2 down, 1 to go in Highland Park’s annual neighborhood remains. Last event on Thursday, May 4

Highland Park officials got an earful Monday, May 1. Just as they planned.

Residents questioned a group of officials on everything from Fourth of July plans to potholes to parking during the second of three neighborhood meetings on Monday at the Highland Park Country Club.

The group included representatives from the City of Highland Park, Highland Park Public Library, school districts 112 and 113, and Moraine Township.

Residents have one more opportunity to address the official during this annual program, which City Manager Ghida Neukirch said has been active for at least eight years. The final event is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Edgewood Middle School, 920 Edgewood Road.

“It’s really been well-received from the public’s perspective to ask questions of the school district and the Township and the City,” Neukirch said. “And from our perspective it’s so nice because it’s on a smaller, intimate scale and we get to meet the residents one and one and hear their questions and comments.”

A dozen residents showed up May 1 to speak with their government officials.

Neukirch and City Councilmember Annette Lidewar shared details of Highland Park’s Fourth of July plans that were announced during a City Council meeting on April 24.

Neukirch also revealed a new detail: Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band will play during the evening portion of the Fourth of July ceremonies, leading up to a drone show.

Library reps also had news to share. Executive Director Heidi Smith and Asst. Director Cary Rositas-Sheftel spoke about the library’s expansion plans set to begin in 2025.

School officials fielded questions about building maintenance and funding.

Neukirch took notes on the session for all the group. She said the notes will help the City address the residents’ issues, such as a pothole that one resident said he reported multiple times.

“It’s great for me to take back to our team and say ‘hey, what topics do we need to make sure we are amplifying and communicating with the public, because this is what we’re hearing,'” Neukirch said. “Maybe we need to communicate the pothole hotline in a new way. Even just one comment is an opportunity for us to revisit and procedures to make sure we are best serving the public.”

Residents can register for the next meeting on Thursday, May 4, by calling the City at (847) 926-1000 or emailing cityhp@cityhpil.com.

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