Welcome to LOCKPORT YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING IN LOCKPORT, ILLINOIS

1 Welcome to LOCKPORT

On behalf of the City of Lockport and the City Council, we are pleased that you have decided to call our community home. Our town is rich in history; in fact, our slogan is the City of Historic Pride. I invite you to explore our downtown, visit our museums, galleries, and local restaurants, spend time in our parks and hit the canal trails, in order to truly experience all that our City has to offer . While we have prepared this guide to include key services for new residents, existing residents may also find it contains useful information. Thank you for taking time to learn more about the City and our community. Mayor Steven Streit

Agenda Center Notify Me View agendas, packets, minutes, live meetings, and recorded Receive notices about City videos of the Committee of the Whole, City Council, and services, meetings, and news Plan & Zoning Commission. From the homepage, under by email and text through Government select Agenda Center. customized subscriptions. Signing up is easy, select Email Newsletter Notify Me on the homepage. Receive a brief weekly summary of recent updates. Sign up for the City’s email newsletter on the City’s website by Print Newsletter clicking on the Notify Me icon from the homepage. The City’s Our Town newsletter is delivered by mail Lockport Community Television to all residential addresses. LCTV provides public access television to our community including meetings of the City Council, Committee of the Service Requests Whole, and Plan & Zoning Commission. Watch LCTV on Submit your service request online by selecting the Submit a Comcast Channel 6, AT&T U-Verse 99, and YouTube. Request icon, or visiting https://cityoflockport.net/request.

Nixle Alerts Social Receive important alerts from the Lockport Police Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Department and Public Works & Engineering Department @cityoflockport and the Police Department on Facebook.

STAY CONNECTED STAY delivered straight to you via text message and email. To subscribe, visit nixle.com or text area code "60441" to Website Visit our website for information about programs, services, phone number "888777". applications, and more at https://cityoflockport.net. 2 CITY COUNCIL & COMMITTEES Meetings Committee of the Whole COTW meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in City Hall, Council Chambers. City Council City Council Regular meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of The City Council includes the Mayor, Treasurer, City Clerk, and eight each month at 7 p.m. or at the conclusion of the Committee of Alderpersons; two representing each of the four wards. Contact the Whole meeting in City Hall, Council Chambers. information, biographies, and the ward map are available online. Plan & Zoning Commission Steven Streit Larry Schreiber Mayor Councilman, Ward 2 Regular meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month beginning at 7 p.m. in City Hall, Council Chambers. Kathy Gentile Christina Bergbower City Clerk Councilwoman, Ward 3 Permanent Committees The Board of Police Commissioners meets the third Wednesday Karen Kostecki Joanne Bartelsen Councilwoman, Ward 4 of the month. The Heritage & Architecture Commission meets the Councilwoman, Ward 1 third Thursday of the month. Both are held at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Matt Kairis Renee Saban Councilman, Ward 1 Councilwoman, Ward 4 Agenda Center Meeting materials are posted on the City’s website in the Agenda JR Gillogly Mark Lobes Councilman, At-Large Center. You can sign up to receive notices when agendas/packets Councilman, Ward 2 are published through Notify Me. CITY FACILITIES

Public Works City Hall & Engineering Police Department

222 E. 9th Street 17112 S. Prime Boulevard 1212 S. Farrell Road (815) 838-0549 (815) 838-0549 Emergency: Dial 911 Non-Emergency: (815) 838-2131 Hours Hours Administration: (815) 838-2132 Monday - Friday Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Administration Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 3 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW (from A-Z)

If you encounter a stray/wild dog, cat, racoon, skunk or possum, please contact the City's contracted animal control service through the Police Department at (815) 838-4406. ANIMAL CONTROL

By Ordinance, children under the age of 16 have a curfew of 10:00 p.m. The curfew for those ages 16-17 years old is 11:00 p.m. The curfew hours are the same on weekends and holidays. CURFEW

Lockport Township Fire Protection District provides fire, rescue, EMS, and related services to residents. Homer Township Fire Protection District provides service to a portion of the City’s east side, and Northwest Homer Fire Protection District provides service to a portion of the City's FIRE SERVICES northeast side. More information is available on page 10.

Lockport residents are served by the White Oak Library District, Lockport Branch, located at 121 E. 8th Street. Visit the library to register for a library card and learn more. Information about services and programs, and an application for a library card (which can be downloaded and LIBRARY completed in advance of your visit) are available at whiteoaklibrary.org.

