What if I told you Central Stickney is an unincorporated community fighting to maintain its identity? Central Stickney sits in Cook County Illinois. It is a place with a unique character.
Central Stickney is located near Midway International Airport. The community lies north of the airport. Central Avenue defines its center. Interstate 55 forms its northern border. 51st Street marks its southern edge. To the east of Central Avenue the northern boundary is between 47th and 48th Streets. Forest View is to the north. Garfield Ridge in Chicago is to the south and east.
Central Stickney is mainly residential east of Central Avenue. A business park thrives to the west. Small businesses also line Central Avenue. The Central Stickney Fire Protection District serves the area. The Central Stickney Park District provides recreational opportunities.
For many years Central Stickney has considered becoming a village. Annexation by Chicago remains a possibility. This ambition reflects a desire for greater self-governance. It is a struggle to preserve its distinct local identity.
Central Stickney Sanitary District formed in 1954. It serves an area bounded by Laramie Avenue on the east and 51st Street on the south. Central Avenue is to the west. The northern boundary is near 47th Street. The district originally provided sanitary sewage services to about 851 homes.
In 1968 the district added a potable water distribution system. Today it provides drinking water to approximately 705 homes. Charles J Sahs School also receives water. Several businesses also benefit. The system serves an approximate population of 2000.
Charles J Sahs Elementary School serves grades K-8. It is the only school in Central Stickney School District 110. High school students attend Reavis High School in Burbank. It is four miles south. Central Stickney is also part of the Moraine Valley Community College District 524.
Stickney Township was established in 1901. It contains several communities including Central Stickney. The township’s borders include Pershing Road to the north. Cicero Avenue is to the east. 87th Street is to the south. Harlem Avenue is to the west.
Central Stickney is part of Illinois’s 3rd congressional district. Marie Newman represents the district. Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin represent Illinois in the United States Senate. They maintain offices in Chicago.
Central Stickney is a community striving for independence. It provides essential services to its residents. The community faces challenges of potential annexation. It stands as a testament to local identity. Central Stickney continues to serve its residents. Its future is still being written.