“I wish I had three more just like him,” AHCA President Thomas S. Baliga says of Michael Kovac. Indeed, the AHCA is thankful for his active participation in a number of important initiatives that keep Archer Heights safe. Today, we’d like to share and celebrate some of Mr. Kovac’s accomplishments, done on a purely volunteer basis, and to say a hearty thanks for his continued hard work and dedication.
Ending Late-Night Drag Racing in Crawford Industrial Park
The story of a raid that was organized is fascinating.
Mr. Kovac worked with the 8th Police District, Cook County Sheriff’s Department, and IL State Police to help coordinate a raid on drag racing that continually occurred weekends, late night/early morning hours, in the Crawford Industrial Area (43rd Street to 47th Street, Pulaski to Kolin). Aside from being illegal and dangerous, not only was the roar and noise from the drag racing cars disrupting the peace and serenity of the nearby residential area (Keeler to Komensky – 43rd to 47th Streets), but the activity was also attracting a criminal element into the community.
Shortly after 1:00 AM on a Saturday morning, upwards of 30 police cars, composed of Chicago, Cook County and State Police, along with several tow trucks, converged on the area – SWAT style. Streets to the entire Crawford area were sealed off, identifications were checked and the result was some people being arrested for drag racing, under aged drinking, drug use and outstanding traffic tickets. Additionally, the cars of almost all spectators were impounded on the spot, and owners were forced to either call friends or to use public transportation to leave the area. What a drag, right?
After the raid, working with the Crawford Industrial Council, Mr. Kovac personally mapped out and measured key locations for the installation of speed bumps on streets throughout the Crawford area. The locations were presented to 14th Ward Alderman Edward M. Burke, who approved and forwarded the plans to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT). In turn, CDOT approved, Alderman Burke introduced an ordinance to the full City Council, and the measure was then approved by that legislative body. As a result, speed bumps were installed—and organized illegal drag racing was permanently eliminated from that area of our neighborhood.
A Court Advocates Champion and Participant
Reflecting community pride and spirit that goes beyond Archer Heights boundaries, AHCA First V.P. Michael Kovac, and a few civic association members, actively participate in the 8th District Court Advocates Program. Volunteers attend court hearings to provide support to victims of crime, and Mr. Kovac, who is also a CAPS Beat Facilitator, picks up and accompanies to court, victims of crime or graffiti tagging. The presence of victims in court helps to ensure prosecution, fines, restitution and remediation. Overall this effort has resulted in numerous success stories. Mr. Kovac also is head of the 8th District Advisory Council, a civilian group that advises the 8th District Commander on gang and other criminal activity to ensure that we have a direct voice to the Commander.
Recognition by AHCA
At the January 11, 2012 General Membership meeting, Mr. Kovac was presented with AHCA’s highest honor, the “Community Service Award”. More popularly know as the “Citizens of The Year Award”, this tribute is presented to a civic association member in appreciation for outstanding and continuing volunteer service to the Archer Heights community. In the past Mr. Kovac also chaired the AHCA Neighborhood Watch Group, the Graffiti Team, personally cleaned graffiti from alley trash containers and street stop signs, and handled the returns for our annual fundraiser raffle. For Mike, the Community Service Award was an honor well deserved.
You, too, can make a difference here in Archer Heights.
Want to get involved? We’d love your help! Give us a call at (773) 843-2232 or send us a quick email. Right now, we’re looking for more participants to the Court Advocates Program. The time commitment is flexible, and the reward is immeasurable.
All photos by Karen Duddleston