dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Chicago Blackhawks address concerns of players, fans

The Blackhawks are in full damage control after an emotional two weeks that saw ... • Them say goodbye to two-time Stanley Cup-winning goalie Corey Crawford .
• Jonathan Toews voice his concerns about the direction of the team .
• Kris Versteeg tell the Daily Herald that the Hawks should be in communication with Toews , Patrick Kane , Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook about what exactly is transpiring .
Not only did GM Stan Bowman have an hourlong meeting with those four veterans , he also spent 60 minutes on a podcast with two NBC SportsChicago reporters , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to its fans .
That statement led off saying : `` We recently said goodbye to a pair of popular , two-time champions and acquired some new players via trade and free agency .
We understand it was tough to see those respected veterans go and realize you may have some questions about our direction .
We 'd like to address that direction and share why we 're hopeful for the future of Blackhawks hockey . ''
Nothing that was said in the rest of the statement or in Bowman 's interview broke @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Hawks are going to give young players more of a role .
Yes , those players will stub their toes at times , but in the long run it will help usher a new , winning culture into the franchise .
`` Instead of trying to put more and more and more on ( the veterans ' ) backs , we 're actually trying to distribute the load among a larger group , '' Bowman said .
`` We need more depth throughout our lineup .
But the way to get that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ . ''
Bowman felt the conversation with Toews , Kane , Keith and Seabrook went well .
`` It was a lot of back and forth , '' he said .
`` I certainly started the conversation , but I would say everybody weighed in with their thoughts and questions they had .
`` By the time we ended the call it appeared as if there was a better appreciation for what was happening .
I do n't want to put words in their mouths ; they can speak for themselves .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clarify anything that might have been unclear . ''
In the big picture , this is probably the way to go -- especially when you consider the Hawks do n't exactly resemble a team capable of winning the Stanley Cup next season .
Giving young players bigger roles during a shortened season should allow their confidence to grow little by little .
Sure , it will be painful on many nights .
And a last-place finish is a distinct possibility .
But what if the Hawks emerge with the No .
1 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ draft ?
Adding a potential generational talent to a team with Kane , Toews , Keith , Dominik Kubalik , Alex DeBrincat , Dylan Strome , Kirby Dach , Adam Boqvist , Connor Murphy and Calvin de Haan would definitely make the Hawks more of a threat .
What will defenseman Ian Mitchell look like by then ?
And new forward Pius Suter ?
What if new D-man Nikita Zadorov has taken the next step ?
What if the goalie situation has been solved ?
Perhaps the future is n't so bleak after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ want you to believe .
That despite all the missteps -- and there have been many -- you will one day soon enter the United Center and see a team on the cusp of something special .
`` You do n't have to agree with all the decisions we make , '' Bowman said .
`` I hope by providing some of the background ( on decisions ) you can see that we 're not just doing these things off the cuff .
There 's a lot of thought that goes into it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right .
We recognize that .
But we certainly need to get more right than wrong .
... We 're working together to try to build this back up .
That 's our goal .
We want to win .
We want to bring great hockey back to the fans .
`` They 've been tremendous to us over these years . ''

The Blackhawks make it clear that they're in rebuilding mode
Chicago Blackhawks' Patrick Kane (88) celebrates with teammate Jonathan Toews (19) after scoring a hat trick during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Minnesota Wild, Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019, in Chicago.
It's official.
The Blackhawks are in full damage control after an emotional two weeks that saw ...
• Them say goodbye to two-time Stanley Cup-winning goalie Corey Crawford.
• Them trade popular forward Brandon Saad.
• Jonathan Toews voice his concerns about the direction of the team.
• Kris Versteeg tell the Daily Herald that the Hawks should be in communication with Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook about what exactly is transpiring.
So what happened?
Not only did GM Stan Bowman have an hourlong meeting with those four veterans, he also spent 60 minutes on a podcast with two NBC SportsChicago reporters, AND the team released a five-paragraph statement to its fans.
That statement led off saying: "We recently said goodbye to a pair of popular, two-time champions and acquired some new players via trade and free agency. We understand it was tough to see those respected veterans go and realize you may have some questions about our direction. We'd like to address that direction and share why we're hopeful for the future of Blackhawks hockey."
Nothing that was said in the rest of the statement or in Bowman's interview broke much new ground.
Bottom line: The Hawks are going to give young players more of a role. Yes, those players will stub their toes at times, but in the long run it will help usher a new, winning culture into the franchise.
"Instead of trying to put more and more and more on (the veterans') backs, we're actually trying to distribute the load among a larger group," Bowman said. "We need more depth throughout our lineup. But the way to get that is we're going to develop that."
Bowman felt the conversation with Toews, Kane, Keith and Seabrook went well.
"It was a lot of back and forth," he said. "I certainly started the conversation, but I would say everybody weighed in with their thoughts and questions they had.
"By the time we ended the call it appeared as if there was a better appreciation for what was happening. I don't want to put words in their mouths; they can speak for themselves.
"But it was good to try and clarify anything that might have been unclear."
In the big picture, this is probably the way to go -- especially when you consider the Hawks don't exactly resemble a team capable of winning the Stanley Cup next season.
Giving young players bigger roles during a shortened season should allow their confidence to grow little by little.
Sure, it will be painful on many nights. And a last-place finish is a distinct possibility.
But what if the Hawks emerge with the No. 1, 2 or 3 pick in the 2021 draft? Adding a potential generational talent to a team with Kane, Toews, Keith, Dominik Kubalik, Alex DeBrincat, Dylan Strome, Kirby Dach, Adam Boqvist, Connor Murphy and Calvin de Haan would definitely make the Hawks more of a threat.
What will defenseman Ian Mitchell look like by then? And new forward Pius Suter? What if new D-man Nikita Zadorov has taken the next step? What if the goalie situation has been solved?
Perhaps the future isn't so bleak after all.
This is what the Hawks want you to believe. That despite all the missteps -- and there have been many -- you will one day soon enter the United Center and see a team on the cusp of something special.
"You don't have to agree with all the decisions we make," Bowman said. "I hope by providing some of the background (on decisions) you can see that we're not just doing these things off the cuff. There's a lot of thought that goes into it.
"We don't get everything right. We recognize that. But we certainly need to get more right than wrong. ... We're working together to try to build this back up. That's our goal. We want to win. We want to bring great hockey back to the fans.
"They've been tremendous to us over these years."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Once a Madigan donor, Stephens now says he's taking on speaker's 'corruption'

A political TV ad touting state Rep. Brad Stephens ' candidacy says he 's taken on Mike `` Madigan 's corruption , '' but longtime political observers know -- and the legislator who doubles as Rosemont 's mayor admits -- he and his father before him have long had a friendly , or at least cordial , relationship with the powerful House speaker .
Campaign committees controlled by Stephens -- a longtime Republican and committeeman of the Leyden Township Regular Republican Organization -- have given $ 10,000 to Madigan and his committees over the last two decades , according to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ That includes $ 2,500 to Friends of Michael J. Madigan in September 2018 , $ 2,500 to the Democratic Party of Illinois in March 2014 , and $ 5,000 to Madigan in August 2000 .
But Stephens is quick to point out he 's long supported candidates on both sides of the aisle .
His political action committee gave a matching $ 2,500 contribution to the state GOP on the same date of the 2014 donation to state Democrats .
Madigan , as well as other General Assembly leaders , have regularly taken @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he 's been mayor to discuss issues affecting the Northwest suburb .
It was a relationship fostered by Stephens ' father , Donald , the town 's founder and mayor for 51 years until his death in 2007 .
And it led , for instance , to Rosemont securing an exit off the Tri-State Tollway at Balmoral Avenue for the Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall .
`` Rosemont does a lot for the state of Illinois , and the state does a lot for Rosemont , '' Stephens said .
But Stephens said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he was appointed to the 20th District state House seat .
Now Stephens is in an expensive battle with Democrat Michelle Darbro to try to hold on to the seat , which has been in Republican hands for 47 years .
Stephens has more than $ 800,000 in his campaign fund , compared to Darbro 's $ 2.2 million -- much of it from campaign committees controlled by Madigan and his allies .
`` With Speaker Madigan , you 're all good with him till you 're against him , '' Stephens said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gon na give me a pass ?
Hell no . ''
Stephens said he believes Madigan is pushing hard to pick up every seat he can to add to his 74-44 supermajority , amid calls from some in his own caucus to step down as speaker .
`` It 's not about Brad Stephens or Michelle Darbro , '' Stephens said .
`` It 's about that seat , and making sure he has 60 , with a cushion . ''
Like other Republicans , Stephens has called on Madigan to resign -- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ -- amid the federal probe that found ComEd bribed Madigan associates in exchange for the speaker 's help in pushing through legislation favorable to the utility .
Stephens ' campaign has called on Darbro , a Chicago firefighter and first-time candidate , to `` denounce Madigan and his crooked ways . ''
Darbro has said Madigan should step down if found guilty or proven to have committed any crimes .
If he wins , Stephens said he thinks he 'll be able to work with Madigan and others across the aisle , despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ negative mailers and TV commercials from both sides .
`` That 's what politics is .
It gets nasty , '' Stephens said .
`` But at 7:01 ( p.m. election night ) and the votes are tabulated , let 's get back to work . ''
The 20th District , centered on Chicago 's Northwest Side , stretches into Rosemont , Des Plaines , Park Ridge , Niles and Schiller Park .

