More Top Picks Drying Rack
Topics from the Oct. 10 Northbrook Village Board of Trustees meeting inspired applause and smiles but also sadness in a solemn quest for peace in Israel.
Northbrook Village President Kathryn L. Ciesla said, “The village president and board of trustees stand in solidarity with our entire community, region, country and with the state of Israel as we condemn this act of terrorism.
“As a village, we call for peace,” Ciesla said.
Ciesla asked Village Trustee Robert P. Israel to offer remarks from the dais. A visibly shaken Israel shared, “I want everyone to know my heart is broken but my resolve is not.”
Ciesla indicated it would be, “a difficult transition” to segue from war to agenda business which included an upbeat oath of office and official swearing in of new Northbrook Fire Chief David Schweihs, who started the position on Oct. 9.
Family members of Schweihs attended including his children who were dressed for the special occasion in wardrobes suitable for keepsake milestone photo opportunities.
Northbrook Village Clerk and Director of Administrative Services Sevices Debra J. Ford swore in Schweihs. Ford’s retirement was announced that evening, effective this Dec 1.
Ford’s term as village clerk runs May 2021 to April 2025.
Schweihs, a United States Navy veteran, has active duty and Naval Reserve military service. Schweihs has been a first responder professional since 1997 and has been with Northbrook’s fire department since 2001.
“It is truly an honor,” Schweihs told trustees at the podium. “I believe we are one of the best fire departments in the Chicago metropolitan area.”
To Pioneer Press, Schweihs acknowledged the service of Andrew Carlson, immediate past fire chief, who attended that night.
“He’s been a great chief to work for,” Schweihs said about Carlson.
“Our department is better off today because of his (Carlson) leadership.”
About Schweihs, Carlson said, “The department’s in really good hands with him.”
Following the oath of office came concerns about a Glenview-based proposal for a LogistiCenter by developer Dermody for Sanders Road, just south of Northbrook. The topic brought out Northbrook resident Kathy Parker, past Illinois state senator.
Parker, offering map poster signage, spoke during the public comment meeting portion when people can speak about matters not on the agenda for up to three minutes. Parker’s remarks were timed in accordance with policy. Parker expressed disdain that a large operation facility could replace quieter office use.
Glenview’s New Development Commission on Oct. 11 voted unanimously to send a modified proposal with recommending approval to the Glenview Village Board of Trustees (for an undetermined date village board meeting). The rezoned proposed project would replace CVS tall office buildings.
Northbrook residents en masse have sent correspondence to Glenview, objecting to potential noise and possible frequent truck and chaotic dock traffic within proximity to Northbrook residential neighborhoods.
Parker urged Northbrook village officials to do what they could to champion Northbrook neighbors on the Dermody application.
“Please check your boundary agreements, please check your annexation agreements,” Parker said to trustees on Oct. 10. “We are the little guys and we’re asking for any help that you can give us.”
A Willow Road corridor agreement from 1989 exists with Northbrook and Glenview, said Northbrook Village Manager Cara Pavlicek.
The addresses in question along the 2200 block of Sanders Road (CVS) are, “all incorporated within the Village of Glenview so our corridor boundary agreement, and the Willow Road agreement, does not give the Village of Northbrook standing,” Pavlicek said.
“We did do a full review of our documents and the maps and the annexation so we don’t have service territories within that area,” Pavlicek said.
More Top Picks Best Reading Glasses For Macular Degeneration
While that was ideally not what some Northbrook residents wanted to hear, what could be viewed as positive to the east of the Willow Road retail community is a restaurant coming next year to Willow Festival (992 Willow Road).
This is a Lazy Dog restaurant which will have outdoor seating where pet dogs are welcome outside. Service dogs can come inside.
The Lazy Dog proposal was met with enthusiasm by board members, especially trustees who own dogs. Lazy Dog offers a special pup menu for canines.
Dog bowls of water are complimentary. For $5, the current dog menu offers pets an entree choice of grilled chicken or beef patty with rice and veggies. Vernon Hills has a Lazy Dog location.
Lazy Dog representative developer Jared Taylor, of California-based Golden Property Development, said, “Your village is fantastic,” regarding municipal approvals process, adding the village has, “jumped through hoops” and has been, “awesome to work with.”
Dining in downtown Northbrook was also discussed during a status report considering next year’s Intelligentsia Cup Northbrook Grand Prix cycling race.
Eighty percent of the 64 people who responded to a survey said when they attended the bike race last July 27, they shopped or dined in Northbrook that Thursday.
Trustees approved a formal race agreement and a memorandum of understanding between the village and (LOC), Local Organizing Committee. Next year’s race in downtown Northbrook around the Village Green Park perimeter is Thursday, July 25, 2024.
The LOC is hoping for a title sponsor. For the 2023 race, the village spent nearly $28,000 on staffing, emergency provider and public works services plus amenities in a net amount (after the LOC reimbursed the village nearly $8,000 from LOC donor based funding).
“We’re just thrilled that the village is going to take this on for a third year and we envision it being bigger and better,” said Robert Paetsch of Northbrook, LOC chairman, speaking to Pioneer Press. “It’s just thrilling.”
Karie Angell Luc is a freelancer for Pioneer Press.