Highland Park, IL

Plan and Design Commission

The Plan and Design Commission will hold a public hearing to revise zoning regulations for the B2-RW: Roger Williams Commercial District Overlay Zone. The specific item addresses cellular telephone facilities without towers, allowing antennas up to 12 feet high but excluding satellite dishes. The meeting also includes approval of previous minutes and an administrative design review update.

• Public Hearing #ZTA-2026-00004 to revise definitions and regulations for the B2-RW: Roger Williams Commercial District Overlay Zone
• Regulations cover cellular telephone facilities without towers, including antennas to a maximum height of 12 feet
• Regulations explicitly exclude satellite dishes
• Approval of Plan and Design Commission Minutes from the August 18, 2026 meeting

Housing Commission

The Highland Park Housing Commission will review management reports and financials for the Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods housing associations, as well as the Housing Trust Fund. The body will also vote on invoice payments and the ratification of Land Trust payments. Additionally, the Commission will approve the 2027 regular meeting schedule and discuss ongoing fund account management for the Peers Housing Association.

• Review of ERES Management Report and Financials for Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods
• Review of Sunset Woods Financials
• Review of Housing Trust Fund (HTF) Financials
• Omnibus vote on Payment of Invoices
• Ratification of Payments – Land Trust

Housing Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Sustainability Advisory Group

Historic Preservation

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

General

Transportation Advisory Group

Zoning Board of Appeals

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Zoning Board of Appeals

Cultural Arts Advisory Group

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Human Relations Advisory Group

Historic Preservation

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Zoning Board of Appeals

Plan and Design Commission

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Business and Economic Development Advisory Group

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Sustainability Advisory Group

Police Pension Board

Historic Preservation

Plan and Design Commission

Firefighters Pension Board

Zoning Board of Appeals

Committee of the Whole

City Council

Plan and Design Commission

Transportation Advisory Group

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Historic Preservation

Human Relations Advisory Group

City Council

Committee of the Whole

Plan and Design Commission

Zoning Board of Appeals

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Housing Commission

Plan and Design Commission

Housing Commission

Business and Economic Development Advisory Group

The Business and Economic Development Advisory Group will discuss feedback on new and existing incentive programs, identify 2027 work plan objectives, and receive a presentation on a comprehensive review of Chapter 119 regarding alcoholic beverages. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from May 26, 2026, and public comment opportunities.

• Discussion: Feedback on New and Existing Incentive Programs (WP2A)
• Identify 2027 Work Plan Objectives & Meeting Resolution Dates
• Presentation: Comprehensive Review of Chapter 119 regarding Alcoholic Beverages (WP2E)
• Approval of Minutes – May 26, 2026

General

The Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission is holding a special in-person meeting to discuss an amendment to a Certificate of Appropriateness for 2276 Linden Avenue and to consider land-use incentives for historic preservation. The commission will also review two administrative demolition requests and hear public comments.

• Amendment to Certificate of Appropriateness — 2276 Linden Avenue
• Land-use incentives to encourage historic preservation
• Administrative demolition review — 406 Woodland Road
• Administrative demolition review — 1867 Spruce Avenue
• Approval of July 9, 2026 regular meeting minutes

Firefighters Pension Board

The Highland Park Firefighters' Pension Fund Board of Trustees is holding a regular meeting to review investment and financial reports, approve bills, and discuss policy items. The board will also consider applications for membership and retirement benefits, and hold elections for board officers.

• Quarterly investment report from Sawyer Falduto Asset Management, LLC
• Monthly financial report and bill approval from Lauterbach & Amen
• Discussion/possible action on cash management policy
• Application for membership by Anthony Samperi
• Board officer elections for President and Secretary

Plan and Design Commission

The Highland Park Plan and Design Commission will hold public hearings on two special use permit applications, one to amend an existing permit at 2132 Green Bay Rd. and another for a storage container at 581 Roger Williams Ave. The meeting also includes approval of minutes from July 21, 2026, and an update on administrative design review.

