Hello Neighbors
I hope you enjoyed your Fourth of July weekend. I saw many of you while I participated in parades: Saturday morning in Hawthorn Woods and Sunday afternoon in Mundelein. Thanks to those who volunteered to walk with me. It made kids along the route very happy!
While every issue of my newsletter has good, interesting and informative news prepared by our key departments, some - like this issue - contain items that may require your attention and action in a timely manner.
Property Taxes: The Lake County Assessor called earlier this week to tell me that the Fremont Township assessments will be mailed on Wednesday, July 15. Study your form closely and follow the directions to get help if you believe your assessment is wrong, or if you notice that some of the exemptions to which you are entitled are missing.
Traffic and Road Improvements: Hawley Street construction is about to begin. Many residents attended the open house on July 9 and gained detailed scheduling and detour information. Meanwhile, the Peterson Road, IL Route 83 and Midlothian Road project is coming to completion.
AND, exciting news regarding what I am going to call "The Ivanhoe Strangler" - the intersections of IL Route 60/83 and 176. The State permits were issued and bids were opened July 10 so if one is considered to be "responsive," the approval/award could come within two weeks (at the Mundelein Village Board meeting) and work would begin this season. For all of these projects, please be attentive to the signs and help keep our workers safe. For the latest information, see Passage at www.lakecountypassage.com .
Until my next newsletter, please contact me with any questions or recommendations.
Last year, the Lake County
Housing Authority proposed leasing Midlothian Manor, located 22843 W. North
Lakewood Lane in Lake Zurich, to PADS Lake County to provide a permanent home
for 14 individuals who have faced chronic homelessness as well as mental illness.
Several neighboring residents
challenged the administrative classification that would have allowed for
issuance of an occupancy permit. This administrative appeal was heard by
the Zoning Board of Appeals, and in June the administrative decision was
overturned, and as a result an occupancy permit has not been issued.
The Housing Authority has now challenged the decision of
the Zoning Board of Appeals in Circuit Court.
Court records and proceedings are open to the public. Watch my newsletter for periodic updates on
the case.
Many residents have raised
questions about the Housing Authority's decisions. The Lake County Board
does not have any oversight authority over the Housing Authority. The
Housing Authority is a separate public entity created by Illinois law. It has
its own budget, its own funding sources, and maintains independent management
of its operations and decisions.
On July 9, I participated in the Chicago Regional Economic Development meeting and workshop along with representatives from Chicago, Cook County and the collar counties.
Lake County and Lake County Partners (LCP) - the public-private partnership for economic development - hosted the meeting. County Board
Chairman Aaron Lawlor invited me to participate as a member of the LCP Board and as an elected member of the Lake County Board.
Speakers included Chairman Lawlor, Toni Prekwinkle (Cook County President), the State of Illinois Director of Economic Development, a
representative of the Metals Consortium, and a ranking staff member of US
EPA. Two panel presentations proved to be excellent sources of best practice ideas. One focused on success stories, models for regional collaboration. The other group explained the keys to gaining Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Those investments by non-USA firms create thousands of good jobs in our region and across the country.
 The State of Illinois permits have now been issued and the Village of Mundelein is moving forward with the project to improve the intersection of IL Route 83, IL Route 60, IL Route 176 and Schank Road. The project includes the addition of new turn lanes, traffic signals and an eastbound through lane on IL Route 60 as well as resurfacing the roadways in the area. Construction is expected to begin in mid- to late August.
Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) Director Paula Trigg and her staff knew that you and I were very interested in this project and created this "satellite view" map of modifications and improvements. For more information, visit the village website.
Fremont Township property assessment notices will be mailed out July 15. The notices
will include important information and a summary of the current year’s
valuation charges, property characteristics, homestead exemptions received on the
previous tax bill, and more. For information about your assessment notice, view this Chief County Assessment Office Newsletter.
