COURTESY PHOTO The Journal
The Harlem High School Boy’s Bowling Team is pictured July 7 with Mayor Steve Johnson who presented an award for finishing second at Nationals.

Machesney Park Mayor Steve Johnson had lots to say regarding the July 7 village board meeting:

“First, the village recognized the Harlem High School 2024-2025 Boy’s Varsity Bowling team for entering the National Championship as a top seat, averaging 232 pins per game, finishing second in the nation by just 7 pins, and ending the tournament with best average of 218.7 pins! Congratulations from the mayor and village board of trustees. Dated July 7, 2025 per the plaque that was presented to the Harlem Boy’s Bowling Team.

“The plaque was presented to the team during communication parson of the meeting and under the Mayor’s Report I recognized the team with ‘It is my honor this evening to recognize the Harlem High School 2024-2025 Boy’s Varsity Bowling Team for finishing National Runners up while out scoring every team at Nationals!’”

He also noted, “Harlem dominated at the U.S. High School Bowling Federation Nationals in Ft. Wayne, Ind. finishing second by seven pins, forcing the championship team to bowl their very best score of the entire tournament.

“I’m personally so proud of this team’s accomplishments this year and want to thank all the coaches, players, and parents/grandparents for all their time and dedication they put into this teams season which ultimately led to Harlem achieving such high standards for the season under head coach Nick Whitmire.”

The Village also recognized First Midwest Group with the Community Investment Award, as noted by Johnson, who said, “I’m extremely honored to recognize Sunil Puri of First Midwest Group with the Village Community Investment Award.

Throughout the years, Sunil has been instrumental in the development of the Illinois 173 Retail Corridor. Through his determination, vision, and investment of FMG, work has sparked retail growth, created jobs, and made our village a more attractive place to live, shop, and do business.

“The development of Meijer’s Grocery, and opportunities near Perryville Road and I-90 are just a few of the countless investments Sunil has made in our village! They are constantly pursuing new ideas, partnerships’, and opportunities – all with Machesney Park in mind. Sunil is a true visionary and a tireless champion for our region, which makes FMG more than just a developer: They are a priceless partner. Please join me in recognizing Sunil for his unwavering dedication to the Village and celebrating this well deserved award!

“The plaque reads as follows: ‘Community Investment Award presented to Sunil Puri, FMG, ‘In recognition of your ongoing development of the Village, namely Machesney Crossing, and for outstanding dedication to Machesney Park citizens and business community! Thank you from the Mayor and Board of Trustees Dated July 7th 2025.”

Per Village Management Analyst, Kevyn-Ann Sutter, the following items were approved at the Machesney Park village board meeting on July 7:

*An ordinance on a variance from rear setback requirement for a Principal Structure at 7860 Nesting Eagles St. (final reading) was approved.

*An ordinance for a special use permit for an “Open Sales Lot for Commercial Truck Sales in the General Industrial (IG) District” at 9941 N. Alpine Road, final reading, passed.

*An ordinance for “Grocery Tax Reinstatement,” first reading, passed.

*A resolution for a variance for driveway width at the right-of-way at 558 Poppy Dr. was okayed.

*A resolution to award a construction for Stone’s Landing Improvements passed.

*A resolution for DPI Construction in the amount of $1,502,492.02 was approved.

*A resolution for putting out bids on the 2025 Pavement Maintenance Program passed.

*A Professional Services Agreement for construction engineering services at Stone’s Landing passed.

*A resolution “to award a construction contract for the Salt Storage Building at 9911 Gregory Road was approved for L&L Builders in the amount of  $1,283,500 was okayed.

*A resolution accepting a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) for a Home Repair and Accessibility Program Round No. 2 (HRAP) was approved.

*The Village was awarded $400,000 “to help rehabilitate qualifying homes. Details will follow in the near future.

*Awards were presented to area developer Sunil Puri and First Midwest Group for their community investment, as well as to the Harlem High School Boys Bowling team for finishing 2nd at Nationals.

As is always the case in ending the mayor’s report, Johnson ended the report by reminding everyone “how important it is to shop locally as it helps your local businesses and community year-round.

 
 
 
Buy Viagra Overnight Delivery USA.