July 19, 2019
Dear Neighbors,
|
Welcome to Bill Panos, recently hired as the new County Administrator. He brings valuable experience and a real positive energy to the county. I’m excited to have him here.
If you have an interest in adding solar panels to your home, please see below for an opportunity to provide input on the county’s new solar permitting ordinance.
Last week, the Board passed an updated Strategic Plan. You can read it HERE. I carried an amendment in the Infrastructure section for a “modern, multi-modal, comprehensive transportation plan,” to put increased focus on some of the work we’re already doing, like adding bike paths or lanes where we can and “smartening up” intersection technology, but also prioritizing other systems like public transit and bike share. It passed unanimously.
You might have heard that the Tollway Authority decided to end the impact study on the Route 53 extension proposal. While I think the County could have potentially received valuable information from the study, and might still, I do hope that we can move on from this almost 60 year old idea and start putting more money toward projects that will help relieve congestion—widening Route 22 (recently announced to be on the list to receive capital bill funds), adding turn lanes at intersections like Midlothian and Gilmer (on the County’s 5-year plan list) and underpasses at railroad crossings at Old McHenry and 60/83 (this last one is in Phase II at IDOT). Projects like these, along with more focus on a comprehensive plan as mentioned above, can help move this county forward.
Have a great weekend and stay cool.
Transportation News
|
Gilmer Road to Close for Repairs to Existing Railroad Crossing
The Canadian National Railroad will be closing the Elgin, Joliet and Eastern Railway railroad crossing on Gilmer Road south of Midlothian Road beginning at 6 a.m. July 22. The road is scheduled to reopen July 26 in the late afternoon. The closure is necessary to improve ride quality at the existing railroad crossing. This project will include replacing the crossing surface, asphalt and concrete milling, repaving and striping. View detour information.
Fremont Center Road to Close for Culvert Replacement
The Lake County Division of Transportation (LCDOT) will be closing Fremont Center Road, from Gilmer Road to Illinois Route 60 to through traffic starting Tuesday, July 30 at 5 a.m. It will be closed for three weeks. The closure is necessary for a culvert replacement at Squaw Creek. View detour information.
Illinois Tollway Will Not Complete the Environmental Impact Statement for the Tri-County Access Project
The Illinois Tollway announced recently that it will not complete the environmental impact statement (EIS) for the Tri-County Access (TCA) Project, formerly known as the IL Route 53/120 Project. The EIS was intended to be a comprehensive regional study conducted by the Illinois Tollway to evaluate potential environmentally and fiscally responsible solutions to ease regional traffic congestion in Lake, northern Cook and eastern McHenry counties.
Lake County will continue to advocate and work closely with the Illinois Department of Transportation, municipal, township and State elected officials to improve traffic congestion based on priorities identified in the Lake County State Highway Consensus Plan. The Lake County Board reaffirmed its commitment to addressing traffic congestion relief by adopting an updated strategic plan at its July board meeting. The plan continues the emphasis on strategies and actions the County will take to support a sustainable transportation system. Learn more.
County News
|
Recreational Cannabis Model Zoning Ordinance Task Force
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker recently signed into law the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act legalizing the production, sale and adult use of recreational cannabis in Illinois effective January 1, 2020. Local governments across the state are now evaluating how they will ultimately regulate and/or restrict recreational cannabis businesses through zoning (to the extent permitted by law) in terms of location, operations, parking, security, distances to sensitive land uses, and other considerations.
To facilitate a regional “shared services” approach to tackling these complex issues, the Lake County Planning, Building & Development Department is leading a Model Zoning Ordinance Task Force with area municipalities and other community stakeholders to jointly develop regulatory strategies addressing commercial recreational cannabis in our respective jurisdictions. Updates will be provided as the Task Force convenes this summer.
Collaborative Addresses Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Systems
Lake County is one of two communities in the U.S. selected to receive technical assistance to develop data-driven approaches to better understand and create inclusive and transformational strategic action plans incorporating best practices as part of SAMHSA’s Data-Driven Equity and Inclusion Learning Collaborative. The JFA Institute reported that while Lake County is below the national incarceration rate average, ethnic and racial disparities exist among people entering and being released from our jail.
After identifying disparities that exist within the Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Systems, Lake County, along with representatives from the North Chicago police department, Lake County Sheriff’s Office, States Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, 19th Judicial Circuit, Adult Probation, Health Department, and Nicasa Behavioral Health Services convened to strategize and develop an action plan that will address these inequities. This collaborative aligns with Lake County’s effort to reform the local criminal justice system and safely reduce the Lake County Jail’s population through the MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge.