Once a Madigan donor, Stephens now says he's taking on speaker's 'corruption'
Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan, pictured, is bankrolling Michelle Darbro's state legislative campaign against incumbent Brad Stephens in an effort to add to the Democratic supermajority the speaker controls. The State Journal-Register via Associated Press, 2018
Editor's note: This story was updated to note a $5,000 campaign contribution made in 2000 to Friends of Mike Madigan, attributed to a campaign fund controlled by Brad Stephens, was made by his father, Donald. The younger Stephens assumed the campaign fund when the elder died in 2007.
A political TV ad touting state Rep. Brad Stephens' candidacy says he's taken on Mike "Madigan's corruption," but longtime political observers know -- and the legislator who doubles as Rosemont's mayor admits -- he and his father before him have long had a friendly, or at least cordial, relationship with the powerful House speaker.
Campaign committees controlled by Stephens -- a longtime Republican and committeeman of the Leyden Township Regular Republican Organization -- have given $10,000 to Madigan and his committees over the last two decades, according to Illinois State Board of Elections records. That includes $2,500 to Friends of Michael J. Madigan in September 2018 and $2,500 to the Democratic Party of Illinois in March 2014.
It also includes a $5,000 contribution to Madigan in August 2000, but Stephens said that came from his dad, Donald, the town's founder and mayor for 51 years until his death in 2007. The younger Stephens assumed the campaign fund when the elder died.
Stephens is quick to point out he's long supported candidates on both sides of the aisle. His political action committee gave a matching $2,500 contribution to the state GOP on the same date of the 2014 donation to state Democrats.
Madigan, as well as other General Assembly leaders, have regularly taken meetings with Stephens in the 13 years he's been mayor to discuss issues affecting the Northwest suburb. It was a relationship fostered by Stephens' father, and it led, for instance, to Rosemont securing an exit off the Tri-State Tollway at Balmoral Avenue for the Fashion Outlets of Chicago mall.
"Rosemont does a lot for the state of Illinois, and the state does a lot for Rosemont," Stephens said.
But Stephens said things changed in June 2019, after he was appointed to the 20th District state House seat. Now Stephens is in an expensive battle with Democrat Michelle Darbro to try to hold on to the seat, which has been in Republican hands for 47 years.
Stephens has more than $800,000 in his campaign fund, compared to Darbro's $2.2 million -- much of it from campaign committees controlled by Madigan and his allies.
"With Speaker Madigan, you're all good with him till you're against him," Stephens said. "Did I think he was gonna give me a pass? Hell no."
Stephens said he believes Madigan is pushing hard to pick up every seat he can to add to his 74-44 supermajority, amid calls from some in his own caucus to step down as speaker.
"It's not about Brad Stephens or Michelle Darbro," Stephens said. "It's about that seat, and making sure he has 60, with a cushion."
Like other Republicans, Stephens has called on Madigan to resign -- or at least give up his gavel -- amid the federal probe that found ComEd bribed Madigan associates in exchange for the speaker's help in pushing through legislation favorable to the utility.
Stephens' campaign has called on Darbro, a Chicago firefighter and first-time candidate, to "denounce Madigan and his crooked ways."
Darbro has said Madigan should step down if found guilty or proven to have committed any crimes.
If he wins, Stephens said he thinks he'll be able to work with Madigan and others across the aisle, despite the current campaign season that has seen negative mailers and TV commercials from both sides.
"That's what politics is. It gets nasty," Stephens said. "But at 7:01 (p.m. election night) and the votes are tabulated, let's get back to work."
The 20th District, centered on Chicago's Northwest Side, stretches into Rosemont, Des Plaines, Park Ridge, Niles and Schiller Park.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Lobbyists debate effects of graduated income tax plan on Illinois ballot

Leaders from two statewide lobbying groups discussed Tuesday how the proposed constitutional amendment that would pave the way for a graduated income tax rate structure in Illinois could affect taxpayers .
Sean Denney , director of government relations at the Illinois Education Association , and Todd Maisch , CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce , were the guest speakers at the online forum hosted by the GOA Regional Business Association and the Illinois Electronic Security Association , both based in Itasca .
Denney spoke in favor of the initiative , while Maisch opposes it .
The measure is on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ language from the Illinois Constitution requiring a flat rate for the state 's income tax .
Instead , legislators have already approved a graduated tax format that would apply increasing tax rates as income rises .
Now , all income is taxed at a blanket 4.95 % rate .
Gov .
J.B. Pritzker made transitioning to a graduated income tax rate a key issue of his 2018 campaign platform .
He claims the proposal will lower or hold steady the amount of income taxes owed by 97 % of the state 's population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wealthiest residents .
It is estimated to generate roughly $ 3.6 billion in additional income tax revenue a year .
Maisch argued that since the state already applies several tax credits and exemptions to lower-earning workers ' income that wealthier residents do n't receive , the tax rate is already graduated .
He added that the state 's wealthiest 1 % already pay roughly 25 % of all the state 's income taxes .
Maisch claimed that without earmarking the additional revenue for specific state fiscal needs , voting in favor of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ misspending .
`` This is nothing but a giant bag of cash left at the back door for the legislature to do whatever they want with , '' he said .
`` You can have a graduated structure with a flat tax . ''
But Denney argued that tying the revenue to a specific appropriation would hamstring legislators from using it to cover the greatest needs in the state , pointing to the state 's financial issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic .
He added that a graduated income tax rate would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state 's regressive taxes and fees have on working-class families .
`` When you look at the total sum of dollars and revenue that comes in from the state of Illinois , most of those dollars are coming from lower- and middle-class earners , '' Denney said .
`` Just look at the list of millionaires and billionaires who are lining up with their checkbooks to oppose this .
It 's pretty clear where their interests lie . ''
If the measure passes , those whose individual or joint income exceeds $ 250,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at a rate higher than the current 4.95 % flat income tax rate .
Individuals who make more than $ 750,000 , or couples filing jointly with incomes over $ 1 million a year , would pay a flat 7.99 % .
A video of Tuesday 's discussion will be available soon on the GOA website , thegoa.com , officials said .

Lobbyists debate effects of graduated income tax plan on Illinois ballot
Gov. J.B. Pritzker is flanked by members of the Illinois House and the Illinois Senate in April 2019 as he answers questions after announcing the SJRCA1 Amendment 1, a constitutional amendment to change the state's flat income tax to a progressive rate structure, during a news conference in the governor's office at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield. Justin L. Fowler/The State Journal-Register via AP
Leaders from two statewide lobbying groups discussed Tuesday how the proposed constitutional amendment that would pave the way for a graduated income tax rate structure in Illinois could affect taxpayers.
Sean Denney, director of government relations at the Illinois Education Association, and Todd Maisch, CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, were the guest speakers at the online forum hosted by the GOA Regional Business Association and the Illinois Electronic Security Association, both based in Itasca.
Denney spoke in favor of the initiative, while Maisch opposes it.
The measure is on the Nov. 3 ballot and would strike language from the Illinois Constitution requiring a flat rate for the state's income tax. Instead, legislators have already approved a graduated tax format that would apply increasing tax rates as income rises. Now, all income is taxed at a blanket 4.95% rate.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker made transitioning to a graduated income tax rate a key issue of his 2018 campaign platform. He claims the proposal will lower or hold steady the amount of income taxes owed by 97% of the state's population while raising taxes for the state's wealthiest residents. It is estimated to generate roughly $3.6 billion in additional income tax revenue a year.
Maisch argued that since the state already applies several tax credits and exemptions to lower-earning workers' income that wealthier residents don't receive, the tax rate is already graduated. He added that the state's wealthiest 1% already pay roughly 25% of all the state's income taxes.
Maisch claimed that without earmarking the additional revenue for specific state fiscal needs, voting in favor of the measure would open the door for potential misspending.
"This is nothing but a giant bag of cash left at the back door for the legislature to do whatever they want with," he said. "You can have a graduated structure with a flat tax."
But Denney argued that tying the revenue to a specific appropriation would hamstring legislators from using it to cover the greatest needs in the state, pointing to the state's financial issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that a graduated income tax rate would help shift some of the burden the state's regressive taxes and fees have on working-class families.
"When you look at the total sum of dollars and revenue that comes in from the state of Illinois, most of those dollars are coming from lower- and middle-class earners," Denney said. "Just look at the list of millionaires and billionaires who are lining up with their checkbooks to oppose this. It's pretty clear where their interests lie."
If the measure passes, those whose individual or joint income exceeds $250,000 would have some of their income taxed at a rate higher than the current 4.95% flat income tax rate. Individuals who make more than $750,000, or couples filing jointly with incomes over $1 million a year, would pay a flat 7.99%.
A video of Tuesday's discussion will be available soon on the GOA website, thegoa.com, officials said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Taking an 'adaptive pause': How Naperville District 203 is responding to rising COVID-19 cases

