[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6228959,"mediaKeyId","3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4","parentId",3465428,"title","Westmont highlights police and fire accreditations, mutual-aid and community programs","audioSeconds",688,"startMs",1996000,"endMs",2684000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4&start=1996&end=2684","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4/thumbnail_1996000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6228959/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-highlights-police-and-fire-accreditations-mutual-aid-and-community-programs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228959-f26178d978d6b3314a5f2ae429bcf897/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212098&Signature=V0osjtCCCbXIUzASx110xrHlOuynGW~1u7MAo8Zk1W2LQW60iSqFBhYsyNeaSbSBez5sulz9Nx8EN2dO2U1AHji7L-sLg9Rqj95tyXFY1WJI2afyF-SwIKtX81tDrAV~wGy1IcanzkEamPe1eiSS1jbLqZDVwnpZN-Wn9gzIw36RUgFu3~BAiM-KQcV00dr3PGtdJmuYTHeGn4BqLFdDyqQyrS9QE65Psi1HG0Rle2qNcq6xnXi-skV7xeNDn-9FaHnvIeKnNr-wwT1e9qGVv7BmMbFlqadj3MQPaencVhhi~QVoq4xzc~hyy4ZPijUacdPTik92fXLbUGRpUY67xA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Westmont, IL","date","2025-05-23T16:32:57.313Z","article","Village leaders used the State of the Village presentation to outline recent public-safety recognitions, mutual-aid arrangements and community outreach programs run by police and fire.

Jim Gunther, village manager trainee, noted that both the police and fire departments are accredited and described a shift toward more rapid deployment tactics and integrated police-fire responses for active threats: \"That was the SOP... that didn't work in Columbine. So that evolved over decades to where we now stand at rapid deployment,\" Gunther said.

Programs and recognition: Gunther said the Westmont Police Department prioritizes outreach—squad car night (June 19), National Night Out and a Facebook page for community engagement—and that the department received the 2024 Flame of Hope award from Special Olympics Illinois. The village also raised more than $10,000 at a recent \"Cop on Top\" fundraiser, a presenter said.

Mutual aid and specialized teams: Officials described county-level mutual-aid systems (MABAS for fire response) and a DuPage County \"merit task force\" for law enforcement incidents. Gunther credited DuPage County board support for vehicles used by the task force.

Training and community programs: The police department runs a citizens police academy and a junior academy (September) for community education and officer–resident interaction; Gunther emphasized reputation and continuous training as central to department strategy.

Ending: Officials said accreditation, training and mutual-aid partnerships support local public safety and allow the village to scale responses to large incidents.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025 Westmont State of the Village Address","oneSentenceSummary","Village officials highlighted accredited police and fire departments, mutual-aid arrangements, public-safety outreach programs and recent fundraisers, stressing training, reputation and interjurisdictional cooperation.","taxTitle","Westmont, DuPage County, Illinois","taxId",52068,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228964,"Westmont Chamber launches new-business orientation and ambassador program",232,9000,241000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4&start=9&end=241","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4/thumbnail_9000.jpg","/articles/6228964/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-Chamber-launches-new-business-orientation-and-ambassador-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228964-7c15ce6f396fd3d9a37f183abff7351e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212098&Signature=dBFEEBjAAMVNOADyQYGM8vzUaPPwggFM990ukzG9TetdW5nIc2QcGfC7iBtsQo0ofTK1BZoYlkttZI5PLzpDLHBvGpXOflsVxVx7epWeGETCRJfk44H0v2SIjKixfBzZfqF07zftiUKxLq4kbcY302mbRny1ozpfPcbQXdugGBaO7n6eyqd32vQxftKb5KxIMF6-uLNwDlxi4qoB7TmQY752x8xil74n9Ln1bg12xpBLRP2uQYCr9D28LzaEhmW2LdUt~zQAIxqRuCR6ixjVuH1C9TCKZXFmnZzeM~QlQCX1VOcRHxv4ZWltaGZ-QymOKW05e7SfqA2bwS6A8hckTQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kylie Harding of the Westmont Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau outlined a new business integration and orientation program intended to help new businesses connect with village departments, build customer relationships and use chamber marketing channels.

