City of Prospect Heights 2014 Fall Newsletter

quarterlynews
prospect-heights.il.us
There Will Be Peace In Our Valley. So It Was Said and So It Is Done
“It is the fall time of year and everything
is changing, the leaves turn their colors,
feel the air turning cool...” are the lyrics
I remember from long ago. From high
school and professional football games,
basketball and hockey, and to other sports,
returning to school after the summer is filled
with anxiety, trepidation and most of all
excitement. This is a great time of the year
for all those feelings and many more. And
so it is for our city at this time too. The Fall
colors display the growth of the year gone
by and welcome with new excitement the
start of another year of prosperity to come.
At the City, progress has been our middle
name. We will carry on that legacy of
accomplishments into a new term. Not a
single street has potholes remaining and new
economic development programs produced
400 new jobs to fill 22 vacant storefronts.
We went from red ink to a balanced budget,
including new reserve funds. A decimated
police department is now fully staffed and
highly functional with a full time police center
to service our community. Most of all, there
is peace with our neighbors in this valley and
the “pride” of living here has crept back into
our vocabulary.
I asked our city staff and department heads
to not only bask in the sunshine of our
quickly passing current term but more than
that, to help plan our future for the next
four years. The new term starts on May 1,
2015 following the Consolidated Election
on April 7th. We will all enthusiastically
take up the challenges that will pace us
now and into the future. There is so much
more to do and so little time with just four
more years to get it done.
New jobs are opening up starting with a
city administrator’s position. We will also be
looking to hire an Economic Development and the possibility of the purchase of the
Director. While we sold the vacant industrial Old Town Sanitary District.
building located near Wolf and Palatine Already on the way for new construction
Roads, there are still 10 or more
in the spring is a 102 room assisted
acres of land available to sell
living center along Elmhurst
for future development.
Road just south of Palatine
Our Comprehensive Land
Road. Sometimes you have
Development Plan for
to be satisfied with taking
the entire city has been
two steps forward and then
completed so we can
being forced to take one
now look to implement
step back. That is the case
that plan. We look to
with the now vacant former
include the development of
Fair Bridge Inn on Milwaukee
30 acres of vacant land
Avenue at the airport. But the
along Sanders Road
good news is that there is
just south of Palatine.
some genuine interest by
The renovation of the
Mayor Nicholas J. Helmer people to possibly purchase
Palwaukee Plaza, along
and put the 165 rooms back
with filling the now
into service. A new coffee shop will open
vacant 17,000 square foot former Earl’s at our Metra station. Remember to stop in
Men’s Wear will be a priority and much more. there on your commute to downtown.
The Tourism District will undergo extensive
Our plates are filling up fast. Volunteers
landscaping changes. The Levee 37 project
to
help us would make things easier.
will be completed. We are also looking into
more school sidewalk construction projects Come see me or call me (847-398-6070)
and let’s talk.
CITY OF
Prospect Heights
Elected Officials
Fall 2014
Fall Is The Season for Planning 2
The city makes plans for the future
Phone: 847-398-6070
Mayor
Nicholas J. Helmer
x231
City Clerk
Stacey Adamson
x220
City Treasurer
Rich Tibbits
x221
Ward 1 Alderman Luis Mendez
x233
Ward 2 Alderman John Styler
x234
Ward 3 Alderman Scott Williamson
x228
Ward 4 Alderman Pat Ludvigsen
x229
Ward 5 Alderman Bree Higgins
x230
Community Car Show
3
Halloween Safety
Driving through Water
5
7
New Home Construction
9
Successful event
Dangers of driving through standing water
Soaring in Prospect Heights!
Sanders Road Site
Redevelopment options along Sanders Rd.
10
Fall is the season for planning
Many Cities across the nation use each
Fall to coordinate planning activities
for the next year ahead and up to
five years in the future. The City of
Prospect Heights is no exception to
this practice and has been working
diligently to identify planning priorities
in major multiyear and annual cycles.
