During the November 16, 2009 Village of South Holland board meeting, Village President Don A. De Graff and members of the Board of Trustees approved an ordinance broadening the definition of businesses that serve the motoring public to include grocery stores and auto-related businesses.

The amended ordinance responds to community and business needs. It does so in a way that upholds the values of the community and the spirit and intent of the historic Sunday closing law. Businesses authorized to serve their customers on Sunday will not open for business prior to 11:00 a.m. The start time was set to demonstrate sensitivity and respect for residents, guests, and store employees who value the quietness associated with this special day and/or traditional worship time opportunities.

This move of the village board was sparked, initially from an economic development survey created by South Holland’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) in May 2009. The purpose of the survey was to get input directly from South Holland residents to help guide the focus of future economic development. The survey indicated an interest in the Village Board considering a broadening of the existing Sunday closing law.

“The Board will always be responsive to the input of our residents and businesses, and if needed, change what we do,” said Village President Don De Graff. “The key is that we may change how we do certain things, but we will not change who we are. We will always be a community of churches. We will always be a community of Faith, Family and Future.”

Throughout this process, the Village Board and Administration have been engaging the community in a dialogue about the possibility of broadening the Sunday closing ordinance. Dialogues took place with the South Holland Ministerial Association, the South Holland Business Association, service organizations such as the Lion’s Club, several Neighborhood Groups, residents at Board meetings, and the Central Committee. The Central Committee includes representatives from what the village calls the “seven key groups” (neighborhood groups, educators, pastors, businesses, service organizations, realtors, and village officials).

Previously, gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies and family entertainment businesses could be open. This change adds businesses that sell groceries, and automotive related products and services to that list. In addition, it permits gas stations and mini-marts to sell grocery products.

“Businesses play a critical role in increasing the value of our homes and improving our quality of life. They are important for moving us progressively forward, to not only maintain, but to continually strengthen the economic vitality of South Holland,” said Village President De Graff. “I am very grateful for the businesses that serve the community, and this will further enhance their opportunities to serve our residents and guests. I strongly encourage all of our residents to be intentional about patronizing our South Holland businesses.”