ACCESS POINT NEWS FROM THE CITY OF DES PLAINES
FALL 2026 C O M M U N I T Y N E W S & U P D AT E S W H AT ’ S I N S I D E
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A Message from the Mayor
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Lattof YMCA
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Harvest Hoot & Winter Events
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Waste Less This Fall
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Fire Station 62
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Public Safety
Phone: 847-391-5300 1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. desplainesil.gov
F R O M T H E O F F I C E O F T H E M AY O R
Dear Friends and Neighbors It remains my distinct honor to serve as Mayor of Des Plaines. Des Plaines is On Our Way, with vacant properties returning to productive use, renewed energy downtown, and City events that bring neighbors together. This year, the City Council approved the purchase and redevelopment of the former Lattof YMCA at 300 E. Northwest Highway. The project will transform the long-vacant property into a modern sports complex with a restaurant, bar, and market amenities, creating a new destination and strengthening the local tax base.
Mayor Andrew Goczkowski
YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS
Downtown is also gaining momentum. Construction is underway at the historic white bank building at 678 Lee St., which is planned to reopen as The Dime in 2027. The restaurant will be a signature addition to downtown.
M AY O R
Andrew Goczkowski agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov CITY CLERK
Dominik Bronakowski
Cit y E ven ts
dbronakowski@desplainesil.gov
This fall, please join us for Harvest Hoot on Saturday, October 17, from noon to 4 p.m. at Oakton College. We will also host a Community Paper Shredding Event at the Public Works facility and the Pumpkin Smash, in partnership with the Des Plaines Park District, at Prairie Lakes Community Center.
1ST WARD
Margaret Chlebek mchlebek@desplainesil.gov 2ND WARD
Colt Moylan
This winter, join us for the Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4, in Metropolitan Square, and the City’s Winter Fair the following day. Visit desplainesil.gov/events for event details.
cmoylan@desplainesil.gov 3RD WARD
Sean Oskerka soskerka@desplainesil.gov
Cit y Budg e t
4TH WARD
As we enter budget season, the City Council and I remain committed to a budget that reflects our community’s values. We will invest in infrastructure and public safety, providing Police, Fire, and Public Works with the resources needed to serve residents. We will meet essential needs responsibly while planning for Des Plaines’ future.
Dick Sayad dsayad@desplainesil.gov 5TH WARD
Thomas Merlin tmerlin@desplainesil.gov 6TH WARD
I remain humbled to serve this community. Growing up here instilled in me a lasting appreciation for Des Plaines and its people. I welcome your questions, concerns, and ideas. Please contact me at agoczkowski@desplainesil.gov.
Mark Walsten mwalsten@desplainesil.gov 7TH WARD
Patsy Smith psmith@desplainesil.gov
Yours in Service,
8TH WARD
Mike Charewicz mcharewicz@desplainesil.gov
Mayor Andrew Goczkowski City Hall · 1420 Miner St.
CITY OF DES PLAINES
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847-391-5300 · desplainesil.gov
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DEVELOPMENT
A New Chapter for the Former Lattof YMCA 90,000
6 Years
$22M
2027
SQUARE FEET
VA C A N T
E S T. P R O J E C T C O S T
TA R G E T O P E N I N G
FOR MORE THAN SIX YEARS, the former Lattof YMCA at 300 E. Northwest Highway has stood vacant. The 90,000-square-foot building closed in June 2020, leaving a highly visible gap along the Northwest Highway corridor near the Cumberland Metra station. On May 4, 2026, the City Council approved the purchase of the property and preliminary terms for a public-private redevelopment partnership with the Nicholas Family of Companies. The plan calls for transforming the building into a modern community sports complex. Under the redevelopment agreement, the City will retain ownership during construction, and the property is expected to transfer to the developer under the agreement’s terms. The approximately $22 million project is expected to create a new community destination, return the site to productive use, and add a commercial property to the City’s tax base. Subject to closing, permitting, and the project schedule, construction is anticipated to begin this fall, with an opening targeted for 2027. The redevelopment is expected to generate new activity along the Northwest Highway corridor and return the formerly tax-exempt property to the tax rolls.