Of significance the City completed,
William Balling
approved, and published its
Interim City Administrator
Comprehensive Plan. This Plan
provides the foundation for further development and land use
decisions important for the Prospect Heights future. Closely
related the City will conduct a hearing on Sanders Road land
currently owned by Allstate Insurance as a more detailed sub-area
plan. Hopefully this sub area plan will introduce new investment
to the eastern portion of the City which should also stimulate
additional growth. On a parallel tract the Chicago Executive
Airport has announced the launch of it’s Comprehensive Plan.
As the third busiest airport in the state, CEA has been for over
95 years a significant element of the regional air infrastructure
foundation for current and future economic investment. The
airport study will be comprehensive following FAA guidelines,
take 3-4 years to compile, and will serve as a long term planning
framework with this very unique regional asset.
Closer to City work the City Council and Staff are currently engaged
in identifying goals and priorities for consideration in the next year
budget for the period May 1, 2015 – April 30, 2016. Ultimately
after the budget planning is complete in February, the City Council
will allocate resources and, with staff, identify implementation
strategies to ensure that the citizens and business will continue
to receive appropriate and efficient City services which you have
all come to expect. If you have ideas which you believe should be
considered in budget planning, please feel free to drop me an email
at [email protected]. I would be happy to give your
ideas careful consideration. Please also feel free to contact your
Alderman for priorities which are important to you.
Prospect Heights Police Train in
Dealing with Heroin Overdoses
The Prospect
Heights Police
Department is
one of the five
in Cook County
to participate
in
training
that
taught
members
of
the department
what to look
for
when
encountering
a
person
suffering from an overdose and how to best administer the
medication (Naloxone) that counteracts the effects of an overdose.
Naloxone is a medication that is administered to an individual
who has overdosed on opioids, such as heroin. It works by
temporarily reversing the effects of the opioid, whether illicit or
prescription, allowing the individual to regain consciousness and
resume normal breathing.
Officers learned how to administer Naloxone into the arm or leg with
a syringe. Training was conducted on Thursday, Oct. 2, and Friday,
Oct. 3, by the organization Live4Lali that provides individuals,
families, communities, organizations and businesses with effective
drug and overdose prevention education, and support regarding
drug use, misuse, addiction and overdose prevention.
Live4Lali recently has focused on teaching members of law
enforcement what to look for when encountering a person suffering
from an overdose and how to best administer the medication.
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, someone dies every 19 minutes from a drug overdose.
“Because police officers and other first responders may encounter
someone experiencing an overdose, this type of training is
invaluable and may ultimately prevent an overdose from turning
fatal,” said Chief Jamie Dunne.
The training was funded through the Police Department’s Drug
Enforcement Administration Drug Seizure fund. All sworn members
of the department participated. Prospect Heights Police Department
was the first in Cook County to use Narcan training. This training
was in addition to the Autism Training for First Responders and
Safety Professionals. This was held the same month at the police
station by Autism Training Center at Giant Steps.
Direct questions or comments Dunne or Deputy Chief Al Steffen at
(847) 398-5511.
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prospect-heights.il.us
Grand Opening!
– Community Car Show –
Coffee and pastries at Ultra Foods’ new kiosk
Ultra Foods and the City of Prospect Heights are pleased to
announce the grand opening of a coffee/pastry kiosk in the Prospect
Heights Metra Train Station, 101 S. Wolf Road. Opening day will be
October 27th at 6:00 am. The business hours for this kiosk will be
Monday through Friday 6:00 am to 9:00 am.
Prospect Heights
Natural Resources
Commission
The Natural Resources Commission (NRS) will continue their
Work Days with the Slough restoration project, every other
Sunday from 9:00 AM to Noon, throughout the winter months.
There will be opportunities for volunteers to collect native seeds
from a prairie this fall, and plant these seeds at the Slough,
in the spring, to help restore its natural splendor. There is an
opportunity for Scout Troops to get involved.