For months , Superintendent Dan Bridges has been stressing the need for flexibility in the `` Return to Learn '' plan implemented by Naperville Unit District 203 .
Being able to adapt on the fly was especially pertinent Monday , he said , when administrators halted the district 's transition to partial in-person learning and announced a continuation of online instruction amid a rising COVID-19 case count in DuPage County .
New guidance issued by the county health department recommends area schools operate with 100 % remote learning , throwing a wrench in District 203 's plans to welcome back @ @ @ @ @ @ @ week .
Early childhood and kindergarten students were set to begin a hybrid in-person learning schedule Tuesday , with one grade level added each day until all elementary classes returned .
But a recent spike in the county 's weekly infection rate moved DuPage from a `` moderate '' to `` substantial '' level of community transmission , prompting the district to take an `` adaptive pause '' in the second stage of its `` Return to Learn '' plan , Bridges said .
Most students are now expected to remain in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 4 , while administrators monitor coronavirus conditions .
Only K-12 specialized programs will continue with in-person instruction .
The news was upsetting for many district families who have been urging school leaders to allow students to return to the classroom .
Some expressed a desire for more consistency in the process , while others raised concerns over the impact of e-learning on a child 's academic performance and social-emotional well-being .
`` The students are the ones who are losing out here , '' said parent William Doyle , whose three children attend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ were ecstatic to go back to school this week .
I can not tell you the gut punch they felt when my wife broke the news to them after dinner that they are now delayed two more weeks . ''
Though school board members shared in their frustrations over the abrupt announcement , board President Kristin Fitzgerald said she believes reverting to e-learning was unequivocally the right call .
`` We understand this leaves very little time for parents to prepare students for this enormous change , and that this burden is even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ flexibility in their schedules , '' she said .
`` We understand this requires all of us to change course literally overnight . ''
For now , elementary students will follow a new half-day hybrid model as planned , dividing the kids into morning and afternoon cohorts , said Chuck Freundt , assistant superintendent for elementary education .
The schedule was designed to offer in-person learning opportunities four days a week , with Mondays designated for e-learning .
But now instead of going into the classroom during their assigned sessions , students will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Administrators are expected to evaluate the format and make adjustments as needed in the coming weeks , Freundt said .
Junior high and high school students moved this week into an online block schedule , in which students attend all nine periods on Mondays and half their classes each for an extended time Tuesdays through Fridays .
That format was created to ease the transition into a hybrid model -- the third stage of `` Return to Learn '' -- though administrators say it 's also a more sustainable and realistic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ environment .

Taking an 'adaptive pause': How Naperville District 203 is responding to rising COVID-19 cases
Naperville Unit District 203 Superintendent Dan Bridges halted plans to start welcoming early childhood and elementary students back to school this week as COVID-19 cases surge in DuPage County. Daily Herald File Photo
For months, Superintendent Dan Bridges has been stressing the need for flexibility in the "Return to Learn" plan implemented by Naperville Unit District 203.
Being able to adapt on the fly was especially pertinent Monday, he said, when administrators halted the district's transition to partial in-person learning and announced a continuation of online instruction amid a rising COVID-19 case count in DuPage County.
New guidance issued by the county health department recommends area schools operate with 100% remote learning, throwing a wrench in District 203's plans to welcome back its youngest learners in phases starting this week.
Early childhood and kindergarten students were set to begin a hybrid in-person learning schedule Tuesday, with one grade level added each day until all elementary classes returned. But a recent spike in the county's weekly infection rate moved DuPage from a "moderate" to "substantial" level of community transmission, prompting the district to take an "adaptive pause" in the second stage of its "Return to Learn" plan, Bridges said.
Most students are now expected to remain in an enhanced e-learning model, tentatively until Nov. 4, while administrators monitor coronavirus conditions.
Only K-12 specialized programs will continue with in-person instruction.
The news was upsetting for many district families who have been urging school leaders to allow students to return to the classroom. Some expressed a desire for more consistency in the process, while others raised concerns over the impact of e-learning on a child's academic performance and social-emotional well-being.
"The students are the ones who are losing out here," said parent William Doyle, whose three children attend Elmwood Elementary School. "My kids were ecstatic to go back to school this week. I cannot tell you the gut punch they felt when my wife broke the news to them after dinner that they are now delayed two more weeks."
Though school board members shared in their frustrations over the abrupt announcement, board President Kristin Fitzgerald said she believes reverting to e-learning was unequivocally the right call.
"We understand this leaves very little time for parents to prepare students for this enormous change, and that this burden is even greater for working and single parents without flexibility in their schedules," she said. "We understand this requires all of us to change course literally overnight."
For now, elementary students will follow a new half-day hybrid model as planned, dividing the kids into morning and afternoon cohorts, said Chuck Freundt, assistant superintendent for elementary education.
The schedule was designed to offer in-person learning opportunities four days a week, with Mondays designated for e-learning. But now instead of going into the classroom during their assigned sessions, students will continue meeting with teachers virtually, he said.
Administrators are expected to evaluate the format and make adjustments as needed in the coming weeks, Freundt said.
Junior high and high school students moved this week into an online block schedule, in which students attend all nine periods on Mondays and half their classes each for an extended time Tuesdays through Fridays.
That format was created to ease the transition into a hybrid model -- the third stage of "Return to Learn" -- though administrators say it's also a more sustainable and realistic schedule for secondary-level students in an all-remote environment.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Old Hoffman Estates bowling alley to be razed, clearing way for redevelopment

The five-year wake for the former , 50-year-old Hoffman Lanes bowling alley on Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates is near its end , as the property 's new owner has conceded the vacant building is beyond its useful life and obtained village permission to demolish it .
Representatives of W-T Properties Schaumburg I LLC and Hoffman Estates officials also reached a redevelopment agreement that makes $ 2.39 million in improvements on and near the site eligible for reimbursement from the area 's tax increment financing district .
The improvements would include the $ 265,900 demolition of the building , storm @ @ @ @ @ @ @ properties , and a 10 % contingency for cost increases .
Hoffman Lanes , 80 W. Higgins Road , operated for at least five decades before it abruptly closed during the summer of 2015 .
When W-T Properties Schaumburg I bought the site three years later , it had hopes of using the existing building for another purpose .
However , plans to convert it into a multi-tenant retail center , as well as a few alternative proposals , were met with little enthusiasm from Hoffman Estates village board members .
Now the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will improve the 2.7 acres ' marketability for a new use .
`` It 's better to raze the site and start from scratch , '' said Troy Triphahn , a representative of the owners and also chief operating officer of the Hoffman Estates-based engineering firm WT Group .
The market seems to be calling for some type of automotive use on the property , Triphahn said , but he did not commit to any specific proposal .
`` We 're not here today to talk about auto uses .
We 're hear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said at this month 's planning , building and zoning committee meeting .
`` I actually think today is one of the biggest steps we can take to stimulate not just this project but a few different things going on in the area . ''
The site is temporarily being used to store vehicles for the Zeigler Auto Group , which recently acquired three nearby luxury car dealerships .
Hoffman Estates Director of Development Services Peter Gugliotta said the drainage work outlined in the redevelopment agreement would reduce the flood plain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Reimbursement for the work would come from the village 's TIF fund for the area .
A TIF district works by freezing the amount of property taxes that local governments collect at the level of the first year .
Annual increases above that amount go to a village-held fund for public improvements within the district .
Though this TIF fund will have only $ 1.1 million in it at the end of 2020 , it 's expected to generate enough to cover the rest of the sewer work before it expires in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kevin Kramer said .

Old Hoffman Estates bowling alley to be razed, clearing way for redevelopment
The five-year wake for the former, 50-year-old Hoffman Lanes bowling alley on Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates is near its end, as the property's new owner has conceded the vacant building is beyond its useful life and obtained village permission to demolish it.
Representatives of W-T Properties Schaumburg I LLC and Hoffman Estates officials also reached a redevelopment agreement that makes $2.39 million in improvements on and near the site eligible for reimbursement from the area's tax increment financing district.
The improvements would include the $265,900 demolition of the building, storm sewer upgrades affecting at least three neighboring properties, and a 10% contingency for cost increases.
Hoffman Lanes, 80 W. Higgins Road, operated for at least five decades before it abruptly closed during the summer of 2015. When W-T Properties Schaumburg I bought the site three years later, it had hopes of using the existing building for another purpose.
However, plans to convert it into a multi-tenant retail center, as well as a few alternative proposals, were met with little enthusiasm from Hoffman Estates village board members.
Now the property owners believe tearing down the building will improve the 2.7 acres' marketability for a new use.
"It's better to raze the site and start from scratch," said Troy Triphahn, a representative of the owners and also chief operating officer of the Hoffman Estates-based engineering firm WT Group.
The market seems to be calling for some type of automotive use on the property, Triphahn said, but he did not commit to any specific proposal.
"We're not here today to talk about auto uses. We're hear today to make this site marketable." he said at this month's planning, building and zoning committee meeting. "I actually think today is one of the biggest steps we can take to stimulate not just this project but a few different things going on in the area."
The site is temporarily being used to store vehicles for the Zeigler Auto Group, which recently acquired three nearby luxury car dealerships.
Hoffman Estates Director of Development Services Peter Gugliotta said the drainage work outlined in the redevelopment agreement would reduce the flood plain in which the former bowling alley lies. Reimbursement for the work would come from the village's TIF fund for the area.
A TIF district works by freezing the amount of property taxes that local governments collect at the level of the first year. Annual increases above that amount go to a village-held fund for public improvements within the district.
Though this TIF fund will have only $1.1 million in it at the end of 2020, it's expected to generate enough to cover the rest of the sewer work before it expires in 2026, Hoffman Estates Economic Development Director Kevin Kramer said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Woodridge woman reported missing

