In a poignant address to the Hinsdale Village Board, a grieving mother called for urgent safety improvements on local sidewalks following the tragic death of her son, Sean Richards, who was killed on a public sidewalk. The mother emphasized the board's responsibility to ensure pedestrian safety and expressed gratitude for previous discussions with trustees but lamented the lack of action taken in the six weeks since.

She presented evidence of hazardous conditions near Fuller's car wash, including oil and soap buildup on sidewalks, which she argued poses a significant risk to pedestrians, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and disabled veterans. Highlighting the dangers, she recounted the experiences of a local veteran who struggled to navigate the slippery sidewalks while using a prosthetic leg.

The mother urged the board to prioritize the replacement of damaged sidewalks and the installation of proper curb cuts to enhance safety at the busy intersection of Lincoln and Chicago Avenues. She criticized the car wash for its multiple entry points, suggesting that limiting access could reduce pedestrian risks.

Additionally, she called for accountability measures against Fuller's car wash, citing a history of traffic violations and a lack of penalties for past incidents, including her son's death. She urged the board to impose fines for public endangerment and to reconsider the car wash's special use permit, which she argued contradicts local zoning laws.

The mother concluded her address with a request for the board to form a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding her son's death and to review the enforcement of zoning codes to prevent future tragedies. She expressed a desire to be involved in this committee, alongside other community leaders, to ensure that pedestrian safety becomes a priority in Hinsdale.