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In This Issue...
- Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month at Local Restaurants
- Proposed Zoning Code Amendment Regarding Animal Daycares and Vet Clinics
- Second Street Construction Begins
- Phase 1 Work Underway in Central Business District Resurfacing Project
- Showcase Your Business at the French Market
- Participate in the Independence Day Parade
- Exterior Improvement Grant Program
- SCORE Mentoring & Webinars: Low and No Cost Business Services
- Community Navigators Business Support Program
- Contact the Office of Business Development
| | Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month at Local Restaurants | | Highland Park is home to many diverse types of cuisine. During Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, honor the cultural richness of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities by patronizing local AANHPI-owned restaurants. | | Proposed Zoning Code Amendment Regarding Animal Daycares and Vet Clinics | | |
During the Tuesday, May 21 Plan and Design Commission meeting, the following changes were recommended for Draft Zoning Ordinance 1997:
- Animal Hospital and Clinic be expanded to the B2 and B2-RW as a Conditional Use.
- Domestic Pet Day Care be created and allowed in all commercial and industrial zoning districts and as a Conditional Use** in the B5 downtown and B2 and B2-RW districts.
- Create new definitions and off-street parking regulations related to these changes.
- Require Special Use Permit for the above uses if any outdoor activities onsite are proposed and for Domestic Pet Day Care if any residential uses exist above the proposed day care.
**A conditional use requires a Special Use Permit and a mailed notice to property owners within 400 feet of the subject property prior to the public hearing on the application, with the hearing before the Plan and Design Commission for recommendation and then a final decision by the City Council.
The City Council will consider these amendments to Ordinance 1997 on Monday, June 10.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the text amendments, please contact Senior Planner Karl Burhop at kburhop@cityhpil.com or 847.926.1852.
| | Second Street Construction Begins | | |
The Second Street Improvements Project is now underway. Saw cutting along the area to prepare for the removal of the current infrastructure began this week. Street parking will continue throughout the area until next week (5/28).
Construction will begin on the east side of the road beginning May 28, 2024, near the intersection of Second Street and Elm Place. Work will continue south through the area towards the intersection of Second Street and Central Avenue. Beginning the week of Tuesday, May 29, and continuing through construction, on-street parking on the east side of the street will not be available. One lane of traffic will continue to be available for the duration of the project.
All construction will take place during normal construction hours, Monday thru Friday, 7AM – 7PM, with potential work taking place on Saturdays, 9AM – 5PM, no work on Sunday or holidays. The tentative completion date of this project is scheduled to be in late August 2024.
Access will continue to be available to all businesses located on Second Street for the duration of the project. Outdoor dining for participating businesses will not be available during the project but will be available upon completion. Temporary 15 minute parking spaces are available in the now open Second Street Parking Lot for patrons to utilize when visiting businesses for short term pick-ups.
As part of the City’s Capital Improvement Planning process, Second Street was considered by the City Council and City staff as an opportunity for revitalization in the Central Business District.
Improvements include:
- Widening of the sidewalk with the inclusion of brick pavers on the east side of the street
- Creation of bump-outs to allow for more outdoor dining access on the east side of the street
- New LED street/pedestrian lighting
- Storm sewer upgrades
- New asphalt pavement to include pavement markings
The City will continue to provide more updates as the work continues. Please visit the City’s Capital Improvement Program page for more information related to the Second Street Project and other projects taking place in the Central Business District. If your business has any questions specific to this project, please contact Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager at 847.926.1034 or apalbitska@cityhpil.com.
| | Phase 1 Work Underway in Central Business District Resurfacing Project | | |
The Central Business District Resurfacing Project is also underway. Phase 1, tentatively scheduled for completion on June 28, 2024, has begun. Phase 1 entails concrete cutting, removal, and replacement. Crews will also be pouring concrete foundations for new pedestrian signals.
As part of the City’s Capital Improvement Plan, the Central Business District will see newly resurfaced streets and improved pedestrian access. Below is a list of the impacted streets that are part of this project.
