of Joliet Information Desk at 815-724-4000.
Joliet hosts public open house on special service area proposal
The city has scheduled an open house for Aug. 24 to discuss proposed changes to the economic development special service area that covers downtown Joliet.
In the open house format, individuals may attend at any time during the two hour event, which was designed to encourage individual dialogue on the proposal from any interested parties.
The city of Joliet is considering a 10 year extension of the SSA, which expires in 2016, as well as an expansion of the territory served by the SSA. The new territory would include commercial and industrial properties located along the Cass Street, Collins Street and South Chicago Street corridors.
The open house will be held in the city council chambers at Joliet City Hall, 150 W. Jefferson St., from 4 to 6 p.m.
The City Council is expected to consider proposing changes to the SSA at its Sept. 6 meeting. If approved, a public hearing would be scheduled in the month of October, with final approval scheduled for December.
For questions regarding the city’s SSA proposal, contact Economic Development Director Steve Jones at 815-724-3734.
New law allows roads to be named after fallen Illinois soldiers
Legislation allowing roads to be named after fallen soldiers from Illinois became law earlier this month.
House Bill 4344 creates the Heroes Way Designation Program, which will allow family members of fallen Illinois soldiers to apply and pay for an honorary road designation as a tribute to their deceased loved one.
“We must never forget our service members who have given their lives so we can live peacefully,” Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, D-Plainfield, said. “Having a road named in honor of a fallen soldier is one [way] we can show our appreciation for what they’ve done for us and ensure their heroic service is remembered.”
House Bill 4344 will take effect Jan. 1, 2017. Bertino-Tarrant sponsored the law in the Illinois Senate.
Statute of limitations extended for financial exploitation of elderly, disabled
Legislation extending the statute of limitation when someone financially exploits an elderly or disabled person was signed into law Aug. 15.
House Bill 5805 takes effect immediately. Prior to the law, prosecution for financial exploitation of an elderly or disabled person had to occur within three years of the offense being committed.
The statute of limitations for this type of offense is now extended to seven years.
“Financial exploitation against a disabled person or a senior is a terrible crime that should never be tolerated,” Sen. Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, D-Plainfield, said. “Victims will now have more time to recognize and report crimes so that the prosecutor can bring charges and hold perpetrators accountable.”
Bertino-Tarrant sponsored the law in the Senate.