The Homewood Village Board heard a presentation by Elite Lighting and Outdoor Solutions services at the April 28 meeting about conducting a village-wide clean-up initiative this May and June, and April 2027. 

The purpose is to ensure cleanliness and appeal in the village, Homewood Director of Public Works Joshua Burman said. 

According to Homewood Village Manager Napoleon Haney, this will address the complaints of debris along village roadways. Elite will provide a once a month service which includes roadside cleaning and debris pick-up. This is a part of a pilot program, and will not exceed $25,000 total. 

The spring months of April and May were chosen in order to clean up trash that accumulated over the winter. For $8,300 per month, Elite will provide a one full-service clean-up and one supplemental maintenance visit per month, Burman said. 

In addition to debris and trash removal, Elite crews will clean up sidewalks, fence lines, and other public areas. The maintenance visit will include inspection of all zones, and clean-up of highly visible areas, along with more debris removal, Elite representative Dominque McKenzie said.

According to Burman, the following locations were identified to receive services since they are litter hot-spots:

• Ridge Road from Armitage Court to Walton Lane (includes fence line on Walton Lane). 
• 183rd Street from Halsted to Morgan Street. 
• Halsted Street from 187th Street to Army Reserve Driveway. 
• Riegel Road from Hillview Road to 191st Street. 
• Park Avenue from North Viaduct (Dixie Highway) to 183rd Street, including South Viaduct and fence line along 183rd Street.
• Dixie Highway from curve just south of Balagio Ristorante to the North Viaduct.
• Homewood downtown area.
• Governors Highway from 175th Street to 183rd Street. 

These areas are prone to drivers tossing trash outside their windows, Burman said. 

According to Homewood Trustee Lauren Roman, there is also a lot of trash along Bretz Drive behind Jewel/Osco and in front of Rabid Brewing, which is an additional area that should be considered, she said. 

Issuing more police citations for littering was also encouraged by Roman. 

“I would love to see that happen more often,” Roman said, adding, “it really irritates me when I see somebody throw something out of the window, especially in Homewood, but anywhere.” 

Homewood Mayor Rich Hofeld expressed enthusiasm about the clean-up services. 

“I think it’s a great service, those are areas that are really hot areas,” Hofeld said, adding, “we’ll be watching, as will everyone else in town.” 

“We’re excited about keeping Homewood clean,” McKenzie said.