• Public hearing to amend special use permit for nonconforming uses and design review with variations at 2132 Green Bay Rd.
• Public hearing for special use permit and design review with variations for a storage container at 581 Roger Williams Ave.
• Consideration of minutes from the July 21, 2026 regular meeting
• Information item: Administrative Design Review Update

City Council

The Highland Park City Council is holding a regular rescheduled consolidated meeting with a full agenda of administrative approvals, including grants, contracts, and zoning items. Notable actions include resolutions for exterior and interior improvement grants for local businesses, amendments to economic incentive agreements, and several public works contracts. The council will also consider a zoning ordinance for data centers and a special use permit for a planned development at 1850 Green Bay Road.

• Exterior Improvement Grant for Bean Bar Corporation + Mezze (565 Roger Williams Ave)
• Food & Beverage Interior Improvement Grant for Faye's Diner (473 Roger Williams Ave)
• Amendment to Economic Incentive Agreement with Bandido Inc. (493 Central Avenue)
• Ordinance Amending Zoning Ordinance Regarding Data Centers
• Special Use Permit for Planned Development at 1850 Green Bay Road

Committee of the Whole

The Highland Park Committee of the Whole is meeting to discuss the 2027 proposed library operating and capital budget, the status and timing of the Place of Remembrance project, and a comprehensive review of Chapter 119 (Alcoholic Beverages). The agenda also includes approval of minutes from previous meetings. These are discussion items, not final decisions.

• 2027 Proposed Budget for Library Operating & Capital
• Place of Remembrance Status and Project Timing
• Comprehensive Review of Chapter 119 (Alcoholic Beverages)
• Approval of minutes from July 13 and July 20, 2026 meetings

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is holding a special meeting to determine post-offer elements for an entry-level police officer candidate. The agenda includes approval of minutes, a closed session, and public comment. No other substantive decisions are listed.

• Determination of post-offer elements for Police Officer (Entry Level) candidate
• Approval of minutes
• Closed session
• Public comment period

Historic Preservation

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider an amendment to a Certificate of Appropriateness for 2276 Linden Avenue, a determination of historic significance for 1752 Spruce Avenue, and a discussion of land-use incentives to encourage historic preservation. The meeting is in-person only at City Hall.

• Amendment to Certificate of Appropriateness — 2276 Linden Avenue
• Determination of Historic Significance — 1752 Spruce Avenue
• Land-Use Incentives to Encourage Historic Preservation
• Administrative Demolition Review — 406 Woodland Road
• Administrative Demolition Review — 1867 Spruce Avenue

Human Relations Advisory Group

The Highland Park Human Relations Advisory Group is holding a regular meeting at the police department. The agenda includes approving minutes from May 14, 2026, public comments, and discussions on the MLK Day of Service, the 2027 meeting schedule, the 2027 work plan, and HP Awards. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of MLK Day of Service (Old Business)
• 2027 Meeting Schedule Discussion
• 2027 Work Plan Discussion
• HP Awards discussion

Police Pension Board

The Highland Park Police Pension Fund Board of Trustees is meeting to handle routine pension business, including approving minutes, investment reports, and bills. The board will also vote on duty disability benefits for Casey Foley and regular retirement benefits for Thomas Spanos, and elect board officers.

• Approve duty disability benefits – Casey Foley
• Approve regular retirement benefits – Thomas Spanos
• Investment performance review by Sawyer Falduto Asset Management, LLC
• Approval of bills and cash management policy update
• Board officer elections and FOIA/OMA designee appointment

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss two variation requests. These requests involve encroaching into a side yard setback for a shed and exceeding the maximum fence height in a front yard.

• Variation request for 85 Hemlock Ln to encroach into side yard setback for a new shed
• Variation request for 1569 Forest Ave to exceed the four-foot maximum fence height in the front yard

Housing Commission

The Housing Commission will review financial reports for the Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods associations and the Housing Trust Fund. The body will consider resolutions for grant drawdown disbursements for CPAH and a project at 1500 McCraren Road.

• Payment of invoices and ratification of HDA Peers Mortgage Loan IHDA Check Reimbursement
• Review of ERES Management Report and financials for Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods
• Discussion of Peers pipe replacement funding and 2026-27 insurance renewals
• Resolution for CPAH’s 2026 Operating Grant Agreement Quarter 2 drawdown
• Resolution for CPAH’s 2025 Scattered Site Grant Agreement final drawdown for 1500 McCraren Road

Plan and Design Commission

The Commission will hold public hearings on zoning amendments for multi-story housing and regulations for data centers. The body will also review design and fence variations for several properties and a plat of resubdivision.

