New Skokie Summer 2024

New Businesses Bloom In Downtown Skokie

More than 100 new businesses opened their doors in Skokie over the last year, including boutiques, fitness studios, groceries and restaurants. New destinations include several exciting places to eat, drink, shop and exercise in Downtown Skokie:

Sweet Reserve Cafe & Bakery (4845 Oakton St.) serves up cake jars, handcrafted sweets, sandwiches and so much more in a beautiful, renovated space.

The Hijab Vault (4843 Oakton St.) is a thriving boutique sourcing products from Turkey, China, Kuwait and Jordan, and offers a rotating selection of custom printed patterns and seasonal styles.

The Pilates Experience (5039 Oakton St.) fitness studio inspires health and wellness through group workouts and private sessions.

Don Julio Café (7919 Lincoln Ave.), which was set to open its doors at press time, offers breakfasts that blend cultures and celebrate the richness of the community. Look for the colorful umbrellas.

RJ Breaks (8040 Lincoln Ave.) is the place to go for all things collectible, including sports cards, memorabilia, Pokémon, and more.

Sunberry Orchard Market (4861 Oakton St.), formerly Eurostyle Deli, offers farm-to-table produce and meats. New signage coming soon.

Will’s Place (7927 Lincoln Ave.) will celebrate its one-year anniversary this July. Stop by for a coffee, sandwich, or one of Will’s famous chocolate chip cookies while supporting a gathering space that creates meaningful jobs for adults with disabilities.

Coming soon

There are many more exciting new destinations set to open in Downtown Skokie in the months to come, including women’s boutique See Jane Sparkle (5115 Brown St.); vibrant hot pot restaurant The Spot (7909 Lincoln Ave.); sip and paint experience De Colores (4903 Oakton St.); Up, Pup and Away pet supply store (4921 Oakton St.); New York inspired Slyce of NY (4849 Oakton St.); and coworking lounge Enclave Coworking (8014 Lincoln Ave.). Meanwhile, buildout of the elevated Italian-focused bistro Ascione Skokie continues at Oakton Street and Lincoln Avenue.

Stay updated by following the Village’s @ExploreSkokie accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Think big and shop small! Spending locally supports our community.

Coming to Your Inbox: ‘The Scoop’

The Village has updated its popular weekly eNewsletter with a modern new design.

SkokieNews, rebranded as The Scoop, provides a quick, easy-to-scan weekly roundup of what’s happening in Skokie, including new businesses and developments, Village Board actions, community events, and more. It’s typically delivered on Tuesday afternoons.

If you already receive the Village’s weekly eNews: You will continue to do so. However, if you’d like to update your profile by adding a name to your account, or subscribe to additional topics, such as the Skokie Farmers’ Market newsletter – you can manage your preferences via a link at the end of the email.

If you aren’t a subscriber: Visit skokie.org/ thescoop or scan the QR code. Subscribing is free, and only takes a few seconds.

Delicious looking pastries from Sweet Reserve Cafe & Bakery.

Take the First Step to ‘Get the Lead Out’

As Skokie and communities throughout Illinois undertake a multi-decade effort to remove all lead water services from the water distribution system, the Village is calling on residents to report their home’s water service line material if they have not done so already.

The State’s Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, effective January 2022, requires water suppliers to inventory lead service lines and develop plans for replacement. The Village proactively began inventory-

View the Village’s 2023 Water Quality Report

The Village is pleased to report that Skokie drinking water meets all Environmental Protection Agency requirements. View the 2023 Water Quality Report at skokie. org/2023waterreport. For more information or to receive a paper copy of the report, call the Environmental Health Division at 847-933-8484, email info@skokie. org, or visit skokie.org/lead.

What’s

Coming

to

ing lead service lines in Skokie in 2016, and estimates that there are more than 10,000 in need of replacement. Having an accurate and complete inventory will help the Village plan for the efficient and cost-effective replacement of these services in the years ahead, and support opportunities to secure grant funding.

