Cedar Village of Arlington Heights

Pros

• The Permitting Department is absolutely amazing.
• Jake went above and beyond to help the team.
• Jake kept them updated daily and notified them as soon as approval came.
• Faith was incredibly helpful and kind.
• The Arlington Heights team is amazing.

Cons

• The reviewer received a notice of discontinuance of water because someone didn't do their job and misconfigured the auto payments.
• The reviewer gave the building department experience one star.
• The reviewer regrets moving into this area.
• The reviewer stated that the department was not accommodating for local groups.
• The reviewer described the Metra station parking enforcement as scam artists after paying at the paybox.
• The reviewer noted that the app did not accept Visa cards, though those cards worked for other payments.
• The reviewer warned travelers to spend their money elsewhere, claiming they would be scammed.

Review

Community members in Arlington Heights describe a wide range of experiences when they interact with city services, from frustrating billing hiccups to standout acts of helpfulness. On one hand, residents have faced administrative bumps that ripple through their finances and daily routines, such as the transition to a new water billing system. In at least one account, a resident provided banking information for automatic withdrawals during the switch, only to receive a notice that their water service had been discontinued because someone didn't complete a required step. The result was confusion and financial stress, underscoring how a misstep in the setup process can quickly become a real headache for households that rely on timely, accurate billing.

The sentiment toward the building department, in particular, can feel disheartening to those who expected a smoother path through permits and approvals. One reviewer captures a distinct sense of disappointment, awarding the department a one-star experience and expressing regret about moving into the area after the encounter. While it's just one voice, it resonates with others who might have had similar frustrations navigating building-related processes, and it contrasts sharply with the more positive notes found elsewhere in the same civic ecosystem.

There is also feedback pointing to a lack of accommodation for local groups. A brief but telling line - "Ok. But not really accommodating for local groups" - suggests perceptions that some community segments feel left out or underserved in planning, outreach, or permit considerations. This thread hints at opportunities for the city to improve inclusivity and responsiveness beyond the core permitting tasks, ensuring that local organizations feel supported and valued.

Amid these critiques, other reviewers shine a bright light on the Permitting Department, highlighting exemplary service from specific staff members. Two names recur with appreciation: Jake and Faith. Jake is praised for going above and beyond during a high-pressure permitting rush. According to the reviewer, Jake checked in daily to update their place in line and spoke with them the moment approval arrived. The urgency was real, especially as the department was preparing to close for two weeks, and Jake's proactive communication was described as crucial and deeply appreciated. Faith receives similar accolades for warmth and patience. The reviewer notes calling her repeatedly and always receiving thoughtful, patient responses, even amid a demanding workload. Together, Jake and Faith are cited as proof that standout customer service can make a significant difference, turning what could be a stressful process into a surprisingly positive experience.

The Permitting Department, as reflected in these accounts, emerges as a beacon within Arlington Heights' civic services. Colleagues and teams within the same department are praised for their professionalism and the level of care they bring to projects under tight deadlines. The repeated emphasis on Jake's diligence and Faith's kindness paints a portrait of a responsive, human-centered team that seems to lift the overall perception of the city's permitting operations. For residents who navigate the often-daunting world of permits and approvals, such frontline ambassadors can transform a bureaucratic process into a partnership, underscoring the value of strong customer service in government.

Toward the end of the collected experiences, another thread focuses on practical service frustrations outside the permitting realm. A separate complaint targets the Metra station's parking payment system, described in stark terms as "scam artists" by a frustrated traveler. The reviewer recounts paying at the paybox as instructed, only to have the app reject their Visa cards - cards that otherwise work flawlessly elsewhere - while those same cards promptly paid a citation. The message is clear: for travelers and residents alike, a glitchy app and a malfunctioning payment interface can cast doubt on the reliability of the city's paid services. The takeaway is practical but pointed: if you're visiting or passing through, you might want to avoid relying on that system, as it could leave you feeling taken advantage of or stranded.

Taken together, the reviews present a mixed but richly human portrait of Arlington Heights' public services. There are clear, concrete failures that have real consequences - billing mishaps that disrupt family budgets and an app-based payment system that leaves travelers frustrated. Yet there are also compelling stories of exceptional service, led by individuals like Jake and Faith, who exemplify how a few responsive, considerate staff members can dramatically improve outcomes and broaden trust in local government. The contrast between these experiences highlights both the areas in need of improvement and the potential for highly effective public service when dedicated employees are empowered and supported to act on behalf of the community.

This part of Arlington Heights, Illinois, offers a range of convenient amenities and services that would be beneficial for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple pharmacies within a short distance, access to healthcare is easily accessible, including nearby hospitals such as NCH Northwest Community Hospital and Glenbrook Hospital. There are also various physicians' offices nearby for medical care needs. In terms of dining options, there are several restaurants and cafes to choose from, providing diverse culinary experiences. The area also boasts several parks for outdoor recreation and places of worship for spiritual nourishment. Additionally, transportation options are available with Metra stations and airport facilities within close proximity for easy travel. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded living environment suitable for seniors seeking convenience and accessibility in their daily lives.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)

Hospitals

• NCH Northwest Community Hospital (1.1 miles)
• Glenbrook Hospital (6.9 miles)
• Ascension Alexian Brothers - Behavioral Health Hospital (8 miles)
• Alexian Brothers Women and Children's Hospital (8.1 miles)

Physicians

• Arlington Eye Physicians (1.3 miles)
• Premier Eye Care & Surgery (4.9 miles)
• Ferber, Stuart Nch Buffalo Grove Outpatient Care Center (5.1 miles)
• Stuart Bergman-Bock MD - Northshore University Health Systems (7.6 miles)
• Physicians Cosmetic Institute (7.7 miles)
• Alexian Doctors Building 2 (8.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Culver's (1.7 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (1.9 miles)
• Olive Garden (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (2.3 miles)
• McDonald's (2.5 miles)
• Culver's (3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Cafe Zupas (6.2 miles)

Parks

• Lake Arlington (2.5 miles)
• Ned Brown Preserve (2.9 miles)
• Olympic Park (4.9 miles)
• Abrahamsen Park (5.9 miles)
• Fabbrini Park (6.5 miles)
• Sheffield Park (7.7 miles)
• South Park (8.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Thomas Of Villanova (2.7 miles)
• St Hubert Church (5.9 miles)
• Willow Creek Community Church (7.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Streets of Woodfield 20 (3.9 miles)
• Regal Lincolnshire & Imax (7.2 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (8.1 miles)
• United Club (8.2 miles)
• Concourse C (8.2 miles)
• O'Hare Multi-Modal Facility (8.3 miles)
• Concourse B (8.3 miles)
• Airport Transit System (8.3 miles)