• Zoning Map Amendment for multi-story Multiple-Family Developments at 1696-1704 McGovern St. and 793 Laurel Ave.
• Zoning Code Text Amendment regarding definitions and regulations for Data Centers and Data Processing Centers
• Design Review with Variations for 2150 St Johns Ave. and 1040 Park Ave. W (Wolters Field)
• Plat of Resubdivision with Variations for multiple addresses on Laurel Ave.
• Special Use Permit amendment for driveway relocation at 1301 Clavey Rd. and 1377 Deer Creek Parkway

The Plan and Design Commission approved several items: fence replacements at Highland Park High School and Wolters Field, a plat of re-subdivision for Laurel Park Phase II, a driveway relocation for Makom Solel Lakeside, and a zoning text amendment prohibiting data centers. It also continued a rezoning case for 1696-1704 McGovern St. and 793 Laurel Ave. to September 15, 2026, and noted the withdrawal of a planned development application for the Town of Fort Sheridan.

• Approved fence replacement at Wolters Field (DES-2026-00100) unanimously
• Approved fence replacement at 2150 St. Johns Ave with black-coated fence along Vine Ave (DES-2026-00099) unanimously
• Approved plat of re-subdivision for Laurel Park Phase II (SUB-2026-00016) unanimously
• Approved driveway relocation and related changes for Makom Solel Lakeside (SUB-2026-00010) unanimously
• Approved zoning text amendment prohibiting data centers (ZTA-2026-00003) unanimously
• Continued rezoning case for 1696-1704 McGovern St. and 793 Laurel Ave. to Sept. 15, 2026
• Noted withdrawal of PUD-2026-00086 for Town of Fort Sheridan

Committee of the Whole

The agenda for this special meeting contains only procedural boilerplate. There is no scheduled business for discussion or decision.

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners is holding a special meeting to vote on establishing an initial eligibility list for police officer positions. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as approval of minutes and a closed session. No other substantive business is listed.

• Establishment of an Initial Eligibility List (Police Officer)

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners held a special meeting on July 18, 2026, to interview candidates for the position of Police Officer (Entry Level). After closed session, the Board assigned oral interview scores and made determinations on polygraph and initial background checks by consensus, establishing the initial eligibility list. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no public comment or other business.

• Approved minutes of June 26, 2026 special meeting (3-0)
• Moved to closed session for personnel matters (3-0)
• Established initial eligibility list for Police Officer (Entry Level) by consensus

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to discuss two variation requests. One seeks to exceed rear yard coverage and setback limits for a sport court at 2121 St Johns Ave. The other requests side and rear setback encroachments for a new addition at 421 Briarwood Pl. The board will also approve prior meeting minutes and hear public comment.

• VAR-2026-00071: Variation for a sport court at 2121 St Johns Ave (RM1 district) — exceed rear yard coverage and setback requirements (Section 150.707(D)(1)), requested by Scott Byron & Co. for owner 2121 St Johns LLC
• VAR-2026-00072: Variation for a new addition at 421 Briarwood Pl (R5 district) — encroach into side and rear setbacks (Section 150.703), requested by owner Arvydas Tamkus
• Approval of draft minutes from June 18, 2026
• Business from the public (open comment period)

Cultural Arts Advisory Group

The Highland Park Cultural Arts Advisory Group will hold a regular meeting to discuss the relocation of city-owned sculptures 'Antelope' and 'Forest King', provide feedback on the Arts Award process, and receive an update on the Poet Laureate program. The group will also approve minutes from the April 14, 2026 meeting and hear public comments.

• Relocation of city-owned sculptures 'Antelope' and 'Forest King'
• Arts Award Process Feedback & Updates
• Poet Laureate Program Update
• Approval of minutes from April 14, 2026 meeting
• Public comment period

City Council

The Highland Park City Council will consider approving several resolutions, including exterior improvement grants for local bars, a contract for Briergate Crossing road improvements, and agreements for bridge replacement projects on Judson and St. Johns Avenues. The meeting also includes the approval of minutes, the warrant list, and a planned development amendment.