In Fiscal Year 2024, the Village replaced 149 lead service lines, and estimates approximately 200 will be replaced in Fiscal Year 2025.

What are water service lines? Water service lines are small-diameter pipes that bring water from the water main under the street to a home or business, and were commonly constructed of lead until 1986.

Why are lead water services being removed? Elevated levels of lead can be hazardous, especially for pregnant women and young children. Skokie’s water is treated with a blended polyphosphate to prevent copper and lead contamination, but lead can still enter drinking water as a result of corrosion of materials containing lead.

Main Street

The Plan Commission recommended the Village Board approve Soul Good Coffee’s first brick-and-mortar shop at 4022 Main St.

Zoom out: These exciting plans are part of a larger project to rehabilitate the property at Keystone Avenue and Main Street and bring tenants that will be neighborhood destinations.

• Additional investment is underway at the new Halal Market & Grill, 4043 Main St. The Village supported this project with a $49,090 storefront enhancement grant, a program helping commercial property owners establish more attractive store spaces.

Planning for the future: Last summer, the Village engaged consultant MKSK, Inc. to help plan the future of the Main Street commercial corridor between Crawford and Tripp Avenues.

• Following stakeholder meetings and extensive research, the plan is in development and anticipated to be shared this summer.

• The plan looks at ideas for how commercial spaces can be used or redeveloped, enhancements of pedestrian and bicycle spaces, and identification of additional parking opportunities.

Learn more: Attend “Meetup on Main Street” on Friday, June 14, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Main Street at Keystone Avenue. www.meetuponmainskokie.com

How do I identify my water service line material? The Village provides instructions to help you identify your water service material – typically lead or copper – at skokie.org/lead

• A common characteristic of a lead water service line is a bulge where the lead pipe connects to a valve or fitting.

• Take a coin and scratch the pipe between the area where it comes into the home and the inlet valve. If the area scratched is a shiny silver color, it is lead.

How do I report my water service line material? Complete the inventory form at skokie.org/lead or call 847-933-8427. The Village maintains an interactive map, which is periodically updated with the latest reported data. (Note: If you review the inventory and discover that your service line material has already been identified, no further action is necessary.)

How can I minimize the risk of exposure if I have a lead water service? If your water service has been idle for several hours, flush your tap for 30 seconds to two minutes before using water for drinking of cooking. You may also have your water tested for lead. More information is available by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791 or at epa.gov/safewater/lead

When will my lead service line be replaced? Removing all lead water services is anticipated to take several decades.

• The Village has launched a cost share program, which currently caps residents’ cost at $3,000 for private-side lead water service replacement. At this time, the cost share program only applies when a scheduled public water main or lead service line replacement project impacts the property, or if a leak develops requiring repair. The Village will contact you to let you know if and when you’re eligible for this program – there is no need to proactively contact the Village to indicate your interest.

• You may also elect to contract with a private company and pay the full cost of replacement of the private side of the service (parkway to meter), typically $6,000 or more. Once the Village is notified that a partial replacement has occurred, the Water & Sewer Division or its contractor will replace the remaining public portion within 30 days

Save Time, Pay Online for Your Skokie Vehicle Sticker

Look for your vehicle sticker renewal notice in the mail soon.

Cost

The cost for passenger vehicles is $40, with additional fees for trucks and trailers.

Deadline

All vehicle license stickers must be displayed by August 1. Prices for stickers increase by 50 percent on August 1, 2024.

How to Purchase

You’re strongly encouraged to renew by mail or online instead of at Village Hall. Vehicle stickers purchased by mail and online are typically received within two weeks. (Note: Zone parking stickers can also be renewed online or by mail at the same time at a cost of $2 each.)

Purchase options include:

• Online at skokiestickers.org. This is the most convenient option. The Village does not charge credit card processing or shipping fees. The portal opens June 1.

• By mail. Envelopes are provided with the application forms and are processed beginning June 1.

• In-person. Beginning Monday, June 3 at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Finance Department counter can serve two customers at a time; expect significant wait times when purchasing in-person, especially during the last two weeks in July.