Overnight Street Parking is not allowed on any public street with a curb between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. or any time there is more than two inches of snow. A request for an PARKING overnight parking permit can be submitted online to the Lockport Police Department. Public parking is available downtown on-street and in parking lots.

Dog licenses are available at the Water Department in City Hall or at the Police Department. No more than (including a combination of) four dogs and/or cats, and no more than three dogs or three cats are allowed in any residence. No more than two rabbits, ferrets, or guinea pigs are PETS allowed in a residential unit.

The Lockport Township Park District maintains park areas and provides recreational programs including annual events to enrich the quality of life of the community. For more information RECREATION about LTPD please visit lockportpark.org.

The Lockport Sister City Program, established in 2014, works to embody the goals of Sister City International and promote cultural, educational and economic exchanges with our Sister City, Asiago Italy. Lockport is home to many Italian families, some of which have lived in the City for SISTER CITY generations. You can follow the Lockport-Asiago Sister City Program on Facebook.

The City provides several options for residents to stay connected with information about news, events, and more. Communications activities include social media presence, email and print newsletters, and text message notifications. More information is available in the Stay Connected STAY CONNECTED section of this guide.

The City of Lockport does not require vehicle stickers. Voluntary stickers can be purchased. VEHICLE STICKERS

4 UTILITIES CABLE & INTERNET

Comcast and AT&T provide service in our area. To set up Comcast service, please call (866) 594-1234 or visit xfinity.com. AT&T provides internet which can be set up by calling (888) 611-4466 or visiting att.com.

WATER & SEWER ELECTRICITY

Water and sewer services are provided by the ComEd is the City's electric service provider. City of Lockport to residents within incorporated City To set up new service with Commonwealth Edison, please limits. Water and sewer services are billed monthly. contact ComEd at (800) EDISON-1 or visit comed.com. To set up a new account please call the Water Constellation is the City’s electric supplier through Department at (815) 838-0549, option 3, or stop in at October 2021. The City participates through the Will City Hall, 2nd Floor. County Government League (WCGL) electric aggregation program. The rate is 7.517¢ per kWh through October 2021. Online and phone payment options are available through BS&A. To access the online payment portal, Eff ective November 2021, the City is returning to visit the City website and click on View or Pay My Bill. ComEd as its electric supplier. The ComEd rate will be Water rates are set to increase by 5% each year through 6.725¢ per kWh in the summer and 7.216¢ per kWh during 2022. Sewer rates are adjusted annually based on the non-summer (estimated, may be adjusted slightly). Consumer Price Index (CPI).

GARBAGE, RECYCLING & YARD WASTE

Waste Management provides weekly garbage, The City also participates in Waste Management's recycling, and seasonal yard waste services. At Your Door Special Collection® Service to help residents discard potentially hazardous and hard-to-recycle To set-up new residential service please call the City at items which are not permitted for disposal in regular refuse (815) 838-0549, option 3. All garbage should be placed in the collection service. For more details and to schedule an appropriate container set by the curb no later than 6 a.m. on appointment, please visit wmatyourdoor.com. your designated pickup day. In the event of a missed pickup, please call Waste Management at (800) 964-8988. Additional resources include the Refuse, Recycling & Yard Waste Program Guide, Waste Management Service Area Yard waste collection begins the last full week in March Schedule Map and website, home.wm.com/lockport. through the first full week of December. Yard waste should be placed in a cart available to rent through the City for The City provides branch pick up twice a year during $2 per month for one year or in brown paper bags which can the spring beginning the first Monday in May and again in the be purchased from a local retailer. Acceptable items include fall on the first Monday in October. Branches must be laid out grass clippings, leaves, and branches/brush (bundled, cut into by the first day of the program. Only one pass through will be 4-foot lengths, each bundle weighing less than 50 pounds). made to each residence.

5 HISTORY Established as the headquarters of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in 1836, Lockport lies nestled in the Des Plaines River Valley. The I&M Canal fueled the growth of the City of , the Midwest region, and the nation.

