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Northwest suburban mayors look ahead to 2019

Every year around this time, we reach out to Northwest suburban mayors and village presidents and ask them to tell us something their community accomplished in the year gone by and something they hope accomplish in the year ahead. On Monday, we shared their answers to the first question. Today, we share what the town leaders hope to see in 2019.

Tom Hayes, Arlington Heights

In 2019, we again look forward to working together with all of our community partners to further enhance the quality of life we enjoy in Arlington Heights. With the completion of our municipal campus, our focus will be the continued delivery of high-quality services to our residents and businesses. Infrastructure improvement continues below ground as the village moves forward on two important stormwater control projects slated for the downtown and the Cypress Street area. These projects have been identified as priorities for stormwater control based on funding available and the number of homes and businesses that will be positively impacted by the improvements. While we look forward to bringing these improvements to our community, the downtown project will be disruptive to downtown residents, businesses, visitors and commuters. We appreciate everyone's patience during this much needed work.

Karen Darch, Barrington

Looking forward to 2019, we are excited about unveiling a new village website, hosting a second Town Warming event and continuing to acquire funding for our very much-needed grade separation underpass project at US Highway 14 and the CN railroad crossing. We do not want in 2019, or ever again, to experience a repeat of the June 2018 public safety nightmare when a CN train blocked all crossings in Barrington for almost an hour, blocking the route for two ambulances transporting accident victims to our nearest hospital - Advocate Good Shepherd in Lake Barrington.

Martin McLaughlin, Barrington Hills

Glimpsing into 2019, the village is looking to complete a virtual gated community project utilizing cameras and digital technology to build up our community's security. A fun fact not commonly known is when visitors come to village hall, they are greeted and serviced by Barrington Hills residents. Our residents care about our community, and this adds another level of service to the public. Village hall staff wants to ensure a positive and expeditious experience.

Kevin Wallace, Bartlett

Looking forward to 2019, our excitement is growing as we anticipate Bartlett's transition to Lake Michigan water in the spring. This project with DuPage Water Commission has occupied our attention for a number of years now, but once complete, it will significantly improve water quality and provide a safe and reliable source of water for all of our residents and businesses.

Beverly Sussman, Buffalo Grove

In 2019, there will be an additional 43,000 square feet of new retail and office development on the southwest side of Deerfield Parkway and Milwaukee Avenue. A list of restaurants and businesses will be announced toward the beginning of 2019.

Craig Johnson, Elk Grove Village

Next year all village residents can look forward to the Elk Grove Village property taxes remaining flat! There will be no increase to any portion of the village's property tax levy for 2018. The village's ambitious Elk Grove 2025 long-range infrastructure plan, which includes over $125 million investment back into the community, will continue next year, with no increase to property taxes needed. In addition to the work on road reconstruction and resurfacing, streetscaping enhancements, street lighting, drainage projects, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements, the village will complete the construction of three brand new facilities next year. In January, the village will hold an open house for the new James Paul Petri Public Works Facility on Devon Avenue. The village will also open two new fire stations in 2019.

Rod Craig, Hanover Park

Ahead in 2019: Continuing to be sensitive to the needs of our homeowners, for the third year in a row, the village board passed a 0 percent (increase) tax levy as well as no increase in the sewer and water rates for the fourth year in a row. Significant resources have been placed in this year's budget to bolster the village's road program for both reconstruction and resurfacing. Continue to move forward with our Village Center Plan by implementing streetscape improvements in the Historic District and work to attract private development and redevelopment in the area.

Bill McLeod, Hoffman Estates

During 2018, the village board developed and adopted a strategic plan for the future of Hoffman Estates, with stated goals in the areas of sustainability, transportation, infrastructure, public safety, fiscal responsibility, economic development, technology and organizational development. The 2019 budget includes funding to support these goals; key priorities include continuing road and infrastructure improvements, a new sustainability plan, a focus on economic development supported by comprehensive and area planning efforts, and transition to an improved new computer-aided 911 dispatch system through Northwest Central Dispatch. In 2019, the village will continue to promote transportation options offered to residents through partnerships with Pace and other regional entities, with the new Bus Rapid Transit and on-demand bus service and with the new "Kiss and Ride" scheduled to open off of Pembroke Avenue to access the Bus Rapid Transit at I-90 and Barrington Road.

Jack Tatooles, Inverness

For 2019, the village will continue to focus on the improvements to our road and drainage infrastructure and partnering with our neighboring local governments to continue to provide exceptional services to our community.