Don’t Forget Fido!

Pet licenses must be renewed each year and can be purchased at the Finance Department counter. By ordinance, all cats and dogs living in Skokie are required to have a license. Fees are $25 for animals that are not neutered or spayed, and $10 for animals that are neutered or spayed. When purchasing a pet license, bring a copy of the animal’s rabies vaccination certificate and veterinary proof of neutering or spaying, if applicable.

Village Launches Skokie Green Business Recognition Program

The Village and the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC) have partnered to create the Skokie Green Business Recognition Program.

Participating businesses will receive:

• A review of their current sustainability practices

• A checklist to further improve their environmental impact, reduce costs, and increase operational efficiency

• A platform to track their sustainable business practices

• Public recognition as a Skokie Green Business

Hotel Update

The Village shares the community’s disappointment with the continued pause in construction at the Downtown Skokie hotel site initiated by the project’s private developer, which has been unable to secure full financing following construction cost overruns. The property is currently subject to legal proceedings filed by the subcontractors against other project parties, and the court has ordered the parties into court mediation. The Village is eager to see activity return to this pivotal location as soon as possible. Updates will continue to be shared at skokie.org/hotel

Get involved

The Village is initially seeking 20 small businesses to join the program, including food establishments, retail and office. Visit skokie. org or email sustainability@skokie.org to participate.

The bigger picture

Achieving Skokie’s Sustainability Plan goals requires a community-wide effort. This program signals an expansion of the Village’s focus to include local businesses, schools and other organizations.

What’s the Big Deal About Tall Grass and Weeds?

Overgrown grass, weeds and vegetation are not only an eyesore, they impact community safety and health by harboring rodents, eroding property value, reducing traffic visibility, and promoting vandalism and crime. Here are a few reminders as you maintain your property:

• Keep grass and weeds to less than six inches in height

• Trim branches and vegetation that extend over public streets, alleys and sidewalks so that they don’t obstruct travel by vehicles or pedestrians

• Ensure fire hydrants, street lights, signs, traffic signals and sightlines are unobstructed

New Sidewalks

Enhance Safety and Walkability

The Village is focusing on installing sidewalks where gaps exist in the Village’s network, particularly in areas of high need, such as near schools, public places, and areas with higher housing density. Recently, the Village installed new sidewalks on five blocks around Highland School where sidewalks did not previously exist.

Why it’s important: Sidewalks provide a safer option for pedestrians, promote mental and physical health, reduce air and noise pollution, and raise property values by increasing neighborhoods’ walkability scores.

If you notice a gap in sidewalks in a high traffic area, please contact info@skokie.org.

Church Street Bike Lanes Public Meeting, Thursday, June 13

The Village will be enhancing Skokie’s bike network by adding on-street bike lanes along Church Street, between Linder Avenue and McCormick Boulevard.

Learn more about the project, anticipated to be constructed in 2025, and provide feedback on the concept design at an open house public meeting on Thursday, June 13, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the Weber Leisure Center Activity Room at 9300 Weber Park Pl. Public input will be considered for final plan updates.

Project goal: Provide a continuous, on-street striped bike lane on both sides of the street to make a connection from the North Shore Channel Trail to the west end of the Village.

Project scope: In addition to adding on-street bike lanes, the project will also include pedestrian signal and ADA improvements at signalized intersections, and revised lane configurations at Niles Center Road.

Note: Church Street west of Gross Point Road is under Cook County jurisdiction, and east of Gross Point Road is under IDOT jurisdiction.

How Hot Does a Sparkler Burn?

As the summer approaches, the Skokie Fire Department reminds you that fireworks are prohibited in the Village and they are not a safe option for celebrations. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 10,000 firework-related injuries in 2022.

Leave fireworks to the professionals and consider safer alternatives for your celebrations, such as using glowsticks, LED products, noisemakers, or arts and crafts.

