Richton Park Herald

Richton Park's Lakewood Plaza had a Grand re-Opening on Saturday October 31st. After years of neglect the Village of Richton Park bought the shopping center originally built by George Arquilla of Burnside Construction. A developer was under contract to redevelop the plaza, but when the economy took a nose dive he backed out and the village undertook the task themselves. Richton Park's Economic Develpoment Commision came up with the plan. Abe Lenter Ricthon Park's Economic Development Officer and his trusty sidekick Ouida Oneal carried out the plan. They did a lot of work on the plaza with the help of the Public Works Department. A $300,000 loan was secured from Old Plank Community Bank of Frankfort and contractors were hired to do roofing, electircal, masonry, plumbing and all the other various tasks that needed to be done. The plaza looks great. The Grand re-Opening, which took place on Halloween, included a haunted house, candy, clowns and face painting for the kids. Food from Liang's Chinese restaurant. A reptile show including an alligator, snakes and other various reptiles, A good time was had by all.