Woodridge woman reported missing

The Illinois State Police activated a Missing Person Advisory Alert for a 47-year-old woman at the request of Woodridge police @ @ @ @ @ seen leaving 6420 Double Eagle Drive on foot Oct. 20 at 4:05 p.m. , according @ @ @ @ @ is described as white with black hair , standing 5-foot-3 and weighing 100 pounds .
@ @ @ @ @ gray sweatpants , a black coat , black boots and a white bandanna on her @ @ @ @ @ a black backpack .
Lee has a condition that places her in danger , the @ @ @ @ @ has information about her whereabouts can contact the Woodridge Police Department at 630-719-4732 or call @ @

Woodridge woman reported missing
The Illinois State Police activated a Missing Person Advisory Alert for a 47-year-old woman at the request of Woodridge police.
Julie Lee was last seen leaving 6420 Double Eagle Drive on foot Oct. 20 at 4:05 p.m., according to the alert. Lee is described as white with black hair, standing 5-foot-3 and weighing 100 pounds. She was last seen wearing gray sweatpants, a black coat, black boots and a white bandanna on her head. She also had a black backpack.
Lee has a condition that places her in danger, the alert said. Anyone who has information about her whereabouts can contact the Woodridge Police Department at 630-719-4732 or call 911.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--Feder: 'Dream realized' as Jennifer Keiper moves up to CBS News Radio anchor

Come November a lot more people will be hearing Jennifer Keiper every day .
The highly regarded Chicago radio news veteran , who now works for Entercom all-news WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM , has been hired as a national news anchor for CBS News Radio , starting November 9 .
Based in Chicago , Keiper will be heard on the network 's hourly newscasts , which air on WBBM Newsradio and more than 1,000 affiliates nationwide .
`` She 'll be leaving WBBM , but still kind of be here at the same time , '' Ron Gleason , brand manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email Tuesday .
`` The network 's gain is our loss , although I 'm sure we 'll be hearing plenty from Jennifer at the top of the hour ! ''
The move marks a return to network radio news for Keiper , who served as the first Midwest correspondent for Fox News Radio from 2008 to 2014 .
CBS News Radio ( formerly known as CBS Radio News ) is the legacy of the old CBS Radio Network .
Entercom acquired the network 's local stations in 2017 .
Get the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ news , at robertfeder.com .

Feder: 'Dream realized' as Jennifer Keiper moves up to CBS News Radio anchor
Come November a lot more people will be hearing Jennifer Keiper every day.
The highly regarded Chicago radio news veteran, who now works for Entercom all-news WBBM 780-AM/WCFS 105.9-FM, has been hired as a national news anchor for CBS News Radio, starting November 9.
Based in Chicago, Keiper will be heard on the network's hourly newscasts, which air on WBBM Newsradio and more than 1,000 affiliates nationwide.
"She'll be leaving WBBM, but still kind of be here at the same time," Ron Gleason, brand manager of WBBM Newsradio, told staffers in an email Tuesday. "The network's gain is our loss, although I'm sure we'll be hearing plenty from Jennifer at the top of the hour!"
The move marks a return to network radio news for Keiper, who served as the first Midwest correspondent for Fox News Radio from 2008 to 2014. CBS News Radio (formerly known as CBS Radio News) is the legacy of the old CBS Radio Network. Entercom acquired the network's local stations in 2017.
Get the full report, and more Chicago media news, at robertfeder.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Pending Kane County Longmeadow contract locks in toll bridge discounts

The opening of the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge inched forward Tuesday as a Kane County Board committee gave preliminary approval to a multimillion-dollar contract that locks in two discount programs for frequent users .
Even with the discounts , board representatives from the area where the tollway will be located are still not pleased with the project .
The board 's transportation committee voted to give a $ 7.8 million contract to Texas-based Electronic Transactions Consultants Corp .
The company , whose primary owners are based in Italy , would oversee the discount program and manage customer accounts and communication @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with possible extensions that could see it last up to 10 years .
The $ 7.8 million reflects the full 10-year cost of the pending agreement .
Tolls for most cars will be 95 cents per trip on the bridge over the Fox River .
It 's the only bridge over the river in the county that would charge a toll .
Frequent users of the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge can take advantage of one of two discount programs , depending on where they live .
Kane County and Algonquin residents can buy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 200 .
That pass pays for itself for any resident who makes at least two round trips per week , according to Assistant Director of Transportation Steve Coffinbargar .
Board member Chris Kious , who lives in Algonquin , said the toll is an unfair price for his neighbors no matter what the cost .
`` It will cost me an extra $ 200 a year to drive across my village , whereas the rest of the county road does n't have a toll for maintenance or going across the river , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not ridiculous for us to complain that we are being singled out . ''
Kious and board member Jarett Sanchez voted against the contract .
People who do n't live in Kane County or Algonquin but still plan to use the Longmeadow Parkway can purchase an annual pass for $ 300 .
Coffinbargar said that pass pays for itself in savings if someone makes at least three round trips per week .
Kane County also recently joined the regional E-Z Pass Group , a conglomerate of electronic toll collection programs in 18 states @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said , is not having to coordinate with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority .
`` This allows us to create our own rules , which are better suited for our single toll bridge , '' Coffinbargar said .
`` It gives us a lot more freedom and flexibility to design a system better suited to us . ''
The Longmeadow Parkway is expected to open in early 2022 .
Bridge : Two board members still do n't like deal

Pending Kane County Longmeadow contract locks in toll bridge discounts
A chart created by the Kane County Division of Transportation explains two annual discount pass options for frequent users to cross the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge over the Fox River. Courtesy of Kane County Division of Transportation
The opening of the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge inched forward Tuesday as a Kane County Board committee gave preliminary approval to a multimillion-dollar contract that locks in two discount programs for frequent users.
Even with the discounts, board representatives from the area where the tollway will be located are still not pleased with the project.
The board's transportation committee voted to give a $7.8 million contract to Texas-based Electronic Transactions Consultants Corp. The company, whose primary owners are based in Italy, would oversee the discount program and manage customer accounts and communication.
The contract is a six-year deal with possible extensions that could see it last up to 10 years. The $7.8 million reflects the full 10-year cost of the pending agreement.
Tolls for most cars will be 95 cents per trip on the bridge over the Fox River. It's the only bridge over the river in the county that would charge a toll.
Frequent users of the Longmeadow Parkway toll bridge can take advantage of one of two discount programs, depending on where they live.
Kane County and Algonquin residents can buy a one-year pass with unlimited trips for $200. That pass pays for itself for any resident who makes at least two round trips per week, according to Assistant Director of Transportation Steve Coffinbargar.
Board member Chris Kious, who lives in Algonquin, said the toll is an unfair price for his neighbors no matter what the cost.
"It will cost me an extra $200 a year to drive across my village, whereas the rest of the county road doesn't have a toll for maintenance or going across the river," Kious said. "It's not ridiculous for us to complain that we are being singled out."
Kious and board member Jarett Sanchez voted against the contract.
People who don't live in Kane County or Algonquin but still plan to use the Longmeadow Parkway can purchase an annual pass for $300. Coffinbargar said that pass pays for itself in savings if someone makes at least three round trips per week.
Kane County also recently joined the regional E-Z Pass Group, a conglomerate of electronic toll collection programs in 18 states. The benefit of membership, Coffinbargar said, is not having to coordinate with the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority.
"This allows us to create our own rules, which are better suited for our single toll bridge," Coffinbargar said. "It gives us a lot more freedom and flexibility to design a system better suited to us."
The Longmeadow Parkway is expected to open in early 2022.
Bridge: Two board members still don't like deal


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-20--Amazon looking to hire 1,500 in suburbs

Amazon looking to hire 1,500 in suburbs

Amazon is hiring to fill 1,500 positions in the Chicago area for its new grocery store concept , the company @ @ @ @ @ , the technology giant 's new grocery store concept , is opening four stores , @ @ @ @ @ Oak Lawn and Schaumburg .
Full-time and part-time positions , including managers , will be @ @ @ @ @ cross-trained in everything from customer service to stocking shelves , packing customer orders and preparing @ @ @ @ @ day .
Pay will start at $ 15 per hour and will include benefits , @ @ @ @ @ announcement .
See the complete report by the Chicago Sun-Times at chicago.suntimes.com .

Amazon looking to hire 1,500 in suburbs
Employees at Amazon's new Romeoville fulfillment center prepare the first customer order from the facility in 2017 -- a set of decorative cylinder planters shipped to a customer in Naperville. COURTESY OF AMAZON
Amazon is hiring to fill 1,500 positions in the Chicago area for its new grocery store concept, the company announced Tuesday.
Amazon Fresh, the technology giant's new grocery store concept, is opening four stores, in Naperville, Bloomingdale, Oak Lawn and Schaumburg.
Full-time and part-time positions, including managers, will be available. Employees will be cross-trained in everything from customer service to stocking shelves, packing customer orders and preparing food offerings for customers each day. Pay will start at $15 per hour and will include benefits, according to the company's announcement.
See the complete report by the Chicago Sun-Times at chicago.suntimes.com.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--69 more die of COVID-19 in Illinois, most since mid-June