Not-so-fun facts about sparklers

• Sparklers burn as hot as 1,200 degrees – hotter than the temperature needed to melt glass and nearly six times hotter than boiling water

• Sparklers account for 29 percent of fireworks injuries for children under 5

Making Skokie Sparkle

‘Clean Green’ Campaign Spruces Up Neighborhoods

Thirty-seven groups, families and individuals rolled up their sleeves to participate in the 2024 Clean, Green Skokie litter cleanup initiative this spring, tidying up parks, streets, trails and school grounds.

A big “thank you” to the following participants:

• Alexandra Timmons

• Boy Scouts/Tiger Den 2

• Bridges Transition Program

• Delta Xi Sigma Rho Rhosebud Club

• Devonshire School 1st, 3rd and 4th Graders

• Devonshire Terrace Condominium Association

• East Prairie School PTA

• East Prairie School Student Leadership

• Emerald City

• Girl Scout Troop 47146

• Girl Scout Troop 47462

• Jane Stenson Elementary

• JEM Family Crew (The Rothman Family)

• Kim Rivas

• Lanza Tech

• Lockerby’s Litter Bugs (Village Manager’s Office)

• Mary Conway

• Melissa Versch

• Molloy Education Center

• Outdoor Walking Group

• Service Master by Simons

• Skokie Community Foundation

• Skokie Swifters Run/Walk Club

• The Fontelera Family

• The K Team (The Mbadugha Family)

• The Metropolitan of Skokie

• The Neatniks – Larry and Barbara Greenberg

• The Schulmans

• The Waste Managers

• Thomas Edison Elementary 4th Grade Classes

• Walker Elementary School Community

• We Are One Chicago

• Xylem Watermark

Tips for Managing Cicadas

Billions of cicadas will appear in May and June as both the 13- and 17-year broods emerge, a natural phenomenon that last occurred in 1803. Cicadas are expected to dwindle by July.

What to know about cicadas

Although noisy, cicadas don’t pose a threat to your health and don’t bite. Here are two tips for managing them while they’re above ground:

• Avoid pesticide use. It’s unnecessary, it isn’t effective, and it’s harmful to beneficial insects and wildlife.

• Consider protecting newly planted trees. New trees that are less than three inches in diameter are susceptible to damage by female cicadas, which cut slits in young twigs to lay eggs. To protect young trees, purchase tulle (like the ballerina tutu fabric) at a fabric store or online, cover the canopy of the tree, and secure it by stapling or using zip ties. Remove the tulle about a month later. Cicadas’ favorite trees are crabapple and apple, hickory, maple and oak.

Trees three inches in diameter or larger may experience some minor twig dieback, but they will recover.

Village tree planting

The Village will continue tree planting activities as normal. Be sure to water young trees one to two times per week, unless there is heavy rain, to keep them healthy.

Got a Fantastic Front Yard?

Nominations are now open for the Village’s 2024 Beautification Awards. Nominate a neighbor, local business or yourself to be recognized by the Beautification and Improvement Commission for perfect plant choices, meticulous maintenance, and dazzling design.

How to apply: The recognition program is for front yards only. All nominations must be submitted by July 14, 2024 at skokie.org/beautificationawards or beautificationawards@skokie.org

• To support sustainability, the awards program includes special categories, including Pollinator Pantry, Edible Gardens, and Skokie’s Best.

• Winners will receive an award certificate or plaque, and will be presented with an “award winner” yard sign during the October Beautification Awards ceremony and reception.

JUNE EVENTS

Niles Township Food Pantry Fun Run

June 1, 9 a.m. Visit nilestownshipgov.com for registration information.

Village Board Meetings

June 3 and 17, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.

CPR Skills Testing

Saturday, June 15 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org.

Juneteenth Community Celebration

Saturday, June 15, 3 p.m. at Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St. For more information, visit skokieunited.com.

Skokie’s Pride Celebration

Sunday, June 23, 1 p.m. at Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St. Visit skokieparks.org/events/ skokie-pride24/ for more information.

See next page for more summer events in Skokie!

