HIGHWOOD CITY COUNCIL’S 8.4.26 MEETING IN A NUTSHELL
Appearance
The owner of the Art Impact Project (134 North Ave.) applied for approval of new business signage. The City Council voted to authorize the proposed signage.
Development
A developer under contract to purchase the vacant lot at 27 Prairie Ave. presented a preliminary redevelopment concept for the property (presentation here). The proposal includes four owner-occupied, three-story townhomes facing Morgan Pl., each with an attached two-car garage and a ground-floor accessory dwelling unit. The concept also includes four guest parking spaces and landscaping throughout the property, including along the Prairie Ave. frontage. The proposal will require zoning relief. The City Council directed city staff to advance the proposal through the city's standard review process, which includes submission of a complete application, staff review, a public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission, the Commission's findings of fact and recommendation, and a final Council decision on the requested zoning relief.
Earlier this year, the City Council voted (4-2) to approve redevelopment and purchase agreements with a developer for the redevelopment of 412, 416, 420, 424, and 430 Sheridan Rd (map of the project area here). A portion of the project area was previously used as a gas station with underground storage tanks. During the developer's pre-closing due diligence period, it was determined that recently revised Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations related to former underground storage tanks require additional environmental investigation and compliance work before the property can be redeveloped. The Council voted (4-2) to authorize Pioneer Engineering & Environmental Services to complete the work at a cost not to exceed $129k.
Elections
The next election for city offices will be held as part of the April 6, 2027, Consolidated Election. Three of the city’s six at-large Alderperson seats will be up for election, with each term being four years. Key dates are:
August 10, 2026: Nomination papers will be available at City Hall.
August 25, 2026: Candidates may begin circulating petitions.
November 16–23, 2026: Candidates must file nomination papers at City Hall.
Additional information can be found on the State Board of Elections’ website, including the 2027 Candidates Guide.
Finance
The City Council voted to approve the payment of various bills totaling $101k.
Infrastructure
The city recently received a long-awaited $200k state grant for infrastructure improvements. These funds were budgeted for the following roadway resurfacing projects:
First St. (subject to change based, in part, on the timing of anticipated improvements to Sheridan Rd.)
The City Council voted to authorize K&L Contractors to complete the projects at a cost not to exceed $150k.
Licensing
City staff reported that the owner of 432 Sheridan Rd. (formerly Teddy O'Brian's) has agreed to lease the property to Howard Hughes, owner of the Wooden Nickel (444 Lakeview Ave.), who plans to open a new bar. In light of property maintenance issues and liquor license violations involving the property's most recent bar operator, staff recommended entering into an agreement with Hughes that includes the following key terms:
Active security cameras must cover all public areas.
Security footage must be provided to the Police Department within 24 hours upon request.
Front windows and patio fencing must maintain clear sightlines into the property.
Specified property improvements, including the patio, fencing, and basement stairs, must be completed by July 1, 2027.
The business must comply with the city's liquor and noise ordinances.
The City Council voted to authorize execution of the agreement and adopt an ordinance increasing the number of available Class A liquor licenses by one, enabling the Mayor to grant the required liquor license. Class A liquor licenses allow the sale of beer, wine, and spirits for on-premises consumption.
Public Comment
A resident expressed concerns about comments made by the Police Chief regarding recent public safety incidents and the city’s approach to addressing gang-related activity. The resident also asked about the rationale for the approved sale/redevelopment of the properties at 244 Waukegan Ave. and 0 Waukegan Ave., including the transaction structure and sale price, as well as how recently approved and proposed developments are evaluated for consistency with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, the role of outside consultants, and public access to related planning documents.
A resident emphasized the importance of ensuring that future development is guided by the city's Comprehensive Plan, supported by long-term infrastructure planning, and evaluated through a consistent public process. The resident also asked how residents can obtain planning documents and information.
Public Safety
Alderperson Markoutsas reported that he is working to establish a volunteer-led organization, tentatively named "Highwood Together," to improve community safety, emergency preparedness, and communications. Individuals interested in learning more were asked to e-mail gmarkoutsas@cityofhighwood.org.
Mayor Pecaro reported that he, the City Manager, and the Police Chief met with the owner of Santi's (324 Green Bay Rd.) to discuss the recent shots-fired incident near the business, including a review of related surveillance footage. The owner agreed to at least temporarily reduce the bar's closing time to midnight, hire security personnel, continue reviewing business operations, and maintain an open line of communication with the city. The Police Department will also increase its presence through more frequent walkthroughs of the business.
Waste & Recyclables
The city's residential and commercial waste and recycling collection agreements with Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) expire on March 31, 2027. The City Council directed city staff to obtain a proposal from LRS for a one-year extension and report back so the Council can decide whether to solicit proposals from other service providers.
Other
The City Council voted to approve meeting minutes from July 21, 2026.
The Library & Community Center’s August newsletter is here
The Chamber of Commerce’s August newsletter is here
Celebrate Highwood’s Evening Gourmet Market will be held on Wednesdays through August 26th from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Everts Park (111 North Ave.); additional information here.
Celebrate Highwood’s Garlic Fest will be held on August 12th from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm at Everts Park (111 North Ave.); additional information here.
Celebrate Highwood’s Bloody Mary Fest will be held on August 16th from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Everts Park (111 North Ave.); additional information here.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Breakfast before Business with Brooke Foley will be held on August 26th from 7:30 am to 9:00 am at City Hall (17 Highwood Ave.); additional information here.
The Chamber of Commerce’s Spill Sessions (How did Highwood become Highwood?) will be held on August 27th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Mojo’s Vinyl Bar (448 Sheridan Rd.); additional information here.
Meeting Records
A video recording of the Regular Meeting is here.
Once approved, minutes from the Committee of the Whole Meeting and Regular Meeting will be linked here.
These write-ups are purposefully brief. Please do not hesitate to call or email me if you would like additional details or have questions.
*unless otherwise noted, City Council directives and votes were unanimous.