Sign up to receive further information by visiting our
website at www.phnrc.com, like us on Facebook at
Prospect Heights Natural Resources Commission, or email
Agnes at [email protected]
Government Law
Tressler LLP has one of the most experienced and multi-faceted government practices
in Illinois. From our Chicago, Bolingbrook and Park Ridge offices, our seasoned team is
uniquely situated to represent municipalities, park districts, school districts and other
public entities throughout the Chicago area. www.tresslerllp.com
Park Ridge
Chicago
Bolingbrook
22 South Washington Avenue
Park Ridge, IL 60068
847.268.8600
233 South Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606
312.627.4000
305 West Briarcliff Road
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
630.759.0800
Pat, Dave, and Amy Weiner and Jordan
Salus of Dave’s Auto Clinic after
receiving the Alderman Mendez Award
for Best Classic Car – 1968 GTO.
Pardeep Deol of the PD was
one of the Award announcers
Not only was the weather
glorious, but the event was
a spectacle of American
Classic
automobiles
and motorcycles. Rocky
Vanders Café was the
venue and co-sponsor of
the event, along with the
City of Prospect Heights.
The two local bands
included Exit 147 and
Stellar, who presented
one of the best-received
outdoor concerts that the
City has hosted. The crowd
was enthusiastic, the food
was BBQ and wings as
only Rocky Vanders can
make, and the response
was overwhelming. The Police and Fire Department provided
vehicles and logistical assistance in arranging such a massive
undertaking in the parking lot at Palwaukee Plaza
Aldermen Higgins and Alderman Mendez gave out awards to their
choice for top classic car. Mayor Helmer represented the City in
presenting the trophies.
There is great expectation that this will be an annual event, as it
was not only fun for the visitors but for the participants and the
City Staff and Departments that helped coordinate the Show.
A sincere thanks from the City of Prospect Heights to Rocky
Vanders and their Staff, and Jim and George Sellis (owners of
Rocky Vanders) – they made the day memorable.
A Great Place To Live and Work
3
MONEY MATTERS...
FROM THE FINANCE DIRECTOR
Christmas Tree
Lighting/Santa Arrival
Stephanie
Hannon
On July 13, 2009, Governor
Pat Quinn signed the Illinois
Video Gaming Act making video
gaming terminals legal in Illinois.
The Act allows for video gaming
terminals to be placed in certain
liquor establishments, truck stops
and
fraternal/veterans
clubs
throughout the state.
The Illinois Gaming Board (the IGB
or Board) has the responsibility
of implementing and regulating
video gaming in Illinois. Initially,
the Board established several
administrative rules and guidelines
for all businesses that apply for
the required gaming license. The
rules will provide guidance on
matters such as, but not limited to,
standards, testing requirements,
application
procedures
and
violation hearings.
The City of Prospect Heights City
Council approved the installation of
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prospect-heights.il.us
video gaming machines within
permissible establishments as
allowed by the Video Gaming Act
on June 11, 2012. Jurisdiction over
video gaming oversight is with the
State of Illinois Gaming Board.
Since the passage of our City’s
gaming ordinance, there are now
seven establishments that are
licensed under the Act. From the
beginning of operations by the first
establishment approved in May
2013 to date, the City has received
$51,422 in gaming tax. We are
projecting $75,000 in income for
FY2014/15 putting the City $57,000
ahead of projections. The gaming tax
has provided the City with a revenue
source not directly imposed on its
residents and will help to balance
our overall budget.
The Prospect Heights Garden
Club will hold their Annual
Christmas Tree Lighting event
on Saturday, November 29th.
Christmas carols will be sung
by local Daisy Scout, Girl Scout,
and Cub Scout Troops. Santa will
make a special appearance and
the Garden Club Elves will provide
hot chocolate and cookies. There
will also be a fire pit for toasting
marshmallows. Check the City
of Prospect Heights website for
further details.
Prospect Heights Police Department Halloween Safety
Halloween can be a fun and exciting
holiday - ONLY if we follow some simple
safety rules. Remember that our children
are going door to door in costumes at
night taking treats from possible strangers.
Even if we only go to the houses we know
there are still some safety concerns. BE
CAREFUL AND ENJOY HALLOWEEN.
• Accept treats only in the doorway.
NEVER go inside a house.
Highly visible during dusk
or darkness.
Decorate
costumes and treat bags
with reflective tape. Attach
a glow stick.