• Exterior improvement grants for Bean Bar and EATACO
• Contract for Briergate Crossing - Richfield Avenue improvements
• Agreements for Judson Avenue and St. Johns Avenue bridge replacement
• Amendment to lease agreement with The Art Center Highland Park
• Amendment to planned development at 925 Deerfield Road

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will discuss the Comprehensive Plan Update and consider approving minutes from the previous meeting on June 29, 2026. The meeting also includes a closed session and other routine matters.

• Discussion of Comprehensive Plan Update
• Approval of minutes from June 29, 2026 Committee of the Whole meeting
• Approval of closed session minutes from June 29, 2026

Historic Preservation

The Highland Park Historic Preservation Commission will meet to decide on Certificate of Appropriateness applications for two properties: 2276 Linden Avenue and 105 S. Deere Park Drive. The commission will also discuss updates on historic preservation encouragement and material substitutes for historic properties. The meeting is held in-person only with no virtual participation.

• Certificate of Appropriateness - 2276 Linden Avenue
• Certificate of Appropriateness - 105 S. Deere Park Drive
• Discussion: Encouraging Historic Preservation Update
• Discussion: Material Substitutes for Historic Properties
• Meeting is in-person only; no virtual viewing or participation

Sustainability Advisory Group

The Sustainability Advisory Group will hold a regular meeting on July 9, 2026, featuring presentations on the Illinois Stretch Energy Code and a Reusable Bag Incentive program. The group will also receive working group updates and address administrative items including approval of previous minutes. Public comments may be submitted via email or offered live during the meeting.

• Presentation on Illinois Stretch Energy Code
• Presentation on Reusable Bag Incentive program
• Working Groups Update
• Approval of May 14, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Business from the Public (written or spoken comments)

Housing Commission

The Housing Commission will discuss financial reports for the Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods associations. The body is also reviewing the Housing Trust Fund financials and 2027 CPAH grant requests.

• Payment of invoices and ratification of Sunset Woods Annual Report Filing
• Review of ERES Management Report and financials for Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods
• Housing Trust Fund (HTF) financials
• Peers Pipe Replacement update
• CPAH 2027 Grant Requests

City Council

The City Council will vote on a resolution to submit a public question regarding term limits for elected officials. The body is also deciding on various contracts for street repairs, professional services, and a rezoning request.

• Resolution to establish term limits for Mayor and Councilmember offices
• Rezoning of 1047 Livingston Street from R1 Country Estate to R6 Medium Density Residential
• Award of 2026 Street Repair Program to Builders Paving, LLC
• Ordinance amending the Highland Park Code regarding the use of leaf blowers
• Exterior Improvement Grant for Terry's Toffee at 1853 Second Street

The City Council approved a resolution to place a public question on the ballot to establish term limits for the offices of Mayor and Councilmember, as amended. It also passed a 15-item omnibus agenda covering various administrative, financial, public works, community development, and public safety items. A special use permit for 147 Central Ave. was continued to the August 17, 2026 meeting. All votes were 6-0, with Councilmember Blumberg absent.

• Approved resolution R83-2026 to submit a public question on term limits for Mayor and Councilmember (6-0).
• Approved omnibus items 1-15, including resolutions and ordinances on leaf blowers, holiday decor, Terry's Toffee grant, Metra station concession, surplus property, street repair, rezoning, and intergovernmental agreements (6-0).
• Continued the special use permit for 147 Central Ave. to the August 17, 2026 meeting (6-0).
• Approved resolution R84-2026 for a plat of subdivision at 0 Meadow Ln. (6-0).
• Approved minutes of the May 27, 2026 regular and closed session meetings (6-0).
• Approved the warrant list and wire transfers from May 15 to June 18, 2026 (6-0).

Committee of the Whole

The Committee of the Whole will hold a policy discussion regarding the possible advancement of term limits. The meeting also includes a report on Automated License Plate Readers.

• Policy discussion on possible advancement of term limits
• Automated License Plate Reader Report

The Committee of the Whole discussed advancing a referendum to establish term limits for the Mayor and Councilmembers, with a majority favoring an amended resolution for the City Council meeting. The proposed ballot question would limit individuals to two full terms per office, with a ten-year combined cap, starting with the April 2027 election. The Council also received an informational report on the Automated License Plate Reader system. The meeting closed with a unanimous vote to enter closed session to review closed session minutes.