State health officials Wednesday reported 69 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19 , the highest single-day total the state has seen since mid-June .
COVID-related deaths have been growing in recent weeks as the state has begun to experience an exponential growth of new cases of the respiratory disease that has caused four of the state 's 11 health regions to have additional restrictions imposed .
`` We should understand that 's always the pattern , '' Dr. Ngozi Ezike , head of the Illinois Department of Public Health , said at a media briefing Wednesday with the governor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will become hospitalizations , and a certain number of hospitalizations will go on to be deaths . ''
The state 's death toll from the respiratory disease now stands at 9,345 , and the state is now averaging 39 deaths a day over the past week .
A month ago , the daily average of deaths for the week was 20 , according to IDPH figures .
Additionally , IDPH officials reported 4,342 new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed statewide .
Since the outbreak began , 355,217 Illinois residents have contracted the disease @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rate now stands at 5.7 % .
A week ago , that rate was at 4.6 % .
`` We also continue to see concerning trends in hospital admissions across the board , '' Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
The number of people hospitalized statewide with COVID-19 increased to 2,338 patients by the end of Tuesday , according to IDPH figures .
Of those hospitalized , 502 were being treated in intensive care units .
The state has n't had more than 500 COVID-19 patients in ICU beds since June 18 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ and ICU beds in Will and Kankakee counties ' Region 7 are diminishing rapidly and nearing levels that would require hospitals to stop allowing elective surgeries .
Region 7 and Region 8 -- which contains DuPage and Kane counties -- will have virus resurgence restrictions enforced beginning Friday .
That includes elimination of indoor bar and restaurant service as well as limits on gathering sizes to 25 or fewer until the regional average test positivity rates fall below 6.5 % for three consecutive days .
However , positivity rates in those two regions @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Chicago , suburban Cook County and the region with Lake and McHenry counties all saw seven-day average positivity rates increase Wednesday .
The positivity rate for the region with Lake and McHenry counties climbed for the seventh straight day to 7.7 % .
By Friday , four of the state 's eleven regions will be under virus resurgence mitigation protocols .
In addition to the suburban regions , the northwestern Illinois region that contains towns like Rockford , Freeport and Galena has been under restriction since the end of September .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thursday .
Pritzker warned that bars and restaurants that failed to abide by the state-imposed restrictions could face the loss of their liquor licenses .
`` State police has been alerted to be on patrol in those regions , '' the governor said .
`` They have the ability to issue citations but will start with a warning .
With information we get at the state level , we have the ability to take away their liquor licenses , which I have been hesitant to do .
Now , we 're going to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' The governor and state health officials have been criticized for the restrictions imposed on businesses like bars and restaurants , but Pritzker said the decisions were made after a great amount of research and scrutiny .
At Wednesday 's briefing he held up 12 scientific studies on the transmission of COVID-19 at bars and restaurants .
`` These show bars and restaurants are a major spreading location , '' he said .
`` It is disconcerting to me that people want to lie about it or disbelieve the facts .
We 're @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also lamented the effect the restrictions will have on those businesses , many of which are family-owned .
He suggested business owners who are affected by the restrictions apply for state grant funds .
Illinois has roughly $ 220 million in Business Interruption Grants to help small businesses stay afloat .
For information , go to illinois.gov/dceo .
IDPH officials also updated the agency 's travel warning website Wednesday , which tracks the states that are averaging 15 new cases of COVID-19 each day for every 100,000 residents for the week that ended @ @ @ @ @ @ @ exceed that threshold last week , mostly on the west coast and the New England area .
Illinois averaged 31 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents .
Only nine states had higher per capita rates than Illinois , according to the IDPH figures .

69 more die of COVID-19 in Illinois, most since mid-June
State health officials Wednesday reported 69 more Illinois residents have died from COVID-19, the highest single-day total the state has seen since mid-June.
COVID-related deaths have been growing in recent weeks as the state has begun to experience an exponential growth of new cases of the respiratory disease that has caused four of the state's 11 health regions to have additional restrictions imposed.
"We should understand that's always the pattern," Dr. Ngozi Ezike, head of the Illinois Department of Public Health, said at a media briefing Wednesday with the governor. "A certain number of cases will become hospitalizations, and a certain number of hospitalizations will go on to be deaths."
The state's death toll from the respiratory disease now stands at 9,345, and the state is now averaging 39 deaths a day over the past week. A month ago, the daily average of deaths for the week was 20, according to IDPH figures.
Additionally, IDPH officials reported 4,342 new cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed statewide. Since the outbreak began, 355,217 Illinois residents have contracted the disease.
The state's seven-day average infection rate now stands at 5.7%. A week ago, that rate was at 4.6%.
"We also continue to see concerning trends in hospital admissions across the board," Gov. J.B. Pritzker said.
The number of people hospitalized statewide with COVID-19 increased to 2,338 patients by the end of Tuesday, according to IDPH figures. Of those hospitalized, 502 were being treated in intensive care units. The state hasn't had more than 500 COVID-19 patients in ICU beds since June 18.
Pritzker said vacancies of standard hospital beds and ICU beds in Will and Kankakee counties' Region 7 are diminishing rapidly and nearing levels that would require hospitals to stop allowing elective surgeries.
Region 7 and Region 8 -- which contains DuPage and Kane counties -- will have virus resurgence restrictions enforced beginning Friday. That includes elimination of indoor bar and restaurant service as well as limits on gathering sizes to 25 or fewer until the regional average test positivity rates fall below 6.5% for three consecutive days. However, positivity rates in those two regions continued to climb Wednesday.
In fact, Chicago, suburban Cook County and the region with Lake and McHenry counties all saw seven-day average positivity rates increase Wednesday. The positivity rate for the region with Lake and McHenry counties climbed for the seventh straight day to 7.7%.
By Friday, four of the state's eleven regions will be under virus resurgence mitigation protocols. In addition to the suburban regions, the northwestern Illinois region that contains towns like Rockford, Freeport and Galena has been under restriction since the end of September. The southernmost region will be under restriction beginning Thursday.
Pritzker warned that bars and restaurants that failed to abide by the state-imposed restrictions could face the loss of their liquor licenses.
"State police has been alerted to be on patrol in those regions," the governor said. "They have the ability to issue citations but will start with a warning. With information we get at the state level, we have the ability to take away their liquor licenses, which I have been hesitant to do. Now, we're going to be making sure we enforce that."
The governor and state health officials have been criticized for the restrictions imposed on businesses like bars and restaurants, but Pritzker said the decisions were made after a great amount of research and scrutiny. At Wednesday's briefing he held up 12 scientific studies on the transmission of COVID-19 at bars and restaurants.
"These show bars and restaurants are a major spreading location," he said. "It is disconcerting to me that people want to lie about it or disbelieve the facts. We're not making arbitrary decisions."
He also lamented the effect the restrictions will have on those businesses, many of which are family-owned. He suggested business owners who are affected by the restrictions apply for state grant funds. Illinois has roughly $220 million in Business Interruption Grants to help small businesses stay afloat. For information, go to illinois.gov/dceo.
IDPH officials also updated the agency's travel warning website Wednesday, which tracks the states that are averaging 15 new cases of COVID-19 each day for every 100,000 residents for the week that ended Tuesday. Only 19 states did not exceed that threshold last week, mostly on the west coast and the New England area.
Illinois averaged 31 new cases a day for every 100,000 residents. Only nine states had higher per capita rates than Illinois, according to the IDPH figures.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--Protesters question Waukegan police shooting that killed Black teen

The fatal police shooting of a male Black teenager in Waukegan provoked outrage during a media briefing Wednesday afternoon outside the station and resulted in its abrupt ending .
Authorities said a Waukegan officer `` feared for his safety '' and fired into a stopped vehicle in self-defense after the driver started reversing as the officers walked toward it late Tuesday night .
The shooting has been turned over to Illinois State Police to investigate .
The driver of the vehicle , a Black woman in her 20s from Waukegan , suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ yet .
As Waukegan police addressed reporters at a 4 p.m. news conference livestreamed by ABC 7 Chicago , a number of people interrupted , asking `` why they did fire ? ''
One man said , `` My nephew is dead in the street . ''
The news comes amid heightened tensions across the nation about police shootings involving minorities .
The officer who shot into the vehicle is Hispanic and has five years of experience with the Waukegan Police Department .
The situation unfolded just before midnight Tuesday as a Waukegan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which had stopped near Liberty and Oak streets .
The driver fled , but the vehicle was spotted minutes later near Martin Luther King Jr. and South avenues by the second officer .
When the vehicle began backing up , the officer fired his semi-automatic pistol , striking the driver and passenger who was in his late teens , Waukegan officials said .
The teenager , a Waukegan resident , was taken to a hospital , where he died .
No firearms were found in the vehicle .
When the Illinois State Police @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be turned over to the Lake County state 's attorney 's office .
The first police officer who encountered the vehicle is a white man with five years of experience on the force .
Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper scheduled an autopsy for Wednesday and is expected to release names once family members have been notified .
Waukegan police use body and squad car cameras but no video has been released yet .