• Properly fitted and short
enough to prevent children
from tripping and falling.
• Made with flame resistant materials.
• Masks may limit or block eyesight
– consider using non-toxic and
hypoallergenic makeup.
• Swords, knives and similar accessories
should be made of soft and flexible
material.
• Carry a small flashlight to light your way.
• Wear a watch.
TRICK OR TREATING:
you
are
• Only visit homes with outside lights on.
• Carry a cell phone
for emergencies
or to let someone
know you will be late.
• Stay away from open fires or candles.
• Call 911 to report suspicious activity.
PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS:
CANdY ANd TREATS:
• Walk, DO NOT RUN!
•Stay in groups – never trick-ortreat alone.
COSTuME SAFETY TIPS:
• Stay in neighborhoods
familiar with.
• Plan your entire route and make sure
your family knows it.
• No treats should be eaten until they are
thoroughly checked by the child’s parent
or guardian.
•
If you are with a parent do
not get too far ahead.
• Non factory packaged items such as
popcorn, fruit or small candies – Throw
Away!
• Don’t let strangers take
your picture without your
parent’s permission.
Candy with loose or torn wrappers –
Throw Away!
•
Stay on sidewalks and
driveways
– it is not polite
to cross through
the yard.
• Cross the street at
the corner or in a
crosswalk.
• Look left, right
and left again to
make sure the
way is clear.
• Watch
for
vehicles – drivers
may have trouble
seeing you.
• Return at the
agreed upon time.
WE’VE EXPANDED.
The doors to our brand new location at 606 North Milwaukee Avenue
in Prospect Heights are now open!
We could not be more excited to offer even more outstanding customer service
and exceptional banking solutions in your area. Stop in and see us today!
Now Open: 606 N. Milwaukee Ave. | Prospect Heights, IL 60070
847-229-7037 | www.bankatvillage.com
A Great Place To Live and Work
5
Storm Report/Storm Wake-Up Call
STORM PREPARATION
STORM REPORT BRIEF:
This storm proved to be learning experience
for many including me. The City of Prospect
Heights suggest a few things home owners
can do in preparation of a possible storm in
the future;
Phase 1
New Assistant to the
City Administrator
•
Phase 1, the first round of a citywide canvassing of streets for tree
debris removal was completed on
approximately Tuesday, September 16,
2014(performed in only 9 days).
•
Have an emergency kit handy (First Aid
kits, flashlights, extra batteries etc.)
•
•
Have bottled water to last a few days
for the family (do not forget about
your pets)
Approximately 16 trucks of branches
were hauled a day
•
Approximately 144 truckloads
branches were hauled
•
Have extra non-perishable food to
last a few days (do not forget about
your pets)
•
The
branch
pile
measures
approximately 50’ x 60’ at 15’ tall.
•
The
mulch
pile
increased
approximately 60’ x60’ at 25’ tall
•
Routinely prune your trees (bundle in
four foot sections for trash day)
•
Remove any trees / branches near
power lines
•
Maintain yards clean and clear of debris
especially along the creeks/streams
•
Refer to www.ready.gov for additional
suggestions
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prospect-heights.il.us
to
Phase 2 and Phase 3 & 4…
•
The P.W. staff continued canvassing
the City through Friday September
26, 2014.
Any questions or comments about this
topic please contact Steven Cutaia,
Public Works Director at 847-398-6070,
extension 207.
Referenda Questions on the November Ballot
At its July 28th meeting, the city council
voted to place two referendum questions
on the November 4th ballot for the City of
Prospect Heights. The referendums ask
voters to decide whether the city clerk
and city treasurer should be elected or
appointed positions. Those positions
are currently elected. If appointed, they
would be filled by the mayor with the
advice and consent of the city council.
In making the decision to ask voters,
Aldermen considered that most of the
day-to-day work of the treasurer and
clerk is currently handled by full time
staff acting on behalf of the clerk and
treasurer. If approved, theses positions
would be appointed by the mayor, but
approved by the city council.
of
Referendum
Questions:
Anthony
J.