Harding said the package for new businesses includes a village-provided grant that covers a one-year chamber membership, a one-on-one meeting with a chamber representative, introductions to key village contacts (police, fire, park district, library, Westmont special events and community development), ribbon cuttings, press releases and social-media promotion. \"When you're a new business to town, one of the things that you are gifted with is a grant from the Village Of Westmont,\" Harding said.

Why it matters: the Chamber reported 37 new members this year and an 88% retention rate, higher than the industry standard the presenter cited. Harding said about 20% of chamber members have been members for 20 years or longer. The Chamber also introduced a new ambassador program that pairs new members with volunteers for their first year.

Other programming: Harding said the Chamber will produce a podcast featuring member stories, continue frequent networking and marketing efforts and host seasonal events; she announced a Chamber golf outing on June 13 and referenced annual events such as \"spring fling\" and the winter ball.

Ending: Harding invited attendees to stay after the program to speak with presenters and to contact the Chamber for more information about the new-business orientation and ambassador program.","The Westmont Chamber of Commerce announced a new business integration and orientation program that includes a one-year village-funded chamber membership, one-on-one support, introductions to key village departments and an ambassador program to guide new members.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228969,"Westmont schedules June 12 board discussion on proposed new fire station after public outreach",1644,1328000,2972000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4&start=1328&end=2972","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4/thumbnail_1328000.jpg","/articles/6228969/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-schedules-June-12-board-discussion-on-proposed-new-fire-station-after-public-outreach","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228969-ad7d40d737fa11080ccbb83713f2c198/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212098&Signature=kqLtPcB9RBdz0BC6YUU3sHJXlU8qPTofnKPX9C3zr77A-6fitxEMzxXcsO0n-5FWg4Rwel~7WxjSrHNsHbZiUDYopCB0tnquFE40uLQAyZX5Oy3hMyr~tLtw4z1swnt3wdNKW2iigJ9VxFPVQArMXWVUdMBu7qHUHhh7LAVlQLw~kBMJy~WCRxoHTs9ir0Tyr7-~C7wxurHws7I8Pop5tZr1TYxJcJC7IToI95SFO-ifyBwNRcye2y3ICFvYq2gLQkf1cG2bdUpQGrpiMfdTa3c6oo7NegqhC~XUUnJ~oGNcbPbvXY98BaRV0nV5o7VnjM356w5BNuVvUYUqr7dtfw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village officials told attendees that Westmont will consider a new fire station and has sought public input before the board makes a decision.

Mayor Steve Nero said the village held an extra public meeting to explain options for a potential new fire station and to gather feedback: \"We did all our homework. The fire department did a great job. We had an extra meeting with the public to hear from them. Tell them all the different options.\" He said the outreach produced positive feedback and that the board will continue that engagement.

Why it matters: Jim Gunther, village manager trainee, said fire-call volume has grown substantially since 1991 — roughly quintupled — and that changes in vehicle sizes, regulations and community demographics have created pressure to update old facilities. Gunther said the department also faces new OSHA, ADA and building-code requirements and that modern apparatus are larger and heavier than those in 1991.

Operational issues and constraints: presenters noted Westmont's largely part-time fire force provides cost savings but faces potential legislative risks tied to secondary employment rules and union proposals. Gunther also described an increase in facilities providing assisted care and an aging population that raise call frequency.

Next steps: Gunther said the village board will take up the fire station proposal at its June 12 meeting. Officials encouraged residents to attend that board meeting for more detail and to ask questions about options and funding.