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Rendering of the planned community sports complex
Planned Amenities Pickleball, padel, basketball, platform tennis & a walking track
Steam, sauna & plunge pools
Fitness & Pilates studios
Market
Restaurant & bar
Golf simulators
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CITY EVENTS
A Season of Community Celebrations Summer brought neighbors together for the Taste of Des Plaines, Community Fireworks, Independence Day Parade, and Food Truck Round Ups across the city. Thank you to everyone who joined us. The fun continues this fall and winter with more opportunities to celebrate in Des Plaines.
S AT · O C T 1 7 · N O O N – 4 P. M .
Harvest Hoot Fall into fun at Harvest Hoot! Join us on Saturday, October 17, from noon to 4 p.m. in Lot A at Oakton College. This free outdoor festival features an ADAaccessible inflatable corn maze, bounce house, yard games, live pumpkin carving, and pumpkin painting while supplies last. Visit Touch a Truck, meet birds of prey at the Wings and Talons booth, and take photos with a roaming scarecrow from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy food trucks, browse the harvest artisan market, and catch live entertainment on two stages. DESPLAINESIL.GOV/HARVESTHOOT
F R I · D E C 4 · 4 P. M . – 6 : 3 0 P. M .
S AT · D E C 5 · 1 1 A . M . – 3 P. M .
Holiday Tree Lighting
Winter Fair
Enjoy some winter magic in downtown Des Plaines at the annual Holiday Tree Lighting on Friday, December 4, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Metropolitan Square. The evening includes live entertainment, performances by local groups, festive activities, food trucks, and photos with Santa.
Get a head start on your holiday shopping on Saturday, December 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with the Winter Fair. Browse goods from local makers at the artisan market located in the Des Plaines Public Library, then take a trolley tour of the city led by the Des Plaines History Center. Trolley-tour registration is required and opens in November.
D E S P L A I N E S I L . G O V / H O L I D AY L I G H T I N G D E TA I L S A N D R E G I S T R AT I O N : D E S P L A I N E S I L . G O V / W I N T E R FA I R A C C E S S P O I N T · FA L L 2 0 2 6
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S U S TA I N A B I L I T Y
Waste Less This Fall The City of Des Plaines is offering two free fall programs to help residents responsibly dispose of unwanted paper and compost pumpkins instead of sending them to a landfill. These events make it easy to clear clutter, protect personal information, and reduce waste.
S AT · O C T 2 4 · 8 : 3 0 A . M . – 1 1 : 3 0 A . M .
S AT · N O V 7 · 1 0 A . M . – 2 P. M .
Community Paper Shredding
Pumpkin Smash
Public Works Facility 1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road
Prairie Lakes Community Center 515 E. Thacker Street, north lot
Declutter the eco-friendly way at the Public Works facility, 1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road. Residents can safely dispose of sensitive paper documents while helping reduce landfill waste.
Keep Halloween cleanup out of the trash. In partnership with the Des Plaines Park District, the City will host Pumpkin Smash in the north parking lot of Prairie Lakes Community Center (515 E. Thacker Street).
The event is open to Des Plaines residents only, and you may need to provide proof of residency. Business materials will not be accepted. Please bring no more than two boxes of paper per vehicle. Staples and paper clips are accepted; remove binders, binder clips, butterfly clips, rubber bands, and other metal or plastic materials before arriving. The event is first come, first served and may end when the shred truck reaches capacity.
Bring pumpkins, jack-o’-lanterns, and gourds to toss into the designated dumpster. WasteNot Compost will haul the materials for composting. Painted pumpkins are accepted, but please remove candles, stickers, googly eyes, plastic, yarn, and other non-biodegradable decorations. Learn more at desplainesil.gov/sustainability.
392
1,568
P UMP K INS COMP OS T ED L AS T FAL L
POUNDS K EP T FR OM THE L ANDFILL
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Plastic and foil candy wrappers will also be collected at Pumpkin Smash and in a City Hall lobby drop-off bin throughout November.
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INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SAFETY
Fire Station 62: Building for the Future FOLLOW THE PROGRESS Visit desplainesil.gov/FireStation62 for project updates, photos and more. Video updates will also offer a behind-the-scenes look at the construction and the future of Fire Station 62.