Working to complete the I&M Canal, Chief Engineer William Gooding realized that the site of present-day Lockport, which is 40 feet higher than Joliet, had great water-power potential. In its early days, Lockport thrived as the canal’s headquarters and as an agricultural processing center. Lockport saw the Canal Boats, Gaylord Building, Public Landing (ca. 1880) construction of dozens of flour mills, grain warehouses, and boatyards. As the first navigable link between the region and the Mississippi River, the canal played an enormous role in the economic growth of Illinois and the Midwest. The arrival of the Chicago and Alton Railroad in 1858 was the catalyst for even more growth.

Today, you can tour this historic area by foot, bicycle, or car. Through the extensive eff orts of the community, its government, and various associations, you will see everything from simple cottages of the past canal workers to the cream-colored limestone architectural works such as the Gaylord and Norton buildings, appearing just as they did in the 1800s.

The importance of the Illinois & Michigan Canal and Lockport to the economic vitality of Illinois cannot be overstated. As a direct waterway link between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, the canal cemented Chicago’s domination over St. Louis as the center of Midwestern trade and thereby, Lockport’s legacy as the “City that made Chicago famous.”

Since the days of shipping on the canal, Lockport has progressed to become a city of the future while still embracing its rich past. A combination of retail stores and restaurants, light and medium industry, and an abundance of activities, events and celebrations are new attractions in the dynamic community. Lockport truly is a City of Historic Pride with goals that will create an even brighter future.

Today, the Lockport Area Genealogical & Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the history of our great town, so that future generations can enjoy our heritage as we have. You can find historical documents and photos on LAGHS’ website at lockporthistory.org and follow them on Facebook @lockporthistory. You can also look to the source of the photographs on this page, as part of the Howard and Lois Adelmann Regional History Collection - Lewis University, CARLI digital collections by visiting http://collections.carli.illinois.edu for additional photographs and historic information.

I&M Canal Lock No. 1 (ca. 1900) Norton Building and Boat (ca. 1870) I&M Canal Lock No. 1 (ca. 1900)

6 Permits Required CITY PERMITS

Permits are required when you want to erect, construct, alter, enlarge, or move any building or structure including (but not limited to):

• Additions, garages, finished • Electrical wiring and electrical • Any pool, hot tub, or spa capable of basements, signs, sheds, decks, services, mechanical systems, holding 24 inches or more of water; porches, patios, swimming pools, re-roofs, and siding; fences, retaining walls, fireplace, • To demolish or remove a building or carport, canopy, satellite dish • Alteration and repair which include structure; (36 inches or more), public sidewalks, the cutting away of any wall • To establish any new use of property; driveways, and sprinkling systems; portion, the removal or cutting of any structural beams or bearing • To excavate or change the grade of the • Installation of plumbing, electrical, support, the removal or change of any property; and mechanical systems; required means of egress aff ecting the exit requirements for the building • To change the use of any building, • Alteration or replacement of water (replacement of doors and windows structure, or land from one use to supply lines, sanitary and storm sewer with the same size operating standard another. drainage lines, soil, waste lines, vent does not constitute a change); lines, gas lines, or similar piping;

Any changes made within the Historic District are subject to the Permits are Heritage and Architecture Commission approval process; please not Required contact the City Planner at (815) 838-0549 x1130.

• Painting • Kitchen cabinets • Replacement of floor coverings • Electrical fixtures or plumbing including hot water heaters or water soft eners • Patching • Installation of private sidewalks • Tuckpointing • Installation of aluminium fascia, soff its, or gutters • Wall coverings • Installation of windows or doors of the same size and type • Patching a roof • Installation of storm windows or storm doors

PERMIT TIPS Allow yourself enough time by turning in your permit application at least one week or more in advance. Processing time is typically five to seven working days. It is the property owner’s responsibility to ensure that all permits have been obtained before beginning any work. Permit cards must be on site at all times. Request a copy from your contractor prior to allowing work to begin.

Always check for references/reviews of contractors. There are several online resources including the Better Business Bureau at BBB.org. Check with the Building Department at (815) 838-0549, option 5 to see if your contractor is current with their registration, insurance, and bond. Never pay a contractor in full until all final inspections have been completed and approved by City inspectors. Always contact JULIE before you dig; it’s free and required by law. Dial 811, call (800) 892-0123, or visit illinois1call.com.