Waukegan police say shooting that killed Black teen was in self-defense; protesters question it
A man questions a fatal police shooting that killed a Waukegan teen Wednesday outside the police station. Waukegan police officials said an officer fired in self-defense as a vehicle began reversing toward him. courtesy of ABC 7 Chicago
Marcellis Stinnette, 19, was shot and killed by Waukegan police Tuesday in what they say was self-defense. Courtesy of Clyde McLemore
Preliminary results from an autopsy confirm Marcellis Stinnette, 19, "died from injuries due to a gunshot" fired by a Waukegan police officer while he was a passenger in a vehicle, Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper announced Thursday.
The fatal police shooting of Stinnette, a Waukegan resident who is Black, on Tuesday night is provoking questions and outrage about whether it was justified although authorities said the officer who fired feared for his life.
"This is truly a tragedy," Cooper said in a statement. "We have been in close contact with Mr. Stinnette's family and our deepest condolences go out to them during this difficult time."
Black Lives Matter Lake County Chapter representatives plan a peaceful protest Thursday starting from the location where Stinnette was shot.
The situation unfolded shortly before midnight Tuesday when a Waukegan officer fired into a vehicle in self-defense after the driver started reversing as the officer walked toward it, police Cmdr. Edgar Navarro said Wednesday. The officer is Hispanic and a 5-year veteran of the force.
The driver, a Black woman in her 20s from Waukegan, suffered serious injuries but is expected to recover, officials said.
The shooting has been turned over to the Illinois State Police Public Integrity Task Force to investigate and their findings will be given to Lake County State's Attorney Michael Nerheim.
Lake County Black Lives Matter founder Clyde McLemore of Zion said the woman, Tafara Williams, and a witness contend the officer rammed the vehicle she was driving and began shooting.
"Killing one of our citizens is not acceptable," McLemore said. Stinnette had been in an accident recently and used a walker, he said. Williams was Stinnette's girlfriend and the couple are parents to a young child.
The autopsy was conducted Wednesday and toxicology reports are pending as the investigation continues, Cooper said.
Waukegan Mayor Sam Cunningham asked anyone who witnessed the encounter to pass on any videos.
Nerheim said in a statement, "It's important to note the Illinois State Police will conduct this investigation on their own, and that the Waukegan Police Department will play no role whatsoever in the investigation."
Emotions spilled over into a police media briefing Wednesday afternoon livestreamed by ABC 7 Chicago, when a number of people interrupted, asking, "Why they did fire?"
One man said, "My nephew is dead in the street."
The shooting occurred after a Waukegan police officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle that had stopped near Liberty and Oak streets, Navarro said.
The driver sped away, but the vehicle was spotted minutes later near Martin Luther King Jr. and South avenues by the second officer.
When the vehicle began backing up, the officer fired his semi-automatic pistol, striking the driver and passenger, police said. Stinnette was taken to a hospital, where he died.
No firearms were found in the vehicle.
The first police officer is a white man with five years of experience on the force.
Lake County Coroner Howard Cooper scheduled an autopsy for Wednesday.
Waukegan police use body and squad car cameras, but no video has been released yet.
Nerheim said it may take several weeks for the state police report, and when it's complete, "I will make a determination regarding whether the officers violated any laws. Should it be determined the officers violated a law, they will be criminally charged. If laws were not broken, I will write up a detailed statement that will completely review the facts, show the evidence, explain applicable laws, and give our reasoning for the final decision."
He asked for "continued calm and patience as the investigation takes place."
"Our deepest condolences go out to the families and friends of the person that was killed and our prayers for a speedy recovery go out to the person injured in this unfortunate situation," Nerheim said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--Gene & Georgetti closing Rosemont restaurant

The oldest family-owned steakhouse in the Chicago area is saying goodbye to its Rosemont location .
Gene & Georgetti is shutting down the restaurant at 9421 W. Higgins Road after being notified Tuesday it has to vacate the building because of $ 120,000 in unpaid property taxes .
The restaurant , which opened just five years ago , leases the building from the village of Rosemont but is responsible for the property taxes under a 10-year deal .
The Rosemont location has struggled amid the pandemic , though its event space has taken the biggest hit .
The 5,000-square-foot grand @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began regulating gatherings , according to one of the restaurant 's third-generation family owners , Michelle Durpetti .
`` We have a large event facility that accounts for about 50 percent of our revenue on a normal basis , '' Durpetti said .
`` With the state mandates in place .
... we have not been able to have any business in the space . ''
The longtime Chicago restaurateurs found themselves struggling among many other Rosemont businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 .
`` Operating at 40 percent capacity when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' Durpetti said .
`` That is an area that depended on the business traveler and convention business and entertainment and all of those things that are no longer happening . ''
The last day for customers to enjoy steaks and pasta at the Rosemont restaurant will be Oct. 31 , though the restaurant 's 79-year-old River North location , at 500 N. Franklin St. , will remain open .
Durpetti said there are no definitive plans to relocate to a smaller space in Rosemont .
`` At the moment what we are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic , '' Durpetti said .
`` It 's very important to me that we protect this legacy . ''

Gene & Georgetti closing Rosemont restaurant
The dining room room was packed when Gene & Georgetti opened in Rosemont on July 22, 2015. The steakhouse's last day of operation will be Oct. 31. Daily Herald file photo
The oldest family-owned steakhouse in the Chicago area is saying goodbye to its Rosemont location.
Gene & Georgetti is shutting down the restaurant at 9421 W. Higgins Road after being notified Tuesday it has to vacate the building because of $120,000 in unpaid property taxes.
The restaurant, which opened just five years ago, leases the building from the village of Rosemont but is responsible for the property taxes under a 10-year deal.
The Rosemont location has struggled amid the pandemic, though its event space has taken the biggest hit. The 5,000-square-foot grand ballroom has remained vacant since the state began regulating gatherings, according to one of the restaurant's third-generation family owners, Michelle Durpetti.
"We have a large event facility that accounts for about 50 percent of our revenue on a normal basis," Durpetti said. "With the state mandates in place. ... we have not been able to have any business in the space."
The longtime Chicago restaurateurs found themselves struggling among many other Rosemont businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
"Operating at 40 percent capacity when you have 100 percent expenses is challenging," Durpetti said. "That is an area that depended on the business traveler and convention business and entertainment and all of those things that are no longer happening."
The last day for customers to enjoy steaks and pasta at the Rosemont restaurant will be Oct. 31, though the restaurant's 79-year-old River North location, at 500 N. Franklin St., will remain open.
Durpetti said there are no definitive plans to relocate to a smaller space in Rosemont.
"At the moment what we are really focused on is just surviving this pandemic," Durpetti said. "It's very important to me that we protect this legacy."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--Kane County health officials blame 20-somethings for latest COVID-19 spike

Two months ago , Kane County public health officials called on local residents in their 20s to do a better job of taking precautions against COVID-19 .
Officials feared a lack of social distancing , mask-wearing and hand-washing in that age group could fuel outbreaks that would cause the local economy to start shutting down again .
On Wednesday , health officials said they did n't listen .
`` They are the ones who are driving up our positivity rate , '' said Barb Jeffers , executive director of the Kane County Public Health Department .
`` They 're going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they are a healthy group .
The problem is when they come back into the community , they raise our positivity rates .
`` We ask that they really look at their behaviors , '' she said .
`` We do n't want our community shut down because you are having a good time . ''
That party is over -- at least in terms of gatherings at Kane County bars , restaurants and other social spots .
A COVID-19 positivity rate that topped 8 % from Oct. 15 to 17 , plus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , led Gov .
J.B. Pritzker to place all of Region 8 -- Kane and DuPage counties -- into resurgence mitigation protocol designed to drive down the numbers .
Starting Friday , bars , restaurants and casinos must close by 11 p.m. No indoor seating .
No more than six people at an outdoor table , and no more than 25 customers at a time .
No mingling of groups who are n't from the same household .
Jeffers shared numbers with the county board 's public health committee that showed health officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ages 20 to 29 in September .
No other age group recorded more than 583 cases ( people in their 40s ) .
`` If we do n't reduce our positivity rate , we will enter into the next tier of mitigation , which is even more restrictive , '' she said .
`` That affects our schools , our workplaces , and it will definitely have an economic impact on our county .
Nobody wants that .
We want to keep our schools open .
We want to keep our businesses open @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has shown the COVID-19 cases they 've seen at local schools stem mostly from nonschool , private sports activities .
Determining specific activities has been difficult because parents often do n't want to give those details to contact tracers for fear of seeing the leagues shut down .
Jeffers also told the committee her office is still investigating whether a recent rally for President Donald Trump that attracted a large crowd to the Kane County Fairgrounds played a role in the rising case numbers .
So far , she said , it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as good at what 's reported , '' Jeffers said .
`` Those who were at that rally , we have no one admitting they tested positive .
When people are n't honest in the contact tracing , we have a very hard challenge .
`` I can not say one incident spiked our data .
I 'm not saying it did n't , but if you look in our state , we are all trending up .
And you did n't have these rallies in all communities .
When we do n't @ @ @ @ @ @ @ any large group , it increases our positivity rate . ''

Kane County health officials blame 20-somethings for latest COVID-19 spike
Two months ago, Kane County public health officials called on local residents in their 20s to do a better job of taking precautions against COVID-19.
Officials feared a lack of social distancing, mask-wearing and hand-washing in that age group could fuel outbreaks that would cause the local economy to start shutting down again.
On Wednesday, health officials said they didn't listen.
"They are the ones who are driving up our positivity rate," said Barb Jeffers, executive director of the Kane County Public Health Department. "They're going to bars and hanging out. And they are a healthy group. The problem is when they come back into the community, they raise our positivity rates.
"We ask that they really look at their behaviors," she said. "We don't want our community shut down because you are having a good time."
That party is over -- at least in terms of gatherings at Kane County bars, restaurants and other social spots. A COVID-19 positivity rate that topped 8% from Oct. 15 to 17, plus an increase in COVID-19 deaths and hospitalizations, led Gov. J.B. Pritzker to place all of Region 8 -- Kane and DuPage counties -- into resurgence mitigation protocol designed to drive down the numbers.
Starting Friday, bars, restaurants and casinos must close by 11 p.m. No indoor seating. No more than six people at an outdoor table, and no more than 25 customers at a time. No mingling of groups who aren't from the same household.
Jeffers shared numbers with the county board's public health committee that showed health officials recorded 819 COVID-19 cases in county residents ages 20 to 29 in September. No other age group recorded more than 583 cases (people in their 40s).
"If we don't reduce our positivity rate, we will enter into the next tier of mitigation, which is even more restrictive," she said. "That affects our schools, our workplaces, and it will definitely have an economic impact on our county. Nobody wants that. We want to keep our schools open. We want to keep our businesses open."
Health officials said contact tracing has shown the COVID-19 cases they've seen at local schools stem mostly from nonschool, private sports activities. Determining specific activities has been difficult because parents often don't want to give those details to contact tracers for fear of seeing the leagues shut down.
Jeffers also told the committee her office is still investigating whether a recent rally for President Donald Trump that attracted a large crowd to the Kane County Fairgrounds played a role in the rising case numbers. So far, she said, it is inconclusive.
"The information is only as good at what's reported," Jeffers said. "Those who were at that rally, we have no one admitting they tested positive. When people aren't honest in the contact tracing, we have a very hard challenge.
"I cannot say one incident spiked our data. I'm not saying it didn't, but if you look in our state, we are all trending up. And you didn't have these rallies in all communities. When we don't mask up, and we go into any large group, it increases our positivity rate."