THE CITY OF DES PLAINES is making an important investment in public safety with the complete replacement of Fire Station 62 on East Oakton Street. The new station will provide the Des Plaines Fire Department with a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the community’s needs for decades to come. At 12,500 square feet, the new Fire Station 62 will be more than twice the size of the previous building and will be designed to improve efficiency, readiness, and firefighter safety. Two larger apparatus bays will provide improved vehicle storage while dedicated mezzanine-level storage will help keep essential equipment organized and accessible. The new facility also will include a training room, fitness and wellness rooms, and dedicated decontamination and turnout areas to support firefighter health, training, and safety.
A hose tower will provide space for hose cleaning and maintenance, as well as hands-on training. Updated living quarters will help personnel remain ready for around-theclock emergency response. During construction, Station 62 personnel and equipment are temporarily operating from Rosemont Fire Station 2 on West Higgins Road. The City’s partnership with the Village of Rosemont helps ensure uninterrupted fire and EMS coverage while the new station is being built. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027. The replacement of Fire Station 62 represents a long-term investment in essential public-safety infrastructure and the services residents rely on every day. Once complete, the new facility will provide the Fire Department with a modern, purpose-built station to support its work for years to come.
F I R E S TAT I O N 6 2 R E P L A C E M E N T · B Y T H E N U M B E R S
12,500
70 +
30 %
2
Square feet — more than twice the old station
Years the 1955 station served the community
Increase in calls for service since 2019
Larger apparatus bays for faster response
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A SAFER, STRONGER DES PLAINES
Public Safety & Preparedness EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2027
New E-Bike Laws Take Effect in 2027 The Des Plaines Police Department reminds residents that new Illinois laws governing e-bikes and other micromobility devices will take effect January 1, 2027. The law establishes new age requirements. Riders must be at least 15 years old to operate Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes. Class 3 e-bike riders must be at least 16 years old. Riders of electric scooters, electric unicycles, electric skateboards, and similar devices must also be at least 16 years old. The law prohibits e-bikes and other covered electric devices from operating on sidewalks. Devices may not travel faster than 28 mph on roads, bike lanes, or bike paths. E-bikes and e-motos capable of traveling more than 28 mph will be treated as motor-driven cycles. Operators will be required to have a valid driver’s license, title, registration, and insurance. The law also establishes passenger restrictions. A person under 18 may not carry a passenger on a lowspeed electric bicycle unless that passenger is a sibling, stepsibling, child, or stepchild. Residents should report dangerous use of e-bikes and other transportation devices both before and after the law takes effect by calling 911. Please ride responsibly, follow posted signs, wear appropriate safety gear, and remain mindful of pedestrians and other roadway users.
F E M A F L O O D I N S U R A N C E R AT E M A P S
Understand Your Flood Risk Review FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) to learn about your flood risk. If you think your property is located within a regulatory floodplain, floodway, or area with known flooding, the City of Des Plaines Engineering Division can review the FIRM for you and assess your risk. At desplainesil.gov/floodplainrequest, you can request a free floodplain determination letter for any property within the City. If you believe that your home has been incorrectly mapped within FEMA’s regulatory floodplain, you can contact the Engineering Division at 847-391-5390. Go to msc.fema.gov to view FIRMs.
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PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
DES PLAINES, IL PERMIT #5
1420 Miner Street, 60016
Managing Fall Leaves
Safety Tips for Halloween
As autumn arrives, Des Plaines residents can once again take advantage of the City’s seasonal leaf collection service. Beginning in October, crews will make curbside rounds through early December, weather permitting. Residents should rake loose leaves to the curb before their scheduled collection date. The program offers a convenient way to manage fall cleanup and complements the weekly yard waste service provided by LRS.
Des Plaines does not establish official trick-or-treating hours for Oct. 31. Families should plan accordingly and take extra precautions after dark. Children should carry flashlights or glow sticks, stay alert near driveways and intersections, and use designated crossings whenever possible.
Residents who prefer to bag their leaves may bring them to the Public Works facility at 1111 Joseph J. Schwab Road. Visit desplainesil.gov/leafcollection for the 2026 collection schedule, zone information, preparation instructions, and drop-off details.
847-391-5300
1420 Miner Street, Des Plaines, IL
Drivers should watch carefully for children near homes, schools, parks, and neighborhood streets. Residents welcoming trick-or-treaters should turn on porch or exterior lights. Those not participating should turn off outdoor lights. Planning and attention can help make Halloween safe and enjoyable for everyone. Learn more at desplainesil.gov/Halloween.
Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
desplainesil.gov