7 The City is home to several interesting sites that serve as the cornerstone of Lockport’s rich history. Many of these structures have been restored to their original state—the way they looked in the 1800s—off ering a glimpse into the past and how Lockport fit into the economic birth of the Midwest. Central Square 222 E. 9th Street | (815) 838-0549 | cityoflockport.net Once the Central School in the late 1890s and 1900s, this beautiful limestone building is now home to City Hall. Through a photo exhbit, come learn about the history of the I&M Canal, Public Landing, and more beginning in the 19th century.

Gaylord Building 200 W. 8th Street | (815) 838-9400 | gaylordbuilding.org A National Historic Trust building made from limestone from the canal over 170 years ago, featuring a museum and beautifully renovated space. HISTORIC SITES HISTORIC Gladys Fox Museum 231 E. 9th Street | (815) 838-1183 | lockportpark.org Maintained by the Lockport Township Park District, the Gladys Fox Museum is located in the 1839 Old Congregational Church. Beautifully restored, this historic building is now home to the museum’s collection of historical photographs and memorabilia celebrating Dellwood Park and the Illinois and Michigan Canal.

Illinois State Museum 201 W. 10th Street | (815) 838-7400 | illinoisstatemuseum.org One of only four State art museums in Illinois, the Lockport Gallery features changing exhibitions of art created by past and contemporary Illinois artists and artisans. Paintings, drawings, sculptures, quilts, and other decorative and ethnographic arts are showcased in rotating, theme-based exhibitions augmented by interpretive materials.

Roxy Theater 1017 S. State Street | (815) 582-1306 | facebook.com/roxylockport Originally built as a feed store in the 1850s, the building was converted into the Roxy Theatre in 1937. Today, ROXY Lockport is an event venue owned by Trinity Services, hosting public and private events throughout the year.

Will County Historical Museum & Research Center 803 S. State Street | (815) 838-5080 | willcountyhistoricalsociety.org Housed in the original headquarters for the I&M Canal, the Will County Historical Museum and Research Center in downtown Lockport features a museum, exhibits, tours, artifacts, and more. The museum is open to the public (free admission, donations appreciated) and group tours are available.

8 COMMUNITY EVENTS

Old Canal DaysDays Independence Day Fireworks A multi-day event attractingattracting thousands annually to An annual celebration of our nation’s independence celebrate the I&M Canal’s historyhistory and contributions to the traditionally held on July 3rd at dusk in Dellwood Park. successes of Lockport and the Midwest. OCD features a communitycommunity parade, craft show, live music, historhistoryy tours, tours, food,food, refreshmentsrefreshments,, carnival ridesrides,, and more.

Comicopolis This comics festival, pop culture, and fandom show— hosted by the White Oak Library in the month of July with Cruisin’ Into Lockport nearly 2,000 guests annually— features a costume contest, artists, vendors, events, and activities. A series of classic car shows at Central Square throughout the summer on Monday nights, June through August.

Christmas in the Square Bring in the holiday season by having your picture taken Summer Arts Series with Santa, participating in craft s, decorating cookies, The Summer Art Series Committee plans and organizes taking a train ride, and enjoying festive entertainment. annual events—from artist contests to film festivals— Make a stop at the Gladys Fox Museum to see the Festival off ering a unique experience and gala for residents and of Trees, participate in Main Street Lockport's Passport to visitors of Lockport to celebrate the creative talents of our Christmas in the Square, and celebrate Small Business community and beyond. Saturday with the Lockport Chamber of Commerce. This special day ends with our annual tree lighting tradition.

9 Lockport Chamber of Lockport Area Genealogical Convention Commerce & Historical Society & Visitor's Bureau 222 E. 9th Street, 3rd Floor [email protected] 2701 Black Road, Suite 201 (815) 838-3357 lockporthistory.org Joliet, IL 60435 off [email protected] (844) 94-HCCVB lockportchamber.com Main Street Lockport heritagecorridorcvb.com [email protected] mainstreetlockport.org

Northwest Homer Fire County Fire Districts Protection District 16152 W. 143rd Street Will County Lockport Township (815) 838-0180 302 N. Chicago Street Fire Protection District nwhomer.org Joliet, IL 60432 19623 W. Renwick Road (815) 722-5515 (815) 838-3287 lockportfire.org Will County Court House Library District 14 W. Jefferson Street Homer Township Fire White Oak Library - Lockport Joliet, IL 60432 Protection District 121 E. 8th Street (815) 727-8400 16050 S. Cedar Road (60491) (815) 552-4250 (815) 838-5006 whiteoaklibrary.org homerfire.org