• Approved minutes of the May 27 and June 8, 2026 Committee of the Whole meetings (7-0).
• Majority of Council favored advancing an amended resolution on term limits to referendum.
• Determined the November 2026 ballot question on term limits, effective from April 2027 election.
• Received informational report on the Automated License Plate Reader system; no action taken.
• Voted unanimously to enter closed session to review closed session minutes.

Board of Fire and Police Commissioners

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners will hold a special meeting to decide on a firefighter/EMT candidate. The agenda also includes approval of previous minutes and a closed session. No other substantive items are scheduled.

• Determination of a Firefighter / EMT Candidate

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners held a special meeting on June 26, 2026, with two members present and one absent. They approved the minutes from the May 8, 2026 special meeting and then moved into closed session to discuss personnel matters. In scheduled business, the Board made a written determination, by consensus, on post-offer screening elements for Firefighter/EMT I candidate Anthony Samperi. The meeting adjourned at 4:15 PM.

• Approved the open and closed session minutes of the May 8, 2026 special meeting.
• Moved into closed session under the Illinois Open Meetings Act to discuss personnel matters.
• Made a written determination, by consensus, on post-offer screening elements for Firefighter/EMT I candidate Anthony Samperi.
• Adjourned the meeting at 4:15 PM.

General

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to discuss the design concept for the Place of Remembrance. The meeting is scheduled to be conducted entirely in-person.

• Discussion of Place of Remembrance Design Concept

The Historic Preservation Commission held a special meeting to review the Place of Remembrance design concept presented by SWA. No formal decisions were made; the item was a pre-application review, and commissioners provided feedback and suggestions. The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 9, 2026.

• Adjourned meeting at 7:52 p.m. (unanimous)

General

The Highland Park Joint Review Boards will convene to approve minutes, select a public member, and review financial reports for the Briergate Tax Increment Financing district.

• Approval of June 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Selection of the Public Member of the Joint Review Board
• Review of Incremental EAV by Levy Year
• Review of Annual TIF Report Summary
• Next meeting scheduled for June 18, 2027

General

The Joint Review Board will meet to review the Ravinia Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district's annual report, including incremental equalized assessed value by levy year and activities planned through 2029. They will also approve minutes from the previous meeting and select a public member for the board. The meeting covers standard procedural items and an overview of current and planned TIF activities.

• Approval of June 20, 2025 meeting minutes
• Selection of a public member for the Joint Review Board
• Review of incremental EAV by levy year
• Annual TIF report summary and activities/action plans 2005-2029

Zoning Board of Appeals

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing to consider variation request #VAR-2026-00070 for 406 Woodland Rd. The petitioner, on behalf of owner Berna Huebner, seeks to encroach into the Established Building Setback under Section 150.711 of the Zoning Code. The property is zoned R5.

• Variation request #VAR-2026-00070 at 406 Woodland Rd to allow encroachment into the Established Building Setback

The Zoning Board of Appeals approved a request to allow a new single-family home's garage to encroach into the established building setback. The board also approved the minutes from the May 7, 2026, meeting.

• Approved variation for 406 Woodland Road to encroach into Established Building Setback (unanimous)
• Approved May 7, 2026, regular meeting minutes (unanimous)

Transportation Advisory Group

The Transportation Advisory Group will review updates on several active projects, including the US-41 Pedestrian Bridge next steps and the Lake Cook Path extension to the Chicago Botanic Garden. Staff will also present a recap of National Bike Month and discuss potential locations for a bicycle repair station along the McClory Bike Path. Legislative updates on micromobility safety and speed limit reform are on the agenda.

• US-41 Pedestrian Bridge Project next steps
• Lake Cook Path - Skokie Valley Path to Chicago Botanic Garden update
• North Highlands Sidewalk Connection (Krenn/Hyacinth/Western) update
• Potential location of a bicycle repair station within the McClory Bike Path
• Illinois legislative updates: SB 3484 (micromobility), HB 5081 (speed limits), HB 4948 (speeding penalties), HB 2335 (NITA Act)