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Autumn preparations

Public Works and the Building Department are a resource for Lansing residents

by Katie Arvia

LANSING, Ill. (September 27, 2017) – As interim Building Commissioner and long-time Building Inspector, Bob Alderden has seen a lot of expensive mistakes that could have been avoided with a little attention to detail. For example, he said, “If leaves are not picked up and disposed of, they will collect in the street, covering the storm sewers, which will cause flooding.” Leaves left in gutters can also cause water build-up, which could eventually lead to shingle and roof damage, Alderden added.

Alderden considers Lansing’s Public Works and Building Departments a resource for helping residents avoid seasonal problems. He reminds residents that leaves and other yard waste should be placed in the toters with green lids, which can be placed where weekly garbage is collected. Additional yard waste toters can be rented from Public Works, while yard waste bags can be found at any hardware store. Leaves and other debris left on curbs or parkways will not be picked up, as the Village no longer owns a leaf vacuum truck.

Yard waste will be collected until December 1, weather permitting. The pick-up program may be extended 1–2 weeks if there is little snow and the temperature remains mild.

Proper disposal of tree branches is also important. Branches must be left on the front curb and will be picked up by Public Works on the assigned garbage day. Public Works vehicles will not travel down alleys.

During this time of year, in addition to reminding residents how important it is to keep gutters and sewers free of leaves, Alderden and his team encourage people to take proper precautions when it comes to furnaces. Furnace filters should typically be changed every three months. Furnaces should be inspected and cleaned by a certified technician every year, as worn-out or damaged parts can be difficult for the average homeowner to discern. Alderden recommends obtaining three different quotes for any necessary repairs to ensure that residents are getting a fair price. Residents can visit the Building Department window at Village Hall to ask for a list of certified technicians.

Village Hall is located at 3141 Ridge Road in Lansing, Illinois. The Building Department is open 7:00am–4:00pm, Monday–Friday. Call 708-895-7193 during those hours for more information.

Katie Arvia
Katie Arvia
Katie is a lifelong Lansing native who currently works full-time in marketing while also freelance reporting for The Lansing Journal. In 2015, she graduated with high honors from Saint Xavier University in Chicago with a BA in English, and she plans to pursue a Master's degree in the near future. Her favorite Lansing Journal assignments include coverage of TF South High School's walkout ("Demonstrating the possibilities") and her St. Patrick's Day interview with her grandma ("St. Patrick's Day traditions: reflections of an Irish granddaughter").