Fourth Ward Residents Gain Update on Hot Topics

City finances, future development plans, affordable housing, and improvements to Forest Park were among the hot topics discussed by residents of Lake Forest’s Fourth Ward, as the city kicked off its series of spring ward meetings Thursday night.

Residents gathered at the to hear and discuss updates of issues affecting the Fourth Ward led by Lake Forest city leaders, including their aldermen, Bob Palmer, and John Looby, Mayor James Cowhey, and City Manager Bob Kiely.

They were among the first to learn that the city’s fiscal year 2012 general fund revenue, which goes to fund operating expenses, is estimated to increase by 1.5 percent.

“I think we’re starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Kiely told residents.

Among the contributing factors to achieving a balanced budget were a recently approved 2.7 percent property tax increase, and a financial restructuring plan that will allow early retirement to approximately 21 workers through the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund’s Early Retirement program. Only 14 of those positions are expected to be refilled, Kiely said.

Lower real estate transfer taxes and development fees will keep the city’s capital fund on a tight budget, and is expected to be supplemented by the transfer of excess revenues from the general fund.

However, the city is now expected to achieve a balanced budget in the coming years.

“With restructuring we are putting Lake Forest in good shape for the next four to five years,” explained Kiely.

In no particular order, here is what the agenda covered:

Vacant Property at Waukegan and Everett Roads

Looby, who stated that many Fourth Ward residents have been inquiring about the status of the vacant property located on the northeast corner of Waukegan and Everett Roads, informed those in attendance that Lake Forest Bank and Trust, which has taken ownership of the land, has taken potential buyers out to look at the property, but is too early in the process to reveal who they are.

“We would like to see something that would enhance the Settler’s Square area,” said Looby.

The corner was previously occupied by a BP gas station, and the city indicated that if a buyer is not found by this spring, steps will be taken to clean up the area.

Settler's Green

Residents also inquired about the nearby property at Telegraph and Everett, which is the proposed site for the Settler’s Green affordable housing development.

The proposal, which was voted down by the city council late last year, has not yet been brought back before city leaders, and as of now there are no development plans for the property.

Looby informed residents that the newly expanded , which is tasked with seeking out more affordable housing opportunities within Lake Forest, met for the first time this week, and are actively pursuing scattered site housing around the city.

“We would pick up smaller homes, fix them up, and sell them to families to move into the homes,” said Looby. “We think it would be a positive move for the city of Lake Forest.”

Forest Park Project

Also among the main items of concern for Fourth Ward residents is their ability to have a voice in the proposed redevelopment of Forest Park at Lake Forest Beach.

Several residents expressed concern that there is not enough representation by Fourth Ward residents on the project committee to represent their interests in the planning process, which got underway last fall.

Looby explained the committee was filled not by ward representation, but  on certain skill sets and knowledge that the members would be able to contribute to the process.

“What comes out of the committee is up for review by the public,” he emphasized, noting the project still has quite a way to go before any decisions will be made.

“We’re a long way away from telling anybody what the solution is,” added Cliff Miller, who serves as the chairman of the Forest Park project’s landscape committee. “We welcome your input in that regard.”

The committee will be launching a website at www.forestparkproject.com on April 15 to keep residents updated on the project’s progress.

Telegraph Road Train Station

Residents were also informed about improvements to the Telegraph Road train station, including the installation of two warming shelters for commuters, as well as the pursuit of a grant to help the city construct an underpass to improve pedestrian safety.

In recent years, the train station has experienced several pedestrian fatalities. The estimated cost to construct an underpass would be $1.2 million, of which Lake Forest is hoping to cover 20 percent, with the rest being financed by a federal or state grant.

“It really is a major safety factor,” explained Cowhey. “It’s important to keep that area safe.”

Second Ward Next

for the remainder of the city’s wards are; Second Ward on March 14 at; First Ward on April 7 at , and Third Ward on April 25 at the Municipal Services Building.

For more information, visit www.cityoflakeforest.com.