City Council Update
At the last Council meeting, Council approved advancing the Phase I engineering of the proposed Algonquin Road Grade Separation project – which calls for constructing an overpass over the Union Pacific Railroad between Mount Prospect Road and Wolf Road. A comprehensive feasibility study identified this project as the highest transportation priority for the city because it is the most feasible compared to other projects and it would provide the most benefits, including: improved traffic flow, reduced traffic congestion and emissions and improved response times for emergency vehicles. This is the first step in a multi-year, multi-phased project which will take about one year to complete. Phase 1 includes environmental and drainage studies, analysis of traffic and safety and a recommended plan for the project. It will also consider cost estimates and explore possible funding sources. Additionally, the City (working with its engineering consultant) will hold public meetings and collect input that will be considered in the project design.
Building on the findings of this phase, the next phase would be detailed design, and would include additional public involvement. Depending on funding availability, construction could potentially begin in 2028 and would take about two years.
City Council will meet on Monday, Nov. 1. Noteworthy items on the agenda include:
- The Mayor will honor Veterans with the reading of a Proclamation in recognition of Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11.
- City Council will present several Des Plaines Police officers with life-saving awards.
- A public hearing to approve the 2021 proposed property tax levy, which represents a 2.91% decrease from the 2020 Property Tax Extension, and first reading of the 2021 Property Tax Levy Ordinance,
The agenda is posted here. Watch the meeting live.
City Receives First Request for Retail Cannabis Dispensary
Planning and Zoning Advisory Board to Vote on Request at Nov. 9 Meeting
The City has received an application for its first retail cannabis dispensary (adult-use/recreational sales) at 1504 Miner St., which is the site of the former Leona’s restaurant downtown.
The Planning and Zoning Board, which is responsible for reviewing development and land use proposals and making a recommendation to the City Council, will discuss this proposal at a public meeting on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
Because of its proposed location downtown, it requires a “conditional use” under the City’s Zoning rules, which triggers a more detailed review process.
All dispensary proposals need to meet certain regulations, including a minimum distance of 500 feet from pre-existing schools, commercial child care centers, and places of worship, as well as limitations on signs, lighting, and hours of operation.
The City Council is expected to take up this item in December.
Boo-lieve it! Halloween and Trick-or-Treating is Sunday
The City of Des Plaines does not have designated hours for trick-or-treating on Halloween. However, we encourage parents to be aware of the hazards that exist after sunset. If children are trick-or-treating at dusk or after dark, glow sticks and flashlights will enhance their visibility. Drivers should exercise caution at all times, but special attention should be given when driving near schools, parks, and residential neighborhoods on Halloween.
Visit our website for more safety tips and a quick safety video. You can also print flyers (available in English and Spanish) to let your neighbors know if your home is participating in trick-or-treating.
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Upcoming Railroad Crossing Closures and Detours
- Algonquin Road is fully closed to through traffic at the UP-railroad tracks west of Wolf Road through Sunday morning. Continue to follow the detour signs.
- The UP at-grade railroad crossing at US Route 12- Rand Road south of Golf Road will be closed starting Monday, Nov. 1 at 9 a.m. through Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 5 p.m. (weather permitting) for UP to conduct repairs. Please follow the posted vehicle detour route.
- Oakton Street at Canadian National Railroad (CN) crossing at Bittersweet Court will be closed starting Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 9 a.m. through Saturday, Nov. 6 (weather permitting) for CN to conduct repairs. Please follow the posted vehicle detour route for Oakton Street.
A Reminder from the Des Plaines Fire Department
Daylight saving time ends on Nov. 7. We encourage you to get into the life-saving habit of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when setting the clocks back for daylight saving time.
National First Responders Day was Oct. 28 across the country. A big thank you and shout out to our awesome Des Plaines police, fire and EMT personnel for all you do! We appreciate you!
October/November Reminders
- 10/31 Happy Halloween
- 11/1 Council Meeting 7 p.m.
- 11/4 Special Committee of the Whole Meeting 6 p.m.
- 11/7 Daylight Saving Ends
- 11/11 Veterans Day – City Offices Closed
- 11/15 Council Meeting 7 p.m.
Visit desplaines.org and check out our calendar to see what’s happening at the City and around town.
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