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--Illinois starts planning for a COVID-19 vaccine as cases surge

SPRINGFIELD -- While battling a recalcitrant coronavirus pandemic , Gov .
J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday started laying plans for distributing a safe and effective vaccine .
But other than saying that a vaccine would go first to health care providers , long-term care residents and other vulnerable populations , Pritzker , at his renewed daily COVID-19 briefing , offered few details , saying much depends on what the federal government ultimately approves to prevent the virus .
`` The challenge of designing a plan now , of course , is that there 's so much about the vaccines that we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Chicago .
`` The most defining characteristic of this plan is that it 's adjustable as we go forward and learn more . ''
Details such as whether a vaccine will require one or more than one dose to be effective , whether it needs refrigerated storage or could be stored at room temperature , and even how vaccine delivered in large containers will be broken down for specimens to be shipped to small health care facilities will affect the state plan , Pritzker said .
Talk of a coming vaccine offered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from the Democratic governor in the past week , after record-setting days for new infections and tighter restrictions starting in the coming days for parts of the state .
The Illinois Illinois Department of Public Health reported 69 new COVID-19-related deaths on Wednesday , the highest single-day total since June 16 , among 4,352 new infections , the next-to-highest single-day total .
Deaths now total 9,345 among the 355,217 confirmed cases .
The Federal Food and Drug Administration has suggested that the earliest a vaccine would be available is by year 's end @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the rollout process for the states , said Dr. Ngoze Ezike , state health department director .
`` Vaccinations , once they arrive , will take many , many months at the minimum to actually get into the arms of the people of Illinois , '' Ezike said .
`` So this will unfold in phases , with initially only a small amount of vaccine available , and as production ramps up more individuals will be able to avail themselves of this countermeasure . ''
Health care centers will register to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state , Ezike said .
The vaccine will not be required , but the health department will publicize its availability and its benefits .
According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , 80 % of the population will need to be vaccinated to establish an acceptable level of `` herd immunity '' to prevent ongoing widespread illness .
There will be no charge for the vaccine , she said .

Illinois starts planning for a COVID-19 vaccine as cases surge
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday started laying plans for distributing a safe and effective vaccine once it becomes available. Associated Press/Sept. 21
SPRINGFIELD -- While battling a recalcitrant coronavirus pandemic, Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday started laying plans for distributing a safe and effective vaccine.
But other than saying that a vaccine would go first to health care providers, long-term care residents and other vulnerable populations, Pritzker, at his renewed daily COVID-19 briefing, offered few details, saying much depends on what the federal government ultimately approves to prevent the virus.
"The challenge of designing a plan now, of course, is that there's so much about the vaccines that we don't know," Pritzker said in Chicago. "The most defining characteristic of this plan is that it's adjustable as we go forward and learn more."
Details such as whether a vaccine will require one or more than one dose to be effective, whether it needs refrigerated storage or could be stored at room temperature, and even how vaccine delivered in large containers will be broken down for specimens to be shipped to small health care facilities will affect the state plan, Pritzker said.
Talk of a coming vaccine offered a bit of good news rarely available from the Democratic governor in the past week, after record-setting days for new infections and tighter restrictions starting in the coming days for parts of the state.
The Illinois Illinois Department of Public Health reported 69 new COVID-19-related deaths on Wednesday. Deaths now total 9,345 among the 355,217 confirmed cases.
The Federal Food and Drug Administration has suggested that the earliest a vaccine would be available is by year's end. That simply would mark the start of the rollout process for the states, said Dr. Ngoze Ezike, state health department director.
"Vaccinations, once they arrive, will take many, many months at the minimum to actually get into the arms of the people of Illinois," Ezike said. "So this will unfold in phases, with initially only a small amount of vaccine available, and as production ramps up more individuals will be able to avail themselves of this countermeasure."
Health care centers will register to be vaccine providers and order it through the state, Ezike said. The vaccine will not be required, but the health department will publicize its availability and its benefits. According to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80% of the population will need to be vaccinated to establish an acceptable level of "herd immunity" to prevent ongoing widespread illness.
There will be no charge for the vaccine, she said.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Barrington-area school districts pause hybrid learning plans

Many school districts in Lake County 's borders , including large ones based in Libertyville and Barrington , are pausing ongoing hybrid learning models or holding off on planned starts .
The decisions made at board meetings or shared with parents Tuesday were in response to the Lake County Health Department 's finding of a `` substantial '' community transmission of COVID-19 .
Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 and Barrington Area Unit District 220 took what leaders called unfortunate but necessary steps .
`` I have significant concerns about the current data , '' District 220 Superintendent Brian @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meeting .
He announced the hybrid model , which started Monday , would pause for 10 calendar days beginning Oct. 28 and not resume until Nov. 9 at the earliest .
Also Tuesday , more than 1,000 people tuned into an emergency District 128 meeting via Zoom , where the board voted 6-1 to delay the debut of its hybrid model for two weeks .
`` We 're not being asked to do the easy thing here .
We 're being asked to do the right thing , '' board President Pat Groody @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-school learning for District 128 students who chose that method will be Nov. 12 rather than Oct. 29 .
Elsewhere , the single-school Mundelein High School District 120 and its feeder district Mundelein Elementary 75 , which share a superintendent , and Vernon Hills-based Hawthorn District 73 also delayed hybrid openings with students in schools .
District 73 Superintendent Pete Hannigan said all students will continue remote learning until further notice .
He said he 'd report on updated data and impact on the start of hybrid instruction at the Nov. 12 school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is considering similar action but is awaiting data from Wednesday and Thursday before making a determination .
Both districts 70 and 73 had been scheduled to start hybrid models .
District 128 has 3,400 students in high schools in Libertyville and Vernon Hills , and District 220 educates about 9,000 students at Barrington High School , two middle , eight elementary schools and an early learning center in four ZIP codes .
In information released Tuesday , Lake County health officials said transmission has been in the `` substantial '' category for seven @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not seen since spring .
It recommended all public and private K-12 schools in the county move to virtual learning to protect students , staff members and families and to slow the spread of the virus .
School districts are advised to remain in the current learning mode for at least seven days before switching to another one .
`` Because you have to watch trends , '' Harris said .
Barring a directive from the state school superintendent or change to Phase 3 of Restore Illinois , the decision to offer virtual @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by local school districts .
Harris said the numbers left him no choice .
As of Monday , the average for all four ZIP codes District 220 reaches exceeded the benchmark 200 cases per 100,000 for seven consecutive days .
And for the first time , each individual ZIP code broke the barrier .
`` It continues to go in the wrong direction , '' he said of metric .
`` I 'm majorly concerned about this , what 's happening in our communities and all around us . ''
Generally , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Barrington , Fox River Grove , Carpentersville and Hoffman Estates .
Harris said he decided last week to keep Sunny Hill Elementary School in Carpentersville on remote learning because of the high risk in that area .
Both District 128 Superintendent Prentiss Lea and Groody emphasized the delay does n't mean a change in the directive approved by a split board vote Oct. 5 to proceed with hybrid learning .
`` We 're committed to getting the kids back in school , '' Groody said .
`` Please be patient and please be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 70 Superintendent Matt Barbini told parents that to change from one learning model to another , incidence rates must be within a threshold for at least seven consecutive days .
If the 14 per 100,000 rate continues for the 60048 ZIP code Wednesday and Thursday , Barbini said , the hybrid reopening plan will be put on hold and District 70 will be placed in virtual learning for at least 10 days while rates are monitored .
If results fall in the 7 to 14 per 100,000 category , it will continue with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Monday .
The health department recommended hybrid learning once the county returns to a `` moderate '' ( 7 to 14 incidents per 100,000 ) level for seven consecutive days .