- Elm Place (Green Bay Road to St Johns Avenue)
- Green Bay Road (Elm Place to Laurel Avenue
- Central Avenue (Green Bay Road to Linden Avenue)
- Laurel Avenue (Green Bay Road to St Johns Avenue)
- Second Street (Central Avenue to Laurel Avenue)
- First Street (Green Bay Road to Laurel Avenue)
- St Johns (Elm Place to Laurel Avenue)
- Sheridan Road (Elm Place to Central Avenue)
The improvement project will be completed in two phases with a majority of the work to be completed at night between the hours of 9 PM (evening) - 6 AM (morning), Monday thru Friday (into Saturday morning). Overnight work will minimize impacts to the local business community and to parking.
Phase 2 work is anticipated to begin July 8, 2024, avoiding overlap with the City's Independence Day events, and will encompass all asphalt work, including grinding down of the current asphalt and the installation of new asphalt. Phase 2 work is scheduled to be completed with a tentative date at the beginning of September.
For updates on this project and other capital improvement projects visit the City's Capital Improvements Program dashboard.
If your business has any questions specific to the project, please contact Ashley Palbitska, Assistant to the City Manager, at 847.926.1034 or apalbitska@cityhpil.com.
| | Showcase Your Business at the French Market | | |
Are you a business or organization based in Highland Park and want to expand your reach? Participate in the French Market this summer! Every Sunday from June 9 to September 29 at 525 Central Avenue (enter at St. Johns Avenue and Park), local businesses, non-profits, and community organizations can showcase their products and wares.
Here is how a local business or organization can participate:
Sign up to promote your business. While you won't be able to sell at the market, you can attend for free up to three times per season, directing visitors to your brick-and-mortar location. Bring your own table and chairs for setup.
Become a vendor at the market. Showcase your products or services to your target audience while enjoying a 50% discount on your first day. Learn more on more becoming a vendor here.
Local chambers, non-profits, and business associations can attend for free to promote downtown businesses and events. Open air space is provided, with the option to bring a canopy.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to engage with your community and expand your reach. Apply now as a vendor here.
| | Participate in the Independence Day Parade | | |
The City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park invite all community members and businesses to participate in the 2024 Independence Day Parade.
The parade begins at 1 PM on July 4 with a new parade route. This year’s parade theme, “Sweet Home Highland Park,” invites residents and business owners to showcase their love for Highland Park with festive decor.
To participate:
- Complete the parade application form and submit the appropriate fee
- No applications will be accepted after Friday, May 31, 2024
- Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
- The parade is open to Highland Park residents, Highland Park businesses, or non-profit organizations serving Highland Park residents
- No refunds of entry fees will be granted after Friday, May 31, or due to inclement weather on the day of the parade
For more information, visit the City's website.
| | Exterior Improvement Grant Program | | |
The City's Exterior Improvement Grant Program is designed to provide both assistance and encouragement to commercial property owners and sales-tax-generating local businesses citywide to improve their storefronts’ appearance and functionality. The program has the following key features:
- The cost of eligible improvements is shared equally between the applicant and the City.
- The maximum grant is 50% of the project cost up to $20,000 per year for up to five consecutive years or a total of $100,000; however, a grant for the same improvement would not be considered within the same five-year period.
- The eligible improvements must be visible from the right-of-way.
The annual program budget is $100,000 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The program is an excellent opportunity for local businesses and property owners to revamp their storefronts, enhance their appeal, and lessen the financial burden. Please visit Exterior Improvement Grant Program to learn more and download the application.
If you have questions about the program, please contact Business Development Specialist Angela Shaffer at 847.926.1008 or ashaffer@cityhpil.com.
| | Community Navigator Business Support Program | | Community Navigators is a support program to assist small businesses, particularly minority, women, rural, and veteran-owned businesses. They provide outreach to raise awareness on federal and state programs, and provide 1:1 technical assistance, etc. For more information, please click HERE. | | Contacting the Office of Business Development | | |
This newsletter is produced by the City of Highland Park's Office of Business Development. The City encourages business owners and managers to share information regarding upcoming events, promotions or news for possible inclusion in the City's marketing modalities, including The Weekender, Enjoy Highland Park, and social media. Please send these items to the City via email to: businessdevelopment@cityhpil.com. The City reserves the right to edit and/or filter submissions.
For general business inquiries and assistance, contact the Business Development Team:
To learn more about the Business Development Economic Advisory Group (BEDAG), which supports community programs that promote City business and economic development, visit the City's website.
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