Kenilworth, News

Town officials run through 2022 in annual State of the Villages event

It wasn’t New Year’s Eve, reminiscing about 2022 was the topic of conversation on Dec. 8 at Kenilworth Union Church during the annual State of the Villages from the League of Women Voters of Winnetka-Northield-Kenilworth.

Local officials from the three communities rotated at the lectern unpacking the highlights of their respective activity throughout the year.

WINNETKA

Village Manager Rob Bahan and Village President Chris Rintz shared the responsibilities of breaking down Winnetka’s years.

Winnetka Village Manager Rob Bahan talks about the town’s 2022 highlights.

Bahan detailed major development action, such as:

• The selection of Tala Coffee to occupy the long-vacant, village-owned lot at 93 Green Bay Road,

• Forward progress on The Walden, a five-unit townhome development at 688 Green Bay Road,

• The latest with One Winnetka, which recently submitted new designs that received the council’s praise; however, the developers must resubmit designs after they acquired Conney’s Pharmacy, Bahan said, and

• A preliminary concept to transform the post office site into a town square.

Bahan also celebrated the relocation of the Winnetka Farmers Market and the reimagined Winnetka Music Festival, which he said brought 5,500 people to downtown Winnetka.

Winnetka also made headway in 2022 on substantial stormwater improvements, including the beginning of construction at Willow and Hibbard roads, on the western side of town.

Rintz spoke on how the Fourth of July mass shooting was a challenge for many communities in the area, and Winnetka was one of multiple towns who held special council sessions to hear residents ideas and concerns regarding firearm safety. A postponed followup meeting is planned for this month.

NORTHFIELD

Village Manager Stacy Sigman spoke of the difficulties of a COVID-affected economy, including delays with capital purchases and troubles in attracting and hiring employees for all businesses.

With that said, Sigman praised the resiliency of Northfield’s businesses, evidenced by sales tax revenue that was 30 percent over-estimate, she said.

In terms of projects, Northfield:

• initiated a community solar program as an option for its residents,

• made progress on completing a gap in the Skokie Valley Trail,

• approved an overhaul to its council chambers,

• is finishing the modernization of its water meters,

• will update its website, and

• is working on funding and logistics in efforts to improve safety, including adding a roundabout, along Happ Road.

Guest Rockey Flintermann, of Winnetka, asks a question to the panelists during the event.

KENILWORTH

Just like the Village of Kenilworth in 2022, Village Manager Patrick Brennan spent much of his time on stormwater improvements.

Kenilworth added stormwater detention under its roadways in a $6.8 million effort to mitigate flooding.

Brennan also talked about Kenilworth’s ailing business district and what officials are doing to try to fix “a face only a mother could love.”

He said residents, through surveys and other means of feedback, have been clear in their desire for “more places to gather” and the board is working to loosen its regulations to allow for more modern concepts, such as a brewery or winery, that suit that description.

A small cafe connected to the Kenilworth Assembly Hall opened in September, and construction is set to begin on a combination coffee shop-fitness studio in 2023 along Green Bay Road.

“We are sending a clear message, ‘Kenilworth is open for businesses,'” Brennan said.

Kenilworth Village President Cecily Kaz added details on the concept for increased gathering space at Kenilworth Beach.

The Village Board agreed in April to refurbish and reuse its decommissioned water plant as a community amenity.


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joe coughlin
Joe Coughlin

Joe Coughlin is a co-founder and the editor in chief of The Record. He leads investigative reporting and reports on anything else needed. Joe has been recognized for his investigative reporting and sports reporting, feature writing and photojournalism. Follow Joe on Twitter @joec2319

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