Kalina
has joined the City
Hall Staff as the
Assistant to the
City Administrator.
Anthony is a 2006
graduate from DePaul
University and was a
member of their NCAA club baseball team.
His background includes a work/study
internship for the Village of Barrington,
while completing his Masters in Public
Administration with a concentration in
finance from Northern Illinois University.
Anthony became a member of the
Prospect Heights Staff in September. He
has already begun to make an impact
through a variety of projects: media
relations, communications with the public
through the newsletter and website,
employee purchasing policies and
regulations, working with Staff to enhance
the City’s administrative efficiency and
effectiveness, etc.
“I am looking forward to all aspects of
working with the City Staff and the Mayor.
I plan to be a very visible and valuable
member of the City Staff, as well as
providing outstanding public service to the
residents of Prospect Heights.”
2014
Shall the City Treasurer in the
City of Prospect Heights, Illinois
be appointed by the Mayor
with the advice and consent
of the City Council, rather than
elected?
Shall the City Clerk in the City
of Prospect Heights, Illinois be
appointed by the Mayor with the
advice and consent of the City
Council, rather than elected?
Are You Included?
Get alerted about emergencies and
other important community news by
signing up for the Northwest Central
Dispatch System Emergency Alert
Program
(https://member.everbridge.
net/index/1332612387831962#/login).
This emergency notification system
enables your community to provide
you with critical information quickly in
a variety of situations, such as severe
weather, unexpected road closures,
missing persons, and evacuation of
buildings or neighborhoods.
The Dangers of Driving Through Standing Water
of the vehicle, it’s only going to get higher
as you proceed.
dO NOT dO IT.
We’ve all been warned yet most drivers
have tested the unknown depths of
standing water.
“If it’s going above your tire, forget it, that’s
a recipe for disaster,” Bond says.
The most dangerous element of driving
through water, however, is the unseen. It’s
impossible to know how deep it is. If you
can see the curb or any other curbside
indicators like fire hydrants, you should be
able to reasonably gauge the depth.
“Water level is deceiving and people think
they can get through two feet of water,” said
Monique Bond, spokesperson for the Illinois
State Police. “That’s simply not the case.”
Six inches of standing water can be enough
to stall an engine in a low-clearance vehicle.
Problems multiply with rising water levels.
Headlights and taillights can take on water
and need to be replaced. If water gets in
the air intakes then it will likely get into the
engine fluids. If water gets in the engine,
your car won’t run for long. Water that
seeps into the inside of the car can lead
to moldy mats, rusted brackets and water
trapped in interior pockets, which can make
the whole car smell moldy.
Driving through standing water is not worth
it for more serious reasons.
One foot of water can be enough to dislodge
a car from the surface and cause it to begin
to float away, according to FEMA. In 2012
the National Weather Service launched
the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown” campaign
because more deaths occur from flooding
than any other severe weather-related
hazard, and over half of the deaths are from
vehicles driving into flood waters.
easier than your car. Stranded cars will be
towed out of the way and then owners are
responsible for clearing them.
What if you can’t avoid standing water?
First, check your surroundings; do not
drive through standing water if there are
downed electric lines nearby. Water, or
more accurately, the junk in water, can
carry an electric charge and you don’t need
that. Second, gauge the vehicles in front of
you, if their tailpipes get submerged, turn
around. Is there a noticeable higher part
of the road? Are on-coming cars the same
size as your vehicle making it? Can you see
all of their grille?
If you don’t have a lead blocker, try and
gauge what would happen if you opened
your door. Even if water is up to the bottom
Be aware of standing, swirling, or rushing
water. If debris is traveling swiftly then your
car could go with it, depending on depth
of the water. Swirling water can indicate
a sewer or open hole beneath the visible
surface.
If you can’t gauge the depth, turn around.
But if you absolutely must proceed, multiple
sources advise to drive slowly but steadily
through the water. The faster you go, the
more water will get in the undercarriage of
the vehicle.
After driving thru standing water, tap your
brakes. Double your distance between the
car ahead of you. Get home safely and
check the car in the days that follow for
mold smells or sputtering engine noises.
Avoid it if you can.