Community-wide Garage Sale

May 31 through June 2

The Village is hosting its 2nd annual Community-wide Garage Sale from Friday, May 31 through Sunday, June 2, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

View an interactive map of participating properties, dates and times of participation, and an overview of items for sale at skokie.org/garagesale.

JULY EVENTS

Independence Day 2024

4th of July Parade

Kicks off at noon on Thursday, July 4 along Lincoln Avenue at Oakton College and proceeds east on Oakton Street to the reviewing stand at Oakton Park, 4701 Oakton St.

Fireworks Celebration

Held at Niles West High School, 5701 Oakton St., open at 5 p.m. for picnics and live music. Fireworks begin at dusk.

Village Board Meetings

July 1 and 15, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.

CPR Skills Testing

Saturday, July 20 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org.

Skokie Beat Meetings

Locate your police beat at skokie.org/beat

• Beat 310: July 2 at 9 a.m., Nordstrom Café, 4937 Old Orchard Center

• Beat 311: July 1 at 6 p.m., Devonshire Cultural Center, 4400 Greenwood St.

• Beat 312: July 2 at 6 p.m., Middleton Elementary School, 8300 St. Louis Ave.

• Beat 313: July 3 at 6 p.m., Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St.

• Beat 314: July 23 at 6 p.m., Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St.

• Beat 315: July 25 at 6 p.m., Will’s Place, 7927 Lincoln Ave.

• Beat 316: July 29 at 6 p.m., Oakton Community Center, 4701 Oakton St.

• Beat 317: July 30 at 6 p.m., Will’s Place, 7927 Lincoln Ave.

AUGUST EVENTS

Village Board Meetings

August 5 and 19, 7:30 p.m. See page 8.

CPR Skills Testing

Saturday, August 17 at Fire Station 17, 8157 Central Park Ave. Fees apply and advance registration is required at skokie.org.

Holiday Schedule

Juneteenth Observed on Wednesday, June 19

Refuse

• All collection days as normal Recycling:

• All collection days as normal Yard Waste

• Collection on Saturday, June 22

Independence Day Observed on Thursday, July 4

Refuse

• Monday collection as normal

• Tuesday collection as normal

• Thursday collection on Wednesday, July 3

• Friday collection as normal Recycling

• Monday collection as normal

• Tuesday collection as normal

• Thursday collection on Wednesday, July 3

• Friday collection as normal Yard Waste

• Collection on Saturday, July 6

In addition, Skokie Village Hall will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 and Thursday, July 4.

Skokie will host a wide variety of outdoor events, concerts and more this summer, including two new monthlong family-friendly experiences downtown, the Out of Space music fest, and returning favorites, including Wednesdays on the Green, Skokie Farmers’ Market, and the Backlot Bash.

Track the Torch, All June, Downtown Skokie

Ahead of the summer games, bring the kids to 20 participating downtown Skokie businesses to find hidden torches for a chance to win prizes. skokie.org/torch

Skokie Farmers’ Market, Sundays, June 2 through November 3, Skokie Village Hall

Enjoy live music, fresh produce, baked goods, and much more. skokiefarmersmarket.com

Wednesdays on the Green, June through August, Skokie Village Green

Enjoy free concerts on the Village Green on Wednesday evenings. wednesdaysonthegreen.com

Off North Shore: Skokie Music Festival, June 21 & 22, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts

The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie will host this first-ever music fest featuring local and national acts over two days. northshorecenter.org/ offnorthshore

Tour de Skokie, All July, Downtown Skokie

Celebrate Al’s Cycle Shop’s 50+ years in Skokie! Enjoy a self-guided downtown storefront storybook tour featuring “Ride Beside Me,” by Lucy Knisley. Plus, join the Skokie Bike Network and Skokie Fine Arts Commission for a special “Tales from the Trails” storytelling event at Sketchbook Brewing, July 14. skokie.org/tour

Out of Space Music Fest, July 26-28, Illinois Science + Technology Park

This acclaimed outdoor music fest comes to Skokie for the first time ever! Headliners include Guster, Courtney Barnett, Thee Sacred Souls and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. outofspaceconcerts.com

National Night Out, August 6, Oakton Park

The Skokie Police Department will host National Night Out, a large-scale, free community event featuring community activities and engagement with police officers, local businesses, organizations and neighbors.

