Illinois quick hits: Mayor pushing back on property tax hikes; electric van fires being investigated

Mayor pushing back on property tax hikes

A group of northern Illinois mayors are pushing back after resident’s property tax bills skyrocketed. Harvey Mayor Christopher Clark is included and is pursuing efforts to address the surging property tax bills. Clark said Harvey was one of 15 south suburban communities that saw increases of 30% or more in property taxes. During a news conference, Clark said his administration is calling for support for other communities to commit to a “hold the tax” pledge.

Electric van fires being investigated

An investigation is underway after three Amazon Electric Delivery Vans made by Normal-based Rivian burst into flames in Houston, Texas. Gizmodo reports on July 1, a drone operator saw plumes of toxic black smoke rising towards the sky from one Rivian EDV first and then the fire spread to two other EDVs parked adjacent. Temperatures were reportedly near 100 degrees at the time. Amazon is using thousands of vehicles made by Rivian to cut its emissions. A spokesperson from Rivian said the battery was not the initiator of the fire.

Highway partially reopens after sinkhole

After being shut down for months due to a large sinkhole, a section of highway in Montgomery County has finally reopened. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that Illinois 185 near Hillsboro has reopened to one lane after closing in April due to the sinkhole. Another sinkhole recently opened in an Alton soccer field.