Homer CCSD 33C Taft School District 90 K-12 Schools 15733 Bell Road 1605 S. Washington Street Homer Glen, IL 60491 (815) 838-0408 Lockport Township (708) 226-7600 taft 90.org High School homerschools.org District Off ice: 1323 E. 7th Street Will County School Central Campus: 1222 Jefferson Street Milne-Kelvin Grove District 92 East Campus: 1333 E. 7th Street (815) School District 91 708 N. State Street 588-8000 808 Adams Street (815) 838-8031 lths.org (815) 838-0737 d92.org d91.net

Lockport Township Parks & Recreation Townships 1463 S. Farrell Road Lockport Township Homer Township (815) 838-0380 Park District 14350 W. 151st Street lockporttownship.com 1811 S. Lawrence Avenue Homer Glen, IL 60491 (815) 838-1183 (708) 301-0522 Lockport Township Highway lockportpark.org homertownship.com Commissioner 111 South Avenue Forest Preserve of Homer Township Road (815) 726-6056 Will County District lockporttownship.org 17540 W. Laraway Road 14400 W. 151st Street Joliet, IL 60433 Homer Glen, IL 60491 (815) 727-8700 (708) 301-0246 COMMUNITY & REGIONAL PARTNERS reconnectwithnature.org homerhighway.com

Universities University of Saint Francis College Lewis University 500 Wilcox Street Joliet Junior College One University Joliet, IL 60435 1215 Houbolt Road Parkway Romeoville, IL (800) 735-7500 Joliet, IL 60431 60446 (815) 838-0500 stfrancis.edu (815) 729-9020 lewisu.edu jjc.edu 10 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION

METRA STATION PACE BUS SERVICE

Lockport’s commuter train is the Heritage Corridor. The station is located at Lockport is served by two Pace bus routes (the 832 and 834) providing the corner of 13th Street and State Street. connections to neighboring communities, Metra’s Heritage Corridor Lockport Service is available on weekdays Monday Station, and Southwest Service 153rd Street / Orland Park Station, Lewis through Friday from Lockport to Chicago University, Orland Square Mall, and other Pace routes. (Union Station) in the mornings and returning from Chicago (Union Station) 832 Joliet-Orland Square to Lockport in the evenings. For a current Connects Joliet central business district and Metra Station with Orland Square schedule, please visit metrarail.com. Mall via Lockport, Homer Glen, the 153rd Street / Orland Park Metra Station, and Orland Square Mall.

834 Joliet-Downers Grove HIGHWAY I-355 Connects Joliet central business district and Metra Station to Finley and Branding via Lewis University, Romeoville, Bolingbrook, Downers Grove, Good Samaritan Hospital, and the Yorktown Shopping Center. Certain trips connect with Metra- The City of Lockport is connected to I-55, BNSF service in Downers Grove. I-80, and several neighboring suburbs through Interstate 355 (the Veterans These routes meet at the bus stop on 9th Street just west of State Street where Parkway extension). Lockport has two riders can take advantage of free local transfers. Passengers may board and exit interchanges along I-355 at 159th Street the bus anywhere along a route where it is safe to do so. Many safe boarding (also known as Route 7) and Archer Avenue locations are identified with Pace bus stop signs. For more information and trip (also known as Route 171). planning assistance, visit pacebus.com.

METRA PARKING & PARKING PERMITS

The Metra lot has daily parking availble for a nominal fee using automated pay boxes. There are also a number of permitted parking spaces available on a quarterly basis. If you are interested in obtaining a quarterly parking permit, please mail a check in the amount of $60 payable to the “City of Lockport” with “Metra Permit Parking” in the memo. Please address the envelope to City of Lockport, Metra Permit Parking, 222 E. 9th Street, Lockport, IL 60441. Please also include a self-addressed stamped envelope so that the permit can be issued to you or your check returned in the event that permits are sold out. If the number of requests exceed the number of permits available, a lottery will be held to assign permits. If you have any questions regarding permit parking, please contact the Water Department at (815) 838-0549, option 3. If you are leaving your car parked in the lot overnight, please contact the Lockport Police Department at their non-emergency number, (815) 838-2131.

11 City of Historic Pride

@cityoflockport

To access the digital version and additional resources visit https://cityoflockport.net/residentguide