Lake County Begins Construction on Modular Homes in North Chicago
Lake County is committed to providing residents with affordable housing options, especially for low-income families. One of the ways to provide residents with a more affordable alternative is through modular housing, which is less expensive because these homes are built off-site and delivered to their intended location to be put together on site.
|
Modular housing helps with housing shortages because building can be done year-round in the factory, which also allows for high levels of quality control and assurance. We are excited to announce modular housing construction in North Chicago began in early June. Along with the State of Illinois, we provided funding to Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH) to install new single-family homes for sale to low-income families. These homes will be available later this year.
Watch All County Board Meetings
Keep informed about Lake County government! Watch County Board meetings live at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. You can watch meetings live online or on Comcast channels 18 and 30, or AT&T channel 99. You can also view archived board meetings and standing committee meetings anytime.
|
 |
|
Forest Preserve News |
Fresh Produce Available
Fresh produce is available for purchase at a weekly farm stand from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays through Oct. 9. The farm stand is in the parking lot of the Greenbelt Cultural Center in North Chicago. Learn more »
Nature Open House
A nature open house will take place from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. July 25 at Heron Creek Forest Preserve in Lake Zurich. Live animals, crafts and guided activities will introduce you to some of the creatures that call Heron Creek home. Bring a picnic dinner and play on the playground, then stop by Shelter B and explore the nature of the preserve. The event is free, and no registration is required. Learn more »
|
Objects Talks: Magniscope
Is Lake County the birthplace of the motion picture projector? Yes! Discover the role of the magniscope in early motion pictures and how its inventor Edward Amet used his machine to show movies he created in his backyard. Objects Talks: Magniscope, a program for adults, will run from 2 to 2:30 p.m. July 30 at the Dunn Museum. $6 adults, $6/$3 seniors. Includes Museum admission. Registration is required. Learn more »
Public Meetings
|
Solar Energy Ordinance for Unincorporated Lake County
As the cost of solar power decreases, community interest in solar energy is surging. To accommodate this, Lake County is updating its zoning codes for unincorporated Lake County to reflect recent trends and improvements in solar technology. The public is invited to attend a hearing on proposed amendments to the zoning code at 2 p.m. July 23 at the Lake County Division of Transportation, 600 W. Winchester Rd., Libertyville.
|
The County’s new ordinance will be adapted from model regulations developed by the Solar Energy Task Force. Made up of the Lake County Planning, Building and Development Department, in partnership with 18 local municipalities and solar industry experts, the Solar Energy Task Force recently developed a Solar Energy Systems Model Ordinance to use in adopting state-of-the-art solar zoning codes. Learn more.
Increased Rainfall
Over the last few years, Lake County has been experiencing more frequent and stronger rainfall events, and as a result, the precipitation has broken records, caused millions of dollars in damage to properties, and obstructed the lives of Lake County residents and visitors. The Lake County Stormwater Management Commission invites individuals interested in hearing more about how increased rainfall is impacting Lake County to attend one of the public information meetings on July 24 and Aug. 8. Find out more.
|
News from the 19th Judicial Circuit
|
Law Day at the 19th Judicial Circuit
High school, middle school, and elementary school students came to the Lake County Courthouse to celebrate “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society” during this year’s Law Day. Featuring representatives from every corner of the county’s justice system, students had the opportunity to participate in mock trials, evidence presentations, and coloring/writing contests. Watch this video to learn more.
|
 |
|
Veteran News |
Veteran Services, Discharge Records, and Bonus Programs
Veterans Services Brochure
In Lake County, we appreciate the dedication and commitment of the men and women who have served in the United States Military. To honor their service, we offer resources to help veterans and eligible dependents who live in Lake County. Read our Veterans Services Brochure to learn more.
|
Discharge Records or DD214’s
The Lake County Recorder of Deeds Office is the proud keeper of military service discharge records, or DD214’s. If you would like a copy, fill out a request form for discharge records or for discharge records filed specifically in Lake County.
Veterans’ Affairs Bonus Programs
Through the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Bonus Programs, veterans who served in the Korean or Vietnam wars or in the Persian Gulf and individuals currently serving in the Global War on Terrorism can apply for a bonus payment. POW’s may also be eligible for compensation. Learn more about the bonus payment and how to apply.
Community Events and News
|
| 
