August 11 City E-News: City Council Preview, National Night Out Recap and Family Fun this Weekend

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Message from Mayor Andrew Goczkowski

You have probably seen that the City Council recently approved a zoning change for the property of 622 Graceland-1368 Webford and 1332 Webford that was requested for a new development. 

While I did not have a vote on this zoning change, I do live in the neighborhood and do want to see this development come to fruition. The project meets several of our strategic goals for the redevelopment of downtown and I am excited about it’s potential for our community.

In conjunction with that project, the City is considering entering into a Purchase and Sale Agreement, or a PSA, for the sale of property at 1332 Webford Ave., a City-owned public parking lot. The PSA allows for the sale price of the lot to be $10 if conditions are met. For example, if the developer finalizes acquisition of the neighboring dance building in order to convert that property to a park/green space. 

So, while the City could be selling the property for $10, in exchange, we would be receiving green space that would be deeded back to the City of Des Plaines. In effect, trading a parking lot for a park.

We’re still retaining parking spaces because the developer would provide a minimum of 25 indoor parking spaces as part of the development, in addition to paying for the construction of adjacent on-street parking.

At the Aug. 1 meeting, Council voted 6-1 to approve the first reading of the ordinance that authorizes this PSA between the City and the developer. Two readings are required for approval. Full consideration of the second reading is expected to occur at the Sept. 6 Council meeting. Petitioner updates or meeting packet materials can be accessed at desplaines.org/gracelandwebford.

As always, feel free to contact me directly at agoczkowski@desplaines.org or 847-391-5301. Please share this E-News with your family, friends and neighbors and encourage them to subscribe.

City Council Update

On the Agenda: August 15

Council will meet on Monday. Here are some noteworthy items on the agenda:

• A proclamation recognizing Senior Citizens’ Day (August 21) will be issued.
• Consideration for Des Plaines’ support of Cook County 6B property tax incentive for a project at 580 S. Wolf. Highlander Transportation is a distribution company currently in Elk Grove Village, looking invest in Des Plaines. The 6B incentives promote development and economic growth that would not otherwise occur without the incentive.

• Discussion of placing a public ballot question on the November 8, 2022 ballot to be considered by the voters in the City as to whether terms limits for Des Plaines elected officials should be eliminated.

Read the agenda here for more details. And, watch the livestream here.

Kudos to DPPD Officers

Congratulations to Des Plaines Police Department Officers John Doherty and Michael Kurotobi who received Life Saving Awards for two separate incidents at the Aug. 1City Council meeting. Thank you, Officers, for keeping our community safe and for jumping into action when needed most. Watch the presentations here: bit.ly/3pdYfBz

Mayor Gozckowski, Ofc. Kurotobi, Ofc. Doherty, Chief Anderson

National Night Out 2022

Last week the Des Plaines Police hosted National Night Out. It was a chance for our officers and staff to make positive connections with our community and learn more about our public safety operations. Find out more about the event by watching our recap video.

Welcome College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk and Moving

Last week we officially welcomed College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk to the Des Plaines business community with a ribbon cutting and grand opening. Mayor Goczkowski along with representatives from the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry were on hand to celebrate their success. Congratulations and welcome to Des Plaines!

Family Fun this Weekend

Grab the kids and head downtown on Saturday, Aug. 13 for 2022 Draw Des Plaines Chalk Fest. Sponsored by the Des Plaines Arts Council, this free event will feature a live demonstration by Eric Greenawalt and opportunities for the family to get their hands dirty too. The event will take place on Library Plaza.

Be sure to swing by the Des Plaines History Center Kinder House (781 Pearson St.) to grab a sweet treat and support their Pies on the Porch fundraiser.

Both events run from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

August/September Meetings and Reminders

• 8/15 Council Meeting 7 p.m.
• 8/15 Public Works Branch collection begins for 60018
• 9/5 Labor Day, City offices closed. Refuse collection that week will be delayed one day.
• 9/6 Council Meeting 7 p.m. (Tuesday meeting)
• 9/15 Lawn watering restrictions end

Visit desplaines.org and check out our calendar to see what’s happening at the City and around town.

City of Des Plaines
Phone 847.391.5300

1420 Miner Street
Des Plaines, IL 60016