Arlene Juracek, Mount Prospect

In 2019, we remain committed to implementing key targets for action in our Strategic Plan. We will continue to build on the momentum of the economic activity begun in 2018. As we move into the new year, our cultural and economic diversity continue to strengthen, our commitment to high levels of customer service remains strong, and hope for the future of the village remains bright, as a place where all generations can thrive. The level of engagement and positive dedication to the community throughout the village is inspiring. While we must plan in the face of state and federal uncertainty, we are well positioned to ensure that Mount Prospect remains a place our residents are proud to call "home."

Al Pino, North Barrington

In 2019, North Barrington will pursue the next stages of our comprehensive drainage plan to further improve flooding issues that affect our residents. The village also looks forward to working with the Wynstone community to assist it with planned improvements to its water and sewer systems. All of this will continue to be done in a fiscally responsible manner so that municipal property taxes remain low.

Jim Schwantz, Palatine

For the coming year, the village looks forward to continuing our strong working relationship with Districts 15 and 211, a relationship that ultimately benefits our entire community. I wish everyone a happy and healthy 2019!

Nick Helmer, Prospect Heights

A new full-service car wash will join us in the Rand Road corridor, Aldi's will be remodeled and the vacant Midwest Bank building has developed interested buyers. More new single-family homes are already on the drawing board including an 8,000-square-foot home and several other large homes ranging in size from 3,200 to 4,000 square feet. Success does not just accrue to one person - we have a great police department with crime in check, our Public Works plans extend from plowing to flood control and drainage concerns all the way to the many beaver dams being built on MacDonald Creek. We have fair and equitable building and zoning rules. Most of all you will not find a single pothole in the City of Prospect Heights. We truly are the city with class A Schools, a place to live, work, shop and play with large lots and excellent city services.

Len Prejna, Rolling Meadows

2019 will see the city continue moving forward with Kirchoff Road being repaired and resurfaced from Hicks Road to Wilke Road. New business construction will continue along the Golf Road corridor, bringing new businesses and jobs to the city. The city will see six-eight new or expanded restaurants opening in 2019. This continued growth will give local residents and surrounding residents more reasons to dine locally. Additionally, plans are in motion for an Octoberfest celebration in 2019.

Al Larson, Schaumburg

We'll continue to build upon the progress achieved in 2018 on the former Motorola Solutions campus, in which the village will welcome the opening of Topgolf in 2019 and the development of the new 260-unit Element Apartments. Other larger projects anticipated to open in 2019 include the Motor Werks Jaguar dealership, City Works restaurant, Capital Grille restaurant, Phat Phat restaurant at the old Easy Street, and Feed My Starving Children. The second phase of infrastructure improvements will also occur in conjunction with the new Progress Parkway, which will include the construction of a sidewalk and bike path, landscaped medians, street lighting and the completion of the intersection and traffic signal improvements at Algonquin Road. Additional projects in the community will also include continued reconstruction work on Plum Grove Road as well as improvements to State and National Parkway and also Woodfield Road.

Billie Roth, Streamwood

A significant focus for the village in 2019 is working on the implementation of our Comprehensive Plan. Besides this effort, we are looking forward to two additional projects for 2019. First, 2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of our fire department. Originally organized as a volunteer effort, the village incorporated the fire department in 1969, and we will be celebrating this milestone throughout the year. The second is the 5th anniversary of our Streamwood Career Exploration Program, in cooperation with School District U-46. This unique program allows students the opportunity to gain work-related experience in various career pathways. Over the past four years, we have helped 75 students connect with career opportunities in the fields of manufacturing, business, and early childhood education. This year we are expanding the program to include health care sciences. Investing in our community - whether new facilities, infrastructure, programs, services, or in our children's future - ensures the continued success of our community.

David Parro, Tower Lakes

In 2019, we look forward not only to enjoying better quality water, lower operating costs and unobstructed roadways, but also to moving on to address other aging infrastructure.

Barrington Karen Darch
Barrington Hills Martin McLaughlin
Bartlett Kevin Wallace
Buffalo Grove Beverly Sussman
Elk Grove Village Craig Johnson
Hanover Park Rod Craig
Hoffman Estates William McLeod
Inverness Jack Tatooles
Mount Prospect Arlene Juracek
North Barrington Albert Pino
Palatine Jim Schwantz.
Prospect Heights Nick Helmer
Rolling Meadows Len Prejna
Schaumburg Al Larson
Streamwood Billie Roth
Tower Lakes David Parro
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