Village president pens his final year-end report, as he has decided not seek another term
This is my final year-end letter to Hinsdale residents as village president.
When I became village president in 2009, fixing the village’s finances was a top priority. In 2008, Hinsdale risked a credit rating downgrade when a bond rating agency placed Hinsdale on “Negative Outlook.” Since 2008, Hinsdale has maintained a stable AAA bond rating. Only about 15 percent of Illinois municipalities can make that claim. While keeping the village on a firm financial footing, we have also made significant infrastructure improvements since 2009.
Since 2009, 62 of the 66 miles of Hinsdale roads have been resurfaced or reconstructed. Since 2009, we have also replaced about 20 percent of our water mains and sewers. This year, the village completed water main replacements on West Second Street and improved various roads, including resurfacing part of South Monroe Street. In 2025, the village plans to spend $2.3 million replacing water mains and sewers and $8.3 million to resurface or reconstruct roads. Since 2009, we also completed the Woodlands Sewer and Drainage Project (2012-16), replaced the wooden Oak Street Bridge (2015) and built the parking deck (2020).
Hinsdale businesses are thriving. Retail vacancies in the central business district are below 2 percent, which is lower than in many neighboring communities. Hinsdale remains a much-sought-after destination for businesses. A new luxury auto dealership, McLaren, will open on Ogden Avenue in 2025, further bolstering the village’s sales tax base.
The village’s recently adopted incentives program to preserve historic homes has been remarkably successful. At homeowners’ requests, nearly 90 homes are included on our historically significant structures list, and 17 applications have been approved for the village’s incentives designed to save homes from demolition. Consistent with preserving Hinsdale’s unique character, the village board recently approved the Vine Street Station project, which will bring seven age-restricted condominiums to the former Lutheran Zion School building while maintaining that building’s distinctive structure.
Our Fire and Police departments are second to none. Hinsdale police are doing fabulous work apprehending those who pose a threat to our community. As examples, recently three individuals with firearms who hijacked a car were arrested by our officers at Ogden and Route 83 after a foot pursuit and a search of backyards. Also, in September a suspicious vehicle led our officers on a chase that resulted in the driver fleeing on foot. The driver, who had an extensive criminal history, including a conviction for attempted murder, was arrested and two firearms were recovered.
In 2025, the village will begin a multi-year program to improve vehicular and pedestrian safety. The first phase of this safety program will focus on the central business district and adjacent areas. Keeping residents safe is a high priority.
The village recently remodeled the Memorial Building Plaza, funded largely through donations from the Hinsdale Public Library, businesses, and residents as part of the village’s 150th anniversary fundraising campaign. The village board thanks those who assisted with the various 150th celebratory events.
I thank the village board, members of the various commissions and staff for all their hard work in 2024.
Happy Holidays
— Tom Cauley,
village president