While floating away is unlikely in urban
areas, irreparable damage to the car is
possible. If your car stalls, do not restart the
engine. It must take in air to start and the
air intakes may have water in them. If the
car stalls, then you have to consider either
leaving the car for higher ground, or, if water
is rising inside the car, open the window
and sit on the ledge or whatever high point
until help arrives. IDOT recommends sitting
on, not in, your car.
“It’s not advisable to stay inside your
car in rising waters,” says Guy Tridgell,
spokesperson for IDOT. Walking away could
be problematic. If waters are swirling or
rushing, the force can push you aside much
A Great Place To Live and Work
7
City Back-Flow Program Initiated 3rd Ward Report
This program ONLY applies to
residents that obtain their water
through the City of Prospect
Heights. City of Prospect
Heights does not currently
have a potable water back
flow program. As you may
know, the State of Illinois along
with our municipal ordinance
requires a backflow device on
all municipal water services that
are in commercial properties
and residential properties that
have a lawn and/or fire sprinkler
system. This device prevents a
back flow of water, chemicals,
poisons, waste products etc.
into the public’s drinking water.
The City had contracted with
BACKFLOW SOLUTIONS(BSI),
a well-known, organized, and
established
company
that
provides this tracking and
record keeping program. By
using this established and well
known company, it will provide
a quick and easy establishment
of the program for both staff,
residents, and the resident’s
contractors. Because so many
other surrounding communities
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prospect-heights.il.us
are using this company, it will
benefit our residents (customers)
since the testing agencies
(Illinois Licensed Specialists) are
familiar with the easy process.
The company operates a
detailed, on-line computer web
page that customers as well as
staff will utilize. All properties that
have this device are required to
have it tested once a year by an
Illinois state licensed specialist.
That specialist is to submit the
approved inspection to BSI.
This program is designed
to ensure our water users
that the City Water supply is
being protected by the safest
possible procedure. BSI will
soon be mailing an inventory
questionnaire ONLY to residents
that obtain their water through the
City of Prospect Heights. Later a
letter will be mailed to all owners
reminding them to register their
passing inspection(s). Should
you have any questions please
contact Steve Cutaia, Public
Works Director at 847-398-6070
at extension 207.
There is quite a bit going on in
the 3rd ward the past couple
of months. Unfortunately, our
area was the hardest hit by the
storms that rolled through a few
weeks ago. Trees both large and
small came down and power
was out for a few days in much
of the area. Please join me in
applauding Public Works and
the amazing job they did in the
clean-up efforts. If there is any
residual debris as a result of that
storm that is in need of removal,
please let me know. On a brighter
note, there is an assisted living
development proposed for the
Southwest corner of Palatine
and Elmhurst Roads for which a
formal Planning & Zoning Public
Meeting was held on 9/25. The
proposed development is very
tastefully done and plans can
be provided to you if interested.
Several traffic studies have
been and will be conducted to
gather the data necessary to
better control traffic in several
residential areas so be aware,
your speed is being tracked.
Whether that radar sign is lit up
or not, it knows how fast you
are going. Please remember, the
speed limit on residential streets
is 25 mph and stop signs are
NOT optional, please abide by
them. These are just a few of the
current happenings. If you have
any ideas, issues, concerns or
just want to chat, please feel
free to contact me. I can always
be reached at 847.398.6070 Ext.
228 or at [email protected] - Scott Williamson
Snow Removal and Your Mail Box New Home Construction in
Prospect Heights Soars
PLEASE, NOW IS THE TIME
TO INSTALL A NEW SAFE &
SECURE MAILBOX. Snow
plows have been known to
plow heavy, wet, compact
snow
into
unsecured,
unstable, decaying mailboxes
resulting in damage. Wood
mailbox poles decay quickly
at the base which decreases
their strength and stability
when the heavy wet snow is
pushed against it.