Libertyville, Vernon Hills, Barrington-area school districts pause hybrid learning plans
Many school districts in Lake County's borders, including large ones based in Libertyville and Barrington, are pausing ongoing hybrid learning models or holding off on planned starts.
The decisions made at board meetings or shared with parents Tuesday were in response to the Lake County Health Department's finding of a "substantial" community transmission of COVID-19.
Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 and Barrington Area Unit District 220 took what leaders called unfortunate but necessary steps.
"I have significant concerns about the current data," District 220 Superintendent Brian Harris said Tuesday during a school board meeting. He announced the hybrid model, which started Monday, would pause for 10 calendar days beginning Oct. 28 and not resume until Nov. 9 at the earliest.
Also Tuesday, more than 1,000 people tuned into an emergency District 128 meeting via Zoom, where the board voted 6-1 to delay the debut of its hybrid model for two weeks.
"We're not being asked to do the easy thing here. We're being asked to do the right thing," board President Pat Groody said.
The first day of hybrid in-school learning for District 128 students who chose that method will be Nov. 12 rather than Oct. 29.
Elsewhere, the single-school Mundelein High School District 120 and its feeder district Mundelein Elementary 75, which share a superintendent, and Vernon Hills-based Hawthorn District 73 also delayed hybrid openings with students in schools.
District 73 Superintendent Pete Hannigan said all students will continue remote learning until further notice. He said he'd report on updated data and impact on the start of hybrid instruction at the Nov. 12 school board meeting.
Libertyville Elementary District 70 is considering similar action but is awaiting data from Wednesday and Thursday before making a determination.
Both districts 70 and 73 had been scheduled to start hybrid models.
District 128 has 3,400 students in high schools in Libertyville and Vernon Hills, and District 220 educates about 9,000 students at Barrington High School, two middle, eight elementary schools and an early learning center in four ZIP codes.
In information released Tuesday, Lake County health officials said transmission has been in the "substantial" category for seven consecutive days with rates of new cases not seen since spring.
It recommended all public and private K-12 schools in the county move to virtual learning to protect students, staff members and families and to slow the spread of the virus.
School districts are advised to remain in the current learning mode for at least seven days before switching to another one.
"Because you have to watch trends," Harris said.
Barring a directive from the state school superintendent or change to Phase 3 of Restore Illinois, the decision to offer virtual, hybrid or in-person learning is determined by local school districts.
Harris said the numbers left him no choice. As of Monday, the average for all four ZIP codes District 220 reaches exceeded the benchmark 200 cases per 100,000 for seven consecutive days. And for the first time, each individual ZIP code broke the barrier.
"It continues to go in the wrong direction," he said of metric. "I'm majorly concerned about this, what's happening in our communities and all around us."
Generally, the areas associated with district ZIP codes are Barrington, Fox River Grove, Carpentersville and Hoffman Estates.
Harris said he decided last week to keep Sunny Hill Elementary School in Carpentersville on remote learning because of the high risk in that area.
Both District 128 Superintendent Prentiss Lea and Groody emphasized the delay doesn't mean a change in the directive approved by a split board vote Oct. 5 to proceed with hybrid learning.
"We're committed to getting the kids back in school," Groody said. "Please be patient and please be supportive of the effort."
District 70 Superintendent Matt Barbini told parents that to change from one learning model to another, incidence rates must be within a threshold for at least seven consecutive days.
If the 14 per 100,000 rate continues for the 60048 ZIP code Wednesday and Thursday, Barbini said, the hybrid reopening plan will be put on hold and District 70 will be placed in virtual learning for at least 10 days while rates are monitored.
If results fall in the 7 to 14 per 100,000 category, it will continue with reopening plans and welcome K-1 students back Monday.
The health department recommended hybrid learning once the county returns to a "moderate" (7 to 14 incidents per 100,000) level for seven consecutive days.


dailyheraldchicago--2020-10-21--Naperville council approves townhouse plan for Little Friends site

A plan to redevelop the Little Friends property in Naperville has been tweaked and refined for months as developers searched for the sweet spot between an economically feasible residential project and the community 's desires .
The 41-unit townhouse complex presented Tuesday is not what all city leaders envisioned for the Wright Street site , nor does it please all neighbors in the historic district .
But in terms of their key requests , elected officials say it checks all boxes : rear-loaded garages , public open space , and the preservation -- and significant improvement -- of the historic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and take won over skeptics on the city council , resulting in the unanimous approval of a conditional use , height and setback variances , and development plans for the Heritage Place project .
The council also authorized a certificate of appropriateness for the townhouse and mansion facades , overturning a previous denial by the historic preservation commission .
`` This has come a long way .
I think the developer has really done a phenomenal job of finding that compromise , '' Councilman Paul Hinterlong said .
`` I was probably the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on this , and I think we 're there . ''
The approval lifts a `` cloud of uncertainty '' for Little Friends , allowing the nonprofit to finalize the sale of its legacy campus and relocate to a more suitable home in Warrenville , President and CEO Mike Briggs said .
The disability services agency has been trying to sell the nearly 4-acre site for more than 18 months , a process drawn out by a community push to save the mansion .
While most property bidders wanted to raze the more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ West Capital pledged to preserve it .
The city council offered Little Friends a $ 450,000 incentive to make up the difference in the land sale price .
Ram West 's initial concept plan in May called for single-family houses and duplexes on the site , attorney Russ Whitaker said , but it lacked a vision for the mansion and was ultimately panned by the city council and neighbors .
Developers went back and `` completely rethought our approach '' before presenting a 47-unit townhouse plan in which the Kroehler house served as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The proposal was downsized in the following weeks to 45 units , then to 41 -- a density that no longer required a city code variance .
Adjustments also were made to yard setbacks , landscaping , a rose garden , the parking configuration and two public parks to be donated to the park district .
`` Through compromise and partnership , we will repurpose this unique block in the historic district and make it relevant for future generations , '' Whitaker said .
`` The city council provided a framework that made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a model for how to bring the community together to balance preservation with responsible redevelopment . ''
Each version of the proposal has been met with criticism by neighbors and preservationists , many of whom reiterated Tuesday they do n't believe the project fits with the character of the neighborhood .
`` This massive and overly dense development is completely out of place in the historic district , '' resident Greg Remec said in written comments .
`` Keeping the Kroehler mansion is preferable , but not at the expense of having to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the council also heard from several nearby residents who expressed support for the project and commended the development group 's willingness to seek feedback and make adjustments accordingly .
Mayor Steve Chirico said he believes the plan will be a `` great asset ... ( and ) a giant leap forward compared to what we 're looking at today . ''
Whitaker said project leaders intend to provide frequent updates through the construction process , as requested by neighbors .

Naperville council approves townhouse plan for Little Friends site
The historic Kroehler mansion is at the center of a plan to transform the Little Friends campus in Naperville into a 41-unit townhouse development. The more than century-old house is expected to be upgraded and repurposed into two residential units on the Wright Street property. Courtesy of Ram West Capital
The historic Kroehler mansion is the centerpiece of a plan approved Tuesday by the Naperville City Council to transform the Little Friends property into a 41-unit townhouse development. Courtesy of Ram West Capital
A plan to redevelop the Little Friends property in Naperville has been tweaked and refined for months as developers searched for the sweet spot between an economically feasible residential project and the community's desires.
The 41-unit townhouse complex presented Tuesday is not what all city leaders envisioned for the Wright Street site, nor does it please all neighbors in the historic district. But in terms of their key requests, elected officials say it checks all boxes: rear-loaded garages, public open space, and the preservation -- and significant improvement -- of the historic Kroehler mansion.
That level of give and take won over skeptics on the city council, resulting in the unanimous approval of a conditional use, height and setback variances, and development plans for the Heritage Place project. The council also authorized a certificate of appropriateness for the townhouse and mansion facades, overturning a previous denial by the historic preservation commission.
"This has come a long way. I think the developer has really done a phenomenal job of finding that compromise," Councilman Paul Hinterlong said. "I was probably the biggest critic out of all of us on this, and I think we're there."
The approval lifts a "cloud of uncertainty" for Little Friends, allowing the nonprofit to finalize the sale of its legacy campus and relocate to a more suitable home in Warrenville, President and CEO Mike Briggs said. The disability services agency has been trying to sell the nearly 4-acre site for more than 18 months, a process drawn out by a community push to save the mansion.
While most property bidders wanted to raze the more than century-old house, contract purchaser Ram West Capital pledged to preserve it. The city council offered Little Friends a $450,000 incentive to make up the difference in the land sale price.
Ram West's initial concept plan in May called for single-family houses and duplexes on the site, attorney Russ Whitaker said, but it lacked a vision for the mansion and was ultimately panned by the city council and neighbors.
Developers went back and "completely rethought our approach" before presenting a 47-unit townhouse plan in which the Kroehler house served as the focal point, he said.
The proposal was downsized in the following weeks to 45 units, then to 41 -- a density that no longer required a city code variance. Adjustments also were made to yard setbacks, landscaping, a rose garden, the parking configuration and two public parks to be donated to the park district.
"Through compromise and partnership, we will repurpose this unique block in the historic district and make it relevant for future generations," Whitaker said. "The city council provided a framework that made this creative reuse possible and serves as a model for how to bring the community together to balance preservation with responsible redevelopment."
Each version of the proposal has been met with criticism by neighbors and preservationists, many of whom reiterated Tuesday they don't believe the project fits with the character of the neighborhood.
"This massive and overly dense development is completely out of place in the historic district," resident Greg Remec said in written comments. "Keeping the Kroehler mansion is preferable, but not at the expense of having to accept the current proposal."
But the council also heard from several nearby residents who expressed support for the project and commended the development group's willingness to seek feedback and make adjustments accordingly.
Mayor Steve Chirico said he believes the plan will be a "great asset ... (and) a giant leap forward compared to what we're looking at today."
Whitaker said project leaders intend to provide frequent updates through the construction process, as requested by neighbors.