Backlot Bash, August 23-25, Downtown Skokie

Skokie’s annual summer celebration features live music, carnival rides, food and drink, BINGO and more! backlotbash.com

Village Board Action

The Village Board meets on the first and third Mondays of each month in the Council Chambers of Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St. Meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Upcoming Village Board Meetings

June 3 and 17

July 1 and 15

August 5 and 19

Meeting agendas are published at skokie.org on the Thursday prior to the meeting date.

Public comments may be:

• Submitted to publiccomments@skokie.org

• Mailed or hand-delivered to Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St., Skokie, Illinois, 60077, Attention: Village Manager’s Office;

• Placed in the exterior drop box on the west side of Skokie Village Hall.

Comments received prior to or during the meeting will be provided to the Village Board and will not be read aloud. Individuals wishing to speak at a Village Board meeting will be allocated three minutes to do so according to the meeting agenda.

The Village Board recently approved:

• One of the Chicago area’s first office-to-residential conversions. The project, at 5202 and 5250 Old Orchard Rd., will convert a largely vacant, seven-story office building into a 245-unit mixed-use residential development, with five percent of the units in the south tower to be offered at below-market rates.

• An ordinance establishing tiered requirements for inclusion of affordable housing units within development projects of 11 or more dwelling units, or provision of a payment-in-lieu subject to approval by the Village Board to support Village housing programs.

• The launch of a new Green Business Recognition Program, which will assist and recognize Skokie businesses for implementing sustainable practices.

• Exterior rehabilitation of the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Work will include painting of the structure’s metal canopy and vertical surfaces to ensure the center’s exterior is as captivating as the diverse productions and performances within!

• Appointment of Minal Desai as Village Clerk. Clerk Desai was nominated by Mayor Van Dusen following a review of 15 applicants for the position, and brings extensive experience in public affairs in Skokie to her role, including recently serving as vice president of the Skokie Park District Board.

More information and an online application can be found at www.skokie.org. Village Board Meeting agendas are published at www.skokie.org on the Thursday prior to the meeting date. Each meeting includes a period for public comments. All residents are invited to watch Village Board meetings live-streamed on the Village of Skokie YouTube channel or on SkokieVision cable channel 25 (RCN) or channel 17 (Comcast). Meetings also are rebroadcast on both cable channels during the weeks following each meeting. See www.skokie.org for a full calendar of meetings.

2024 Village Construction Projects

View an interactive map of construction projects at skokie.org/construction.

Thank you for your patience with these important improvement projects.

Streets

Street Resurfacing and Patching

Ongoing through fall

The Village will:

• Resurface 4.24 miles of residential streets throughout Skokie, with other projects increasing the total to 5.24 miles

• Utilize Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to perform full-width patching of eligible streets

• Replace over one mile of concrete streets

Old Orchard Road Improvements

March 2024 through July 2026

Cook County and IDOT are reconstructing the roadway between Woods Drive and Skokie Boulevard, including a new bridge and a multi-use path on the south side of Old Orchard Road. Visit ccdotholdorchardroad.com

Dempster Street Bridge Repairs

Ongoing to fall 2024

IDOT is replacing the pavement on the Dempster Street bridge over the Edens.

Oakton Street Bridge Replacement

Ongoing to fall 2025

IDOT is replacing the Oakton Street bridge over the Edens Expressway and adding a new multi-use path on the south side of the road.

Gross Point Road Reconstruction

Substantially completed in June 2024

The Village and State are reconstructing the roadway, including new pavement, curbs and gutter, storm sewers, on-street bike lanes, increased on-street parking, and a sidewalk on the northwest side of the road.

Oakton Street and Austin Avenue

Intersection Improvements

June through November

The Villages of Skokie and Morton Grove are working to replace pavement, upgrade traffic signal equipment, and improve the intersection.