If your mailbox does get damaged during a plowing incident
please call the entity that plowed your street. That entity is
responsible for installing a temporary mailbox until they
can permanently install one in the spring. These are the
corresponding streets and entities that are responsible for
snow removal and their contact information;
COuNTY (847) 827-1164
STATE (847) 272-1246
Euclid Avenue
Milwaukee Avenue
Schoenbeck Road
Elmhurst Road
Willow Road
Rand Road
Hintz Road
Palatine Road
Wheeling Road
Wolf Road
Camp McDonald Road
ALL OThER: CITY hALL (847) 398-6070
Staff, upon receiving notification that a mailbox is down on
a city street, shall inform the foreman. The foreman shall
examine and investigate the situation. Public Works shall
place a temporary mailbox in that location that day or the
following morning. The foreman shall examine the situation
and determine if it was the City’s fault or responsibility
and deem it to be placed on the spring replacement list if
applicable. The foreman shall notify the PW Director, and the
Director shall mail a letter explaining the process.
The Public Works Department will attempt to install the permanent
mailboxes when ground thaws. The City shall only replace
mailboxes with a pre-manufactured black mailbox on a pre-made
/ treated 4”x4” post, buried about 3’ encased in concrete. The City
shall not install customer purchased mailboxes of any other size/
shape. The City shall not reimburse homeowners if they do not
like or want the City stocked mailboxes/posts. No reimbursements
shall be made.
Construction of new homes
in Prospect Heights has
risen to peak levels in 2014.
Commencing in 2012, with the
approval and construction of 15
luxury townhomes by Lexington
(at Euclid and Country Club
Drive), the trend has continued
through the 2013 and 2014
construction
seasons.
So
far this year we have issued
permits for eleven new single
family homes currently under
construction and three that
are substantially new homes.
These three homes will utilize
the existing foundation and add
a full second story addition,
with a complete rehab of the
basement and 1st floors.
These permits generated over
$55,000 in fees, $14,000 to the
Water Fund with a construction
value of over 4 million dollars. A
majority of the new homes are
“tear down-build backs,” where
an original home on a half-acre
or greater sized lot is purchased,
demolished, and redeveloped.
This activity ceased when the
recession occurred. The newly
constructed homes are built in
accordance to the International
Code Council’s Residential
Code, with inclusion of our
local amendments that include
a NFPA 13 D Residential Fire
Sprinkler, double 5/8” floor
construction,
5/8”
exterior
grade plywood roof sheathing,
integral smoke detectors in all
bedrooms, on all levels, and in
all furnace, utility, and laundry
rooms. These required code
elements provide for quality
construction
components
and a safe environment for
the occupants. Further, our
certified inspector(s) insure that
the approved plans are being
followed through a diligent
inspection process, including
civil engineering, so as to meet
or exceed our storm water
management
requirements.
Also, all contractors listed on
the permit application must
remit a contractor application,
with a $100 fee certificate
of insurance and provide a
$25,000 Surety Bond.
As
the economy improves, we
anticipate continued growth
and redevelopment of our
existing
housing
stock.
Similarly, we anticipate this
growth as families identify
Prospect Heights as a desirable
community,
with
quality
amenities such as schools,
parks, library, newly paved
streets, top rated police and
fire departments, along with
a diligent, friendly City Staff,
Mayor, and Elected Officials.
A Great Place To Live and Work
9
Sanders Road
Site Offers City
Development
Possibilities
to office space. Solomon pointed to
“significant market demand” for upscale
rental units in the area. The study says
by leaving the southern portion of the 30
acres for offices, Allstate would still have
an opportunity to expand.
However,
due
to
planned
retail
development at the GlenStar site a halfmile north, as well as east down Willow
into the village of Glenview, “there is not
likely to be additional demand in the near
term for a significant amount of new retail
space,” the study says.
Prospect Heights officials continue to
sharpen their focus on redevelopment
possibilities along Sanders Road.
On the west side of Sanders south of
Willow Road, lies 30 acres of land owned
by Allstate Insurance Co. Allstate’s
headquarters are on the opposite side
of Sanders up to I-294. The nationwide
insurance carrier has indicated to the city
its desire to keep some of the land open for
expansion of company office space should
the need the arise.
