By: Alex Murphy – Editor in Chief

Severe thunderstorms swept through Bridgeview and surrounding areas, Wednesday and Thursday night causing power outages and extreme damages. Bridgeview was particularly hit hard by Thursday’s storm, experiencing more damages than nearby areas. 

Homes were damaged, residents were left without power, debris scattered peoples lawns, and several residents were displaced. Several employees at village hall worked till the early hours of Friday morning ensuring that all displaced people were relocated in a timely manner. 

“Over the last several days, our community has faced tremendous challenges, and I could not be prouder of how Bridgeview has responded,” said Steven Landek, mayor of Bridgeview. “Our employees have worked tirelessly, often around the clock, to clear debris and serve residents, all while preparing to welcome SummerSmash this weekend. It has been an enormous undertaking.”

SummerSmash is a three day music festival at SeatGeek Stadium from June 12-14 bringing in over 50,000 people to the Bridgeview area. The festival experienced some damage but was still able to occur Friday with a slight delay in start time.

The severity of damages varied across Bridgeview, with some areas having extreme damages and others having minor damages. On Friday residents of Bridgeview were seen clearing debris off lawns, mending damages and helping their neighbors as they worked to restore the community. 

“I am also deeply grateful to the residents of Bridgeview,” Landek said. “Neighbors helped neighbors, people showed patience and compassion, and together we demonstrated what I have always known: Bridgeview is home to a truly world-class group of people. Storms test communities, and ours answered with resilience, kindness, and unity.”

Several collaboration efforts occurred Friday to help Bridgeview recuperate such as the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission and Highway Department collaboration. 

“Through the Lyons Township Mental Health Commission, we have been working to connect residents who have been displaced with shelter, support, and the resources they need to regain a sense of stability,” said Elyse Hoffenberg, clerk of Lyons Township. “At the same time, the Lyons Township Highway Department stepped forward by providing a chipper to assist the Village of Bridgeview with the tremendous amount of storm debris left in the wake of these storms.”

Additionally, several interns for the Township of Lyons conducted a clean up operation Friday. The interns split into two groups focusing on clearing debris in heavily impacted areas. 

“Right now we’re going around seeing any clogged drains, if there’s any leaves and branches in the street, and we’re cleaning that up, trying to make sure we prevent flooding in the area,” said Maeve Charlton, an intern. “And helping any residents telling them who they can contact to help with the cleanup and what they can do to help themselves.”

Additionally several villages of Lyons Township such as Countryside and Summit also helped in a clean up initiative. 

“None of this is about jurisdictional lines or whose logo is on the truck. It is about neighbors helping neighbors,” Hoffenberg said. “This is what a township should do. We are at our best when we pull our resources together, work across departments and communities, and ensure that in difficult times, people know they are not facing them alone. Compassion, cooperation, and a shared commitment to one another are what turn a collection of communities into a true community.”