Harvard Parks - Disabled People - KEEP OUT

Northfield Park

After over four years, one would think either the Harvard Public Works or Harvard Parks Department could figure out a way to complete the parking and handicapp access to Northfield Park. They have added natural plantings and a sunken gravel parking look to delineate access for the physically challenged.  Much like the rest of Harvard, there is no concern for those who are disabled or have challenges to their mobility.  It is just the continuing message of 'handicapped people are not wanted.'  The elected officials don't seem to care either, but they are busy trying to purchase more park lands.   They have that Missouri Mentality where if you have one junk car in the front yard, three more would look better.

Marengo Road Beautification

On the northeast corner of Marengo and Airport Roads is another example of Harvard's selective code enforcement. An unlicensed trailer with wheels stuck in the mud, an inoperable truck and a boat with expired Wisconsin licensure have sat at this location for over a year.

South of the tracks beautification

While the downtown Ayer and side streets beautification program was arbitrarily extended to accommodate friends of the Mayor - like doing the side streets by the bakery, two banks and his barber, it stopped somewhere south of the Union Pacific tracks.  Like many places, living south of the tracks means residents and businesses were out of the grand plan (unless you own Harvard Glass and the Catholic resale shop).  Some innovative property owners have taken it upon themselves and done their part to enhance Ayer Street south of the tracks.  Muebleria M & N is a combination furniture store and gold buying enterprise. They offer residential housing above the store - as evidenced by vehicles with Wisconsin license plates parked there day and night. Harvard is a logical choice for the business, as there are no doubt many selling gold obtained in the more affluent suburbs and then using the cash received to buy used furniture.  In addition to smartly decorated window displays and creative signage, the business at 200 East Park Street (corner of Ayer and Park) has added a beautiful reflecting pool and attractive uses for grass on their 'historical looking' sidewalk.  They also have open space to the south of their building; probably for future park land or Milk Day parking.  The folks should be given an award for innovative use of sidewalks for grass growing.  It certainly shows they are doing their part to add to that old Spanish look and raising the quality of life "south of the tracks."



Effective Sign Laws

Part of Harvard's downtown beautification project was to enhance the appearance of the many restored late 19th century buildings by providing low income loans to improve their appearance. 

Expensive landscaping and signage added to the charmed and restored look.  The city is too busy to enforce local sign ordinances that would contribute to the desired look.  Magnum Insurance has done their part to bring a little of that "Old Tijuana" look back to Harvard's main street.

No staff, No response - again

On Friday morning, 22 April 2011, at about 11:22 am, a serious two vehicle accident at Johnson Road and Route 173 (on the east side of Hebron) caused the Hebron Fire Department to request an ambulance from the Harvard Fire Protection District (HFPD) to the scene.  The antiquated procedure of the HFPD is to tone out the entire department of 40 some members, in hopes someone will respond to handle mutual aid calls, while the on duty ambulance crew stays in the station.  Despite paying for training and equipment for a large force, no one responded to handle the call and after six minutes, the Hebron Fire Department was told "better get someone else."  Nine miles to the scene and the patient was to be transported back to Harvard Mercy Hospital.  Like State Farm, HFPD are "good neighbors."

McHenry County Community College to spend more

Vicky Smith - who has no age, also has no clue what she is doing either and publically admits there is no plan, but she continues to spend money like there is an unlimited supply.  Decked out in her usual bling, offering the appearance that she is on the way to a fund raiser in La Jolla or Delmar, she has managed to get money approved for remodeling an existing building for a minimum wage earning culinary program; building her own police department for $35,000 (already exceeded by purchasing two interceptor patrol cars); and now she wants to buy watershed land because it will 'give a nice look to the campus.'  According to a board member who was recently ousted, he thinks it is a good idea.  George, perhaps your cavalier spending habits are why you lost the election.  A closed session meeting was held to discuss land purchases, but they invited soon to be seated newly elected board members to participate.  Sort of defeats the purpose of a closed session, doesn't it??  Why focus on accessible education and reducing costs to students when you can waste even more money?

Another example of Harvard's downtown beautification project

Complimentary bicycle parking, ladder storage and a trash container grace the rear of Jimmy's Patio.  Not sure if this is an official watering hole for city officials, but it is a nice addition to the welcome visitors get driving up Route 14.  Yet another example of the downtown beautification project and an attempt to become become a sister city with Tijuana