Even though plans for a 350-unit
apartment building on an 8-acre
portion of the site stalled at the city
council level earlier this year, Prospect
Heights officials haven’t stopped even
bigger ideas from forming for the open
site. Retail stores, for instance, would
generate new sales tax for the city
coffers. Prospect Heights’ status as a
non-home rule community affects its
ability to open new streams of revenue.
On Sept. 5, the Aldermen directed city
staff to write an ordinance, which adds
the Sanders “sub-area” to the town’s new
comprehensive land use plan. Both plans
will serve as a guide for officials as they
decide where to develop and improve
property moving forward.
In a feasibility study conducted by cityhired consulting firm Solomon Cordwell
A Revamped
Harper College in
Prospect Heights
10
prospect-heights.il.us
Site map included in new study shows
development possibilities for 30-acre tract on
Sanders Road in Prospect Hts. currently owned
by Allstate. The site is vacant, but both Allstate
and the city have expressed desires to one day
build there. Sanders runs north-south on the map
from Willow Road crossing east-west at the top.
Buenz, several redevelopment keys to the
site are outlined. Among them: proximity
to I-294, Allstate itself, the new 40-acre
GlenStar office development on Willow,
hotels on Milwaukee Avenue, nearby
single-family homes and the Des Plaines
River Trail.
Solomon’s report says since the site was
previously used for office buildings (later
demolished when HSBC moved out in
2010), it still has a “framework of access
points.” A new stoplight entrance with
Allstate may be required due to an increase
in vehicular traffic, the study adds.
The study recommends the city dedicate
part of the potential redevelopment site to
open space for a community “gateway”
and signage area, another similar footprint
to the acreage previously proposed
for apartments, a smaller part for retail
use and a majority of the site (22 acres)
Did you know that 1375 S. Wolf Road is home
to the Harper College Learning & Career
Center, formerly known as the Northeast
Center? It offers new programs right here in
your neighborhood in high-demand careers
in healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, IT,
and more. There are also free resources for
the public including computer access, WiFi,
Even the market outlook for the office
portion of the site isn’t totally bright,
the study continues. “Brokers consider
the overall North suburban submarket
to be soft given the overall office
vacancy rate including the sublet space
of 18.8%.” The study cites high Cook
County taxes compared to nearby Lake
County as another minus.
While the study does not call for any “big
box” retailers, Ald. Scott Williamson (3rd)
held out hope that one day, Allstate might
consider possibly changing its plans for
more offices.
Ald. Pat Ludvigsen (4th) offered a reminder
that the city is not “holding up” Allstate
by discussing redevelopment, and that
the company could decide to expand at
anytime on their land.
At the beginning of the discussion,
Mayor Nick Helmer said earlier that
day, Allstate had reviewed the plan
as proposed, but could take up to six
months to offer a response.
The new overall Comprehensive Plan, a
project nearly a year in the works, was
finally adopted with Council’s unanimous
approval Sept. 5.
a library, and other support services to get
you from coursework to career. For more
information, visit www.harpercollege.edu/
LCC, call 847.925.6230.
COUPON
PROSPECT
HEIGHTS
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a $50 or more purchase
Coupon Valid thru 12/31/2014
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Limit 1 per coupon. Limit 1 coupon per customer.
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Delicious
Deals
on the freshest selection
Fresh Soup
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Fresh Sushi
Salad Bar
Olive Bar
Larry’s
Legendary
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Sanderson Farms
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Perdue Fresh Chicken
and Turkey products
Fresh fish cooked
to order Complete
dinners
Ready made
meals
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VISIT US AT 1241 NORTH RAND ROAD
Open daily from 6am to midnight everyday
A Great Place To Live and Work
Prsrt Std
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City of Prospect Heights
8 N. Elmhurst Rd
Prospect Heights, IL 60070-1567
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Prospect Heights
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City Hall
Police Department
8 N. Elmhurst Rd.
Prospect Heights, IL. 60070
Phone: 847-398-6070
Fax: 847-392-4244
www.prospect-heights.il.us
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Prospect Heights, IL. 60070
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Prospect Heights, IL 60070
Phone: 847-398-6070
Fax: 847-459-0618
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