The status of some current infrastructure projects, plus others on their way, was the focus of a recent presentation by the two local elected leaders of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff.
Lake Forest Mayor Stanford “Randy” Tack and Lake Bluff Village President Regis Charlot provided updates on some notable construction issues, plus other topics, at a July 11 forum hosted by the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce.
Tack spoke on the ongoing massive rehabilitation efforts currently underway downtown, specifically on Deerpath Road and Bank Lane.
He noted construction began earlier this year, but planning had been ongoing for about 10 years. He said underneath Deerpath, there was a large amount of infrastructure that was anywhere from 50 to 70 years old and needed to be replaced.
“If you ever wonder about that, think about Skokie,” Tack said, referring to the February water main break that led to significant flooding in that community.
“These are the risks we have in ignoring or delaying infrastructure,” he added. “This is a project that needed to be done.”
Tack said construction remains on schedule for completion by the end of October, and he believes the community will enjoy the streetscape improvements.
“You will all recognize it as Lake Forest, but you will be amazed it will be Lake Forest,” he said.
Acknowledging the limited accessibility for the downtown businesses in the construction zone, Tack mentioned the recent launch of a grant program aimed at alleviating some of the financial losses.
Separately, Tack received a question about the status of overall parking availability in the city’s downtown.
“Parking is becoming a real issue,” he conceded. “We are making every effort to utilize the municipal lots and distribute employees through the lots so there is more space available for people coming in to shop and patronize businesses.”
Tack and Charlot delivered their presentations at the Forester Hotel in the Conway Park office complex, close to where Lake Forest expects to move its police station next year. Last year, the city purchased the building that is now vacant for $3.5 million.
Tack estimated renovation costs are now around $25 million, saying the city originally thought it would cost $60 million – $70 million for a new station.
Police Chief John Burke said at the July 7 City Council meeting that the construction bid packages will be released in August and the City Council will be asked for approval to proceed at the September 15 meeting.
Tack said the city plans to lease out parts of the building, and there is already interest in the space from other entities.
“I think it will turn out to be an amazing success,” Tack said.
More Top Picks Best Magnifying Reading Glasses
Tack said he did not know how much it would cost to renovate the current public safety building on Deerpath Road for fire department exclusive use as it is too early in the process.
Separately, Tack noted the start of a resurfacing and enlarging of a portion of the McClory Bike Path from Old Elm to Westleigh Road, completing a venture that began in 2023.
(The project started on July 21 and was anticipated to last three weeks.)
Tack added that a new playground is scheduled for installation at the beach later this year, and there are now new tennis courts at West Park.
In Lake Bluff, Charlot said changes are coming to the village’s downtown Block One (the area on East Scranton Avenue bordered by Sheridan Road to Walnut Avenue) this fall, highlighted by street resurfacing, new sidewalks, and streetscape changes to match the rest of the area. He believes it will lead to a more inviting area.
“People can meet, people can get together, people can celebrate,” he said of what he envisions as a party area. “We have the space for it.”
He was also happy with the start of construction of a new apartment building in Block Three, replacing a long-vacant bank.
“It also fits into our diversified housing initiative,” Charlot said. “We want people to be able to downsize.”
He admitted the individual units in the complex will be expensive (scheduled to be finished in two years), but he sees it as a start of more of a “missing middle” housing opportunities being available in Lake Bluff.
Charlot also mentioned the upcoming stormwater deep tunnel project that will have a new large pipe going 40 feet into the ground and directing stormwater out to Lake Michigan.
(The village board approved a nearly $4 million construction contract at their July 14 meeting.)
The initiative is set to begin this fall, starting from Lake Michigan and going to Maple Avenue, with another section that will go to Moffett Road scheduled for next year.
The village is seeking additional funding from the state, the Lake County Stormwater Management Commission, and the federal government to complete the project, Village Administrator Drew Irvin said after the meeting.
Charlot believes it will ease some of the chronic flooding issues the village has faced.
“It’s a big deal for us,” Charlot said.
He said Green Bay Road is scheduled to be reconstructed starting next year, and the replacement of a large portion of its bridge will occur in 2027.
Charlot alluded to the traffic disruptions that will likely occur.
Daniel I. Dorfman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.