The IL Route 53/120
project has been talked about for a long time, but now it is closer to being
built than ever before. Lake County along with local mayors, transportation and
environmental stakeholders have been working with the Illinois Tollway on a plan
for the extension that will reduce traffic congestion, provide opportunities
for economic development and protect open space and the environment. Visit
ilroute53.org to
learn more. |
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Enjoy all that summer offers. Check the web links below to the Forest Preserves' activities and those of local libraries, park districts - especially water and aquatic centers and villages.
Summer is a great time for "big kids" and cars, including classic cars and a local road rally. In Hawthorn Woods, you can join the "35th Annual Treasure Hunt and Road Rally."
Nearby communities have "Cruise Nights," often with hundreds of classic cars, some with hot rods, hot dogs and more! Mundelein's "Park on Park" is the largest show in the area, which occurs on the second Wednesday of each summer month. Hawthorn Woods' "Car Show Cruise Night" includes family activities. The next one is on July 17.
Lake Zurich's "Main Street Cruise Night" is on the first Wednesday of August and September.
Get free
family fun at the Annual Car Show at the Grand Dominion Lodge, Mundelein on Aug. 16, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
 Forest Preserve News
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 Check Out Tuesday Concert Series
Tuesday night outdoor concerts at Independence Grove Forest
Preserve in Libertyville
feature critically acclaimed recording artists performing a range of musical
styles. These relax-on-the-lawn concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. through Aug.
4. View the concert
schedule.
Gospel Fest Comes To Greenbelt July 19
Join the annual gospel tribute, Gospelfest from 3 to 6 p.m. July 19 at the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Local choirs, solo performances and praise dancers will bring you to your feet. This year, come out and hear internationally acclaimed Chicago Mass Choir. The event is free and open to all ages. Bring an umbrella, chair or blanket. If raining, the event will be moved indoors. Details
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 What
are the top 4 reasons to go to your local farmers market? Local residents and
shoppers tell us in this video.
Lake County has 20+ markets so there is sure to be one close to you. Find
out where at http://maps.lakecountyil.gov/farmersmarkets/
To help Lake County
residents better manage the costs of prescription medications as well as health
and dental services, Lake County is joining a new prescription, health and
dental discount program. The program provides up to 75 percent off
prescriptions and discounts on medical and dental services. The free
prescription discount card and information on the low-cost health and dental
discounts are available at city halls, township offices and libraries
throughout the county. Watch
to learn more. |
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Join First Employment Opportunities Fair July 21 in Round Lake
The Illinois Department of Employment Security
and State Sen. Melinda Bush will hold the first Employment Opportunities Fair
from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. July 21 at Magee Middle School, 500 N. Cedar Lake
Road, Round Lake. More information
Lake County is Hiring. Check Out Job Openings
Lake County is hiring! Career opportunities cover a wide spectrum of fields. Check out our career portal for
the current job listings for Lake County
government.
Green Corner
SWALCO Holds Next Free Household Chemical Waste Event
The Solid Waste Agency of
Lake County will hold its next household chemical waste event Saturday, July 11
and again July 27 at its facility, 1311 N. Estes St., Gurnee. Appointments are
required for these events to ensure safety and efficiency. Collections are for residential waste only. No business waste will
be accepted. These collections are free for Illinois residents only. Click
here to schedule an appointment
 Summer also
can mean stormy weather. Knowing how to prepare can ensure you and your family
stay safe during a severe storm. Learn the difference between a “Watch” and a
“Warning”, the dangers of flash flooding, food safety during a storm and more
in our Stormy Weather Safety Tips Video.
For information about storm preparedness, visit Alert Lake County.
Protect Your Home and Save Money If Floods Come
Residents in unincorporated Lake County may be able to save up to
20 percent on their flood insurance policies. Lake County is recertified each
year through FEMA based on our floodplain and building code regulations and
community information and education. To find out more about floodplain
regulations and to determine if you are located in a floodplain, visit our Flood
Information page.
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