Q&A with Nora Laureto, 8th Ward Alderman
AGE 54

YEARS IN TOWN Lifelong resident

OCCUPATION Administrator for University of Chicago’s orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation unit

New Alderman Nora Laureto, 8th Ward, has only been on the council for a month, but she already has plans to address blight and approve senior services.
A longtime volunteer and community advocate, Laureto ran unsuccessfully for 8th Ward alderman in 2005 before winning a council seat in April. This is the second in a series of Q&As with all six of Berwyn’s newly-elected alderman.

Q What are some of the things you plan to do to further Roosevelt Road revitalization development efforts?

A Roosevelt Road continues to improve and with the new streetscape plan Roosevelt Road is going to look even better. The (Berwyn Development Corp.), along with the Roosevelt Road Business Association, is working to recruit new viable businesses to Roosevelt Road. I will be proactive with the Roosevelt Road business community. I recently attended a ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Buona Beef, passed a communication for a 15 minute loading sign in front of Gina’s Italian Ice, which they have been requesting for a number of years, worked with the Commodore Barry Post to clean and plant the War Memorial on Clinton and Roosevelt and rename their street in honor of a long-time member. I also participated in the Roosevelt Road cleanup this past Spring and plan to have another clean up once the work on Roosevelt has been completed. I believe in being visible in the community and will be out and about all summer. I look forward to the 2nd Roosevelt Road Street Fair and will be working with the BDC and Paul Zimmerman on this event. I look forward to working on Roosevelt Road for the next four years.

Q In general, what are your priorities for the 8th Ward? 

A I am currently working on blight issues and graffiti. When I was talking to the residents of the 8th ward during my campaign these were their first concerns. I have met with the new blight administrator, Mary DelMedico, regarding issues in the 8th Ward. We will work together to address foreclosed homes, blighted homes and overgrown allies. Graffiti removal continues to be done as quickly as possible.

Q Many of Berwyn’s senior citizens have expressed concern about a lack of or cutback in services; many are on a fixed income. How can you address their concerns?

A We are currently seeking funding to bring back services for seniors. I have also had a conversation with our new building director and asked that we review some of our permit fees to make it easier for residents to do simple repairs to their homes without having to obtain a permit. I recently had a call from a senior who wanted to repair her front stairs. She said that she was told she would have to get a permit which would cost her more than the wood to repair her stairs. These are hard economic times for many people, not just seniors. I do not think that it is fair that we charge a permit fee to repair stairs or put on a new front door. Anything that would require plans would still have to have a permit or possibly go to (the zoning board). Upkeep of your home should not require a permit fee. The new building director has promised to review this issue and work with the residents.  

Q Many residents had expressed concern over the previous council’s inability to work as a cohesive unit. What can you do to ensure council relations and discussions remain smooth through the next four years?

A I believe that everyone who was recently elected wants to work as a cohesive unit. We have had thoughtful conversations and although we do not all agree on some issues we listen to each other’s ideas and concerns. I think that this group does their homework. We come prepared to meetings and have our questions ready. I think that our meetings have shown this to be true and will continue into the future.