Lincolnwood Joint Resurfacing

May through November

The Villages of Skokie and Lincolnwood are resurfacing their respective halves of some streets.

Green Alleys

July through September

The Village will upgrade three gravel alleys to green alleys, which include permeable pavers promoting ground water recharge and reduce runoff to the sewer system.

Sidewalks and Trails

Skokie Valley Trail at Lincoln Avenue

Summer through fall

A Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon (RRFB) will be installed at the Skokie Valley Trail crossing of Lincoln Avenue.

Skokie Valley Trail at Main Street and Niles Center Road

Summer through fall

The Village will upgrade traffic signal equipment and improve the Skokie Valley Trail crossings of Main Street and Niles Center Road.

Other sidewalk and trail projects include the Village’s ongoing Sidewalk Improvement Program and maintenance on the existing Sculpture Park multi-use path.

Lighting and Traffic Signals

LED Lighting Upgrades

Ongoing

The Village will continue upgrading residential street lighting with LED fixtures in the area bounded by Golf Road, Crawford Avenue, Oakton Street and Skokie Boulevard.

IDOT Lighting and Traffic Signal

Improvements

Ongoing

IDOT is upgrading arterial street lighting along the Edens Expressway. Separately, IDOT is upgrading existing traffic signal equipment, modernizing signal timings, and upgrading pedestrian push buttons at various intersections throughout Skokie.

Water, Sewer and Utilities

Water Main Rehabilitation

Summer through fall

The Village will be replacing two miles of water main that has reached the end of its service life. The project will also include conversion of existing lead service lines to copper within the project areas.

MWRD Force Main Replacement

Ongoing

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD) has completed most of the work and will be finishing restoration.

NICOR Updates

April through October

NICOR continues to replace aging gas mains and upgrade residential service lines.

Transit Pace Bus – Pulse Line Construction

Ongoing

Pace will be installing the final two Pulse Bus stations along Dempster Street.

Project timelines are subject to change due to weather delays and other factors. For updates on 2024 construction projects, visit skokie. org. To view a map showing the jurisdictions of all Skokie streets, visit https://tinyurl. com/2aejacnn.

2023 Completed Projects:

Residential Street Resurfacing

The Village resurfaced nearly four miles of residential streets.

LED Lighting Upgrades

The Village is now halfway through its conversion of residential street lighting to LEDs.

Water Main Rehabilitation

The Village replaced 1.6 miles of water main and more than 100 lead service lines.

Bike Trail Improvements

Sections of the Sculpture Park multi-use trail between Oakton Street and Howard Street were patched and the Old Orchard Path just east of Skokie Boulevard was completed.

Skokie Farmers Market Grows

Generosity

The Skokie Farmers Market season kicks off on Sunday, June 2 and runs every Sunday through November 3 (7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) outside of Village Hall.

In addition to providing great food and entertainment, the Market also supports our community.

Supporting Skokie Families

Each week, participating vendors at the Market donate produce to the Niles Township Food Pantry. Volunteers from St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Village’s Commission on Family Services collect excess fruits and vegetables to support food-insecure families.

Opportunities to Donate

The Market hosts a monthly collection of clothing, toiletries and nonperishable food. Bring items to the Village tent near the main entrance to the market on the last Sunday of the month throughout the summer:

• June 30

• July 28

• August 18 (date updated due to Backlot Bash)

• September 29

• October 27

Donations benefit the Niles Township Food Pantry and Niles Township Clothing Closet. Among the most essential items needed are:

• New or gently worn clothing, all ages and sizes

• Diapers, wipes, baby formula

• Cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels

• Non-perishable food

By the Numbers

In 2023, the Commission on Family Services collected over 7,000 pounds of fresh produce and more than 150 large bags of clothing.

Skokie’s Block Parties: Where Neighbors Become Friends

Block parties are the ultimate neighborhood connector! Last year, nearly 80 Skokie blocks hosted a party. Beyond the food, drinks and fun activities, these gatherings are all about building connections and community spirit.

