Highland Park is creating plans to further develop the Crossroads Business District in town, officials have announced.
The Crossroads Business District, located along Skokie Valley Road, is one of the city’s primary commercial districts, according to officials. The overall goal of the project would be to find a direction for the future of the area, officials said. The project area will run from north of Clavey Road to Lake Cook Road, according to a map from the city.
Officials announced the project itself is estimated to take about a year to complete. They are aiming to present the final project to the public next summer . In January 2021, officials anticipate having a draft plan that will be made public, with feedback being incorporated into a final draft the following month, city officials announced.
A final plan will be presented in spring of that year, and the City Council will proceed through a formal public hearing, officials said.
Starting this month, officials from the city will be meeting with property and business owners, as well as stakeholders and nearby residents, a release from the city states. This will occur in the form of virtual outreach meetings, and the feedback received will be used by the city determining their goals.
At the moment, there are no set dates for these meetings. But city spokeswoman Amanda Civitello said city officials are anticipating this process starting later in September and continuing through November.
The decision came after the City Council saw a need for a long-term plan in light of recent economic changes, the release states. Civitello said the overall goal is to see what the district’s current conditions are and create a plan for the long term.
At the 2019 Council Retreat, the future of the district was a point of discussion due to changes in various trends, specifically related to demographics, retail and economic. Ultimately, the city is looking to keep the district competitive as other areas along the North Shore are revamping their commercial areas, Civitello said.
“Other North Shore communities are exploring and adapting some of these more traditional retail spaces for experiential, contemporary uses,” she said. “Northbrook Court (is) planning to add in outdoor (and) green spaces, switching up the retail mix and adding housing.”
The Crossroads Business District accounts for about 20% of all the city’s sales tax revenue , officials said, referring to data from 2016. Businesses at the shopping center in the district include Guitar Center, LA Fitness, as well as a grocery store, restaurants and a salon.
“The City Council prioritizes business development and recognized that real estate and commercial market conditions have evolved,” Mayor Nancy Rotering stated in the release. “This important planning process will proactively position (the District) for continued success and growth.”
