Elwood Village President Todd Matichak announces resignation

ELWOOD – Todd Matichak, the village of Elwood's president for the past nine months, announced his resignation effective Friday.

Matichak stepped down for personal reasons, according to a news release from the village.

“It has been my great privilege and honor to serve the residents of the village of Elwood as their [village president],” Matichak said in a statement. “I am grateful for having worked with public officials and staff who are committed to doing what is best for the village.”

Matichak was elected to the office in April. His resignation comes only days after NorthPoint Development's project team filed a formal plan with the village of Elwood to start the first half of its Compass Business Park, which has been a controversial topic of discussion.

The park would lie east of Route 53, partially in Jackson Township.

Matichak previously told The Herald-News that he had not heard of NorthPoint's proposed 2,000-plus-acre industrial park until mid-April and was surprised when he did.

It had been “emotional” for some east of Route 53 to learn of the proposal because they have lived and farmed the area for so long, Matichak said.

He said a lot of residents have a “bad taste” in their mouths because of CenterPoint, an existing intermodal center. He said he and the Village Board will vote, if and when the time comes, on what is best for the village.

“If it’s not good for the village, we won’t do it,” Matichak said.

The resignation will be discussed during the Village Board meeting at
7 p.m. Jan. 3.