Updates From Around Town

In the past few months, it feels like the only topics I’ve discussed in my blogs have been in relationship to COVID-19. That’s for good reason, as COVID-19 has changed almost every facet of our lives; that said, I’ll focus on several other important community updates in today’s blog in addition to COVID-19 information.

First, it was a pleasure to welcome the public back to Village Hall this week following our pandemic- necessitated in mid-March. It is so refreshing to see residents in-person after working remotely for so long. Staff greatly appreciates the care, concern and patience the Glencoe community has demonstrated (and continues to demonstrate!) during these difficult past few months. If you do need to come to Village Hall to conduct business, please remember that our hours have changed: Village Hall is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to Noon and 1-4 p.m., with the 9-10 a.m. hour reserved for senior citizens and those who are immunocompromised. We strongly encourage you to utilize the Village’s services online as much as possible by using the Village’s website.

Next, when the State moved to Phase 4 of the Governor’s Restore Illinois Plan last Friday, several changes took place, including a provision allowing indoor dining in our restaurants at either 50% of capacity or 50 people (whichever is less). This is in addition to the outdoor dining options that remain available. The Village has worked diligently over the past few months to find ways to help our business community –our hard-hit restaurants in particular– to operate in this difficult environment. I hope that as you feel comfortable doing so, you’ll continue to support our restaurants by either dining in or ordering food for carry out. Please also don’t forget our one-of-a-kind retailers either! Our Glencoe business community is so vibrant and unique; we all have a role in keeping it that way. Last, as a further reminder when patronizing our business, be mindful of social distancing and wear your mask.

Also last week, following the protests related to the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and too many others, the Village’s Community Relations Forum met at President Levin’s request to begin discussing how the Glencoe community can find ways to encourage a local dialogue that addresses the issues of systemic racism, bias and bigotry. The Community Relations Forum is an advisory commission to the Village Board whose codified mission states that “…the forum shall promote and further the Village's strong public policy against discrimination, bigotry and bias in any form and shall encourage mutual respect, cooperation, tolerance and understanding among those who live, work, visit or do business in the village, regardless of race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, socioeconomic status, source of income or housing status.” The Forum will meet next Wednesday, July 8 at 5 p.m. I hope you’ll follow the Forum’s efforts, and more importantly, work to participate in the critically important dialogue they will facilitate.

In addition, many of you will recall that last summer, a proposed 29-lot residential subdivision at 1801 Green Bay Road (the former Hoover Estate) worked its way through both Plan Commission and Village Board reviews and approvals of a preliminary plat of subdivision. This first step in a two-step subdivision review process resulted in Village Board approval of a Resolution that outlined the requirements for the property developers when seeking approval of the final plat of subdivision. Plan Commission review of the final plat of subdivision will take place on Wednesday, July 15 at 6 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually; comments and questions can be submitted in advance or during the meeting via e-mail or phone. Once the Plan Commission makes its recommendation regarding the final plat, the recommendation will move to the Village Board for its consideration later this summer.

Also beginning last summer, an ongoing discussion has been taking place between the Glencoe Historical Society (GHS), Glencoe Park District, the current owners of the Cottage property, neighbors and the Village regarding the relocation of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Sherman Booth Cottage. The Cottage is currently located at 239 Franklin Road and will be moved to Park District property at the triangular shaped piece of land (Park 7N) at the intersection of Maple Hill and Franklin Roads. GHS indicated last week that they expect the move to Park 7N will take place during the week of July 20. Plans for the relocation include stormwater improvements that will help limit standing water in the park, as well as Cottage restoration. Keeping the Cottage intact will sustain Glencoe’s place as being home to the 3^rd largest number of Frank Lloyd Wright-designed structures in the world (behind Oak Park and Chicago)! Keep an eye out for more information soon.

As we continue to find ourselves at home, with kids more frequently playing in yards and driveways rather than parks, I’ve heard from some neighbors concerns about cars speeding in residential areas, rolling through stop signs and talking on cell phones while driving. While our Public Safety Department works hard keeping an eye on our Glencoe neighborhoods, we each have a role in being mindful of the way we travel through town. Please slow down, stay off your phone and be sure to keep an extra eye out for kids and folks of all ages that are out enjoying the summer weather.

Last, even though Glencoe’s 4^th of July will be different this year due to the pandemic, I hope you and your family can participate in the Village and Park District’s fun, virtual and no-contact events this weekend! I wish you and your families and friends a restful, enjoyable holiday weekend, and as we celebrate Independence Day, let’s stay focused on how we can continue to make our world–both locally and globally– a better place.