Get started: Block Party Permit applications are available at skokie.org and inperson at Village Hall, 5127 Oakton St.

Get recognized: Don’t forget to throw your hat in the ring for the Block Party of the Year Award!

Get composting: Email gogreenskokie@gmail.com to sign up for free food scrap composting at your block party!

For questions, email Amanda Sabri at amanda.sabri@skokie.org.

M&D Farms gives weekly donations to the Niles Township Food Pantry

A Niles Township Food Pantry staffer organizes diaper donations.

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9501 Skokie Blvd. Ticket prices vary. For information and tickets, visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

The Skokie Fire Department reminds you to grill safely this summer.

General safety tips

• Keep your grill on a solid noncombustible surface

• Keep it clean and remove built up grease

• Use long utensils to keep your hands safe

• Don’t use grills on combustible balconies

Tips for charcoal cooking:

• If you use a charcoal chimney starter, use a long match to avoid burning your fingers when lighting the paper

• If you use lighter fluid, use only fluid intended for charcoal grills

• Never add charcoal starter fluid to coals or kindling that has already been ignited

• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquid except charcoal starter or lighter fluid to start a charcoal fire

• Always ensure charcoal is fully extinguished before disposing

North Shore Center’s Feature Series

Joanie Leeds

June 2 in the North Theatre

Ensemble Español: Flamenco Passion

June 7 – 9 in the Center Theatre

Tiffany

July 10 in the Center Theatre

Don Felder

July 11 in the Center Theatre

Benise: Fiesta!

July 12 in the Center Theatre

Fred Astaire Dance Studios Illinois: Big Stage Ballroom

July 13 in the Center Theatre

Summer in the Sixties

July 18 in the Center Theatre

Carousel

August 8 – 18 in the Center Theatre

Music Theater Works Northlight Theatre

2 Pianos 4 Hands

July 5 – August 4 in the North Theatre

Skokie Council/Manager

Government Since 1957 www.skokie.org

Officials

Mayor

George Van Dusen

Clerk

Minal Desai

Trustees

James H. Johnson

Khem Khoeun

Ralph Klein

Alison Pure Slovin

Keith A. Robinson

Edie Sue Sutker

Manager

John T. Lockerby

Counsel

Michael M. Lorge

Phone Numbers

Emergency

9-1-1

Crime Tip Hotline

847/933-TIPS (8477)

Information

847/673-0500

Fire Non-Emergency

847/982-5300

Police

Non-Emergency

847/982-5900

Animal Control

847/982-5970

Village Hall

847/673-0500

Citizens Assistance

847/933-8480

Departments

Civil Engineering

847/933-8231

Clerk’s Office

847/933-8203

Community Development

• Permits and Inspections

847/933-8223

• Economic Vitality

847/933-8446

• Planning

847/933-8447

Health and Human Services

• Community Health

847/933-8252

• Environmental Health

847/933-8484

• Human Services

847/933-8208

Public Works

847/933-8427

• Signs and Street Lights

847/933-8232

Village Manager’s Office

847/933-8210

Water Billing

847/933-8418

NewSkokie

Village of Skokie

5127 Oakton Street

Skokie, Illinois 60077

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Skokie, IL

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NewSkokie is printed on environmentally sustainable paper and published four times a year

Managing Editor/Layout

Meredith Gioia

info@skokie.org

©2024 Village of Skokie

Please recycle

Youth Artwork Featured On Skokie’s New Refuse Truck

Artwork from two Skokie students has been installed on the Village’s new refuse truck following Skokie’s first-ever Refuse Truck Youth Art Contest. More than two dozen students in grades 5-12 submitted original artwork reflecting the contest theme, “Reducing Waste,” calling attention to the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goal.

Congratulations to Leo Malatesta of Niles North High School and Max Babakhani of McCracken Middle School, whose artwork was selected to adorn the truck by public vote. Mayor Van Dusen presented the students with a certificate recognizing their outstanding work alongside the students’ family members, teachers, school administrators and Public Works staff.

Look for the artwork rolling around town on the Village’s new vehicle!