Ending: Village leaders framed the outreach as part of a broader commitment to more proactive communication on major projects and said they will continue community meetings as plans progress.","Village leaders described a community outreach process on a potential new fire facility and said the proposal will be heard at a June 12 village board meeting; officials cited increased call volume, aging facilities and vehicle-size changes as drivers for the project.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6228974,"Westmont moves to modernize zoning, expand TIF and incentives to speed development",248,3396000,3644000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4&start=3396&end=3644","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3465428-b92daebce1d25184c7d6ec6d8a1da6c4/thumbnail_3396000.jpg","/articles/6228974/Westmont/DuPage-County/Illinois/Westmont-moves-to-modernize-zoning-expand-TIF-and-incentives-to-speed-development","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6228974-1e9901e100ecb26d0043d908fc8097d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771212098&Signature=KDxp33uEfp7SFIFF~JARfMTeaLr8alkKJqD-1HuMKuwsKD6Z~y885m~JpQzg~uTfA3C0CYWuuxP2AHS-TFSDgBK1CzZ1Lf8ZAdfDh7wo8wlOIaZjZQm6Ql-sUAO8vBqupuRAthtZ8T4dtwW~C9XYx8DRl1Y~fbHrdzaS1O43VHwkoYP9qYGGmEzG1K22h9wQJK6xMLyXl57pdUdwYL72gRA2cH4NtZcnhpAQl27c8TvoucDAIG~DH2YBD~OvmvA7o7tHL0wUlv7Fl1S8SDx4veQlZcNxxuTjGwfUEyOGBnDuyeRCgztyeOKx96UmfsVZBsQVieFldON7StHSxDCfbA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mayor Steve Nero and village officials said Wednesday that Westmont will pursue a rewritten zoning ordinance, targeted recruitment of developers and expanded incentive funding to speed up stalled projects and increase commercial investment.

The zoning ordinance, Nero said, has not been updated since 1979, and the village has scheduled a third public hearing on the rewrite for June 11 at 6 p.m. at Village Hall. \"Simplicity is speed and we're going to make things quicker,\" said Jim Gunther, village manager trainee, describing the rewrite and related process improvements.

Why it matters: officials argued that an updated code, clearer use tables and faster permitting will attract builders and businesses and increase property- and sales-tax revenue. Nero said the village will use market analytics to pick parcels for targeted recruitment, add staff resources to community development and adopt a \"spirit of yes\" approach while not circumventing rules: \"We will be easy to do business with. We will have a spirit of yes,\" Nero said.

Key details from the presentation: the village maintains two active TIF districts—60 Third Street (anchored by Mariano's) and the downtown district (anchored by Quincy Station). The Downtown Incentive Program (DIP) allows existing downtown businesses to access grants of up to $100,000. Officials reported about $150,000 awarded in fiscal 2023–24 and a $250,000 DIP budget for 2025. Online permitting and a zoning map that splits downtown into \"core\" and \"edge\" areas were highlighted as near-term tools to speed projects.

Officials described outreach to developers and builders as part of the plan: Gunther said community development staff held listening sessions with single-family home builders and the planning-and-zoning chair to identify procedural barriers. Nero said the village is already meeting weekly with prospective developers and commercial real-estate firms, naming CBRE as a recent participant.

What officials said about staffing and return on investment: Nero said the village will add personnel to economic development and community development because, he said, \"there's not many things you could do in a village organization that has an ROI. This is one of them.\" Gunther and Nero emphasized speed and clarity—Gunther: \"Simplicity is speed and we're going to make things quicker.\"

Community input and next steps: Gunther listed the zoning rewrite public hearing on June 11 and urged residents and business owners to participate. The village also plans more community engagement around a new comprehensive plan, downtown streetscape work and branding efforts to run alongside the zoning update.

Ending: Officials said they will report progress next year; the zoning rewrite and added permitting tools are intended to shorten development timelines and let the village \"throttle up\" recruitment work already underway.","Village leaders outlined a push to rewrite a zoning code last updated in 1979, expand targeted Tax Increment Financing (TIF) uses and grow a downtown incentive program to accelerate development and make it easier to do business in Westmont.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Westmont highlights police and fire accreditations, mutual-aid and community programs

Westmont Chamber launches new-business orientation and ambassador program

Westmont schedules June 12 board discussion on proposed new fire station after public outreach

Westmont moves to modernize zoning, expand TIF and incentives to speed development