March 1, 2022

In this issue...

• Highland Park High School Police Academy Graduates
• Police Beat Coordinator Meeting March 8
• City Council Meeting Recap
• Statewide Mask Mandate Rescinded
• Highland Park Career Exploration Program

Highland Park High School Student Police Academy 

Congratulations to these Highland Park High School students who were recently honored for completing the HPHS Student Police Academy! Through the program, these dedicated students learned about officers' daily work, discussed how to be good citizens and neighbors, and learned safety tips. Students received certificates and HPPD swag in recognition of their achievements!

The HPHS Student Police Academy is just one way that Highland Park police officers prioritize community engagement. To learn more about this and other initiatives, visit cityhpil.com/police.

Police Beat Coordinator (PBC) Meeting

The Highland Park Police Department will host a neighborhood meeting on Tuesday, March 8. The meeting will be held in person at the Police Department (1677 Old Deerfield Rd.) at 6:30 PM. You'll meet your PBC officer and learn how the PBC program helps Highland Park officers partner with the community to provide effective and efficient public safety services. Individuals will have the opportunity to ask questions of the PBC team; those who are unable to attend are invited to send questions to cityhp@cityhpil.com and an officer will follow up. 

Learn more about the PBC program.

City Council Meeting Recap

At the Monday, February 28 City Council meeting, City Council observed a moment of silence for the tragic loss of innocent civilians in Ukraine and recognized the impact of the attack on Ukraine on Highland Park's Ukrainian community. City Council also honored the winners of the 2021 Capture the Heart of Highland Park photography contest for their remarkable photographs. 

In addition, City Council approved an agreement for phase II final engineering design services for the Green Bay Road Improvements Project with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This project was discussed and approved as part of the FY 22 Capital Improvement Program. Federal grant funding was secured for this project, which will address infrastructure improvements along Green Bay Road from Central Avenue to Clavey Road. As part of this project, the existing concrete pavement will be replaced with a full-depth asphalt pavement to provide a quieter riding surface. Additionally, new concrete curbs will be installed, traffic signals will be modernized, and a dedicated bike lane in each direction will be added.

Phase II engineering for this project is slated to be completed in mid-2023; construction will be completed in two phases and is tentatively scheduled to begin in late 2023 or spring 2024, with final project completion planned for 2026. More information about this and other capital improvement projects is available at cityhpil.com.

City Council also approved an application by Buchanan, doing business as Casey’s, to redevelop the current gas station and convenience store into a new fuel facility and store at 2580 Skokie Valley Rd.

Video of the meeting is available at cityhpil.com/agendacenter.

Statewide Mask Mandate Rescinded

The State of Illinois's mask mandate for indoor public settings is no longer in effect. IDPH strongly encourages wearing masks in indoor public settings as masking and other community mitigations, such as vaccination, testing, and improved ventilation, can have a large impact in continuing to manage the community's risk of COVID-19. 

Note that the State still requires masks in high-risk facilities such as hospitals, health care facilities, long-term care facilities, and other congregate settings. Additionally, federal mask requirements continue to apply.

As a reminder, private businesses may choose to require stricter measures they determine to be in the best interest of their staff or customers, including masking. Please be respectful and understanding of businesses that choose to require masking in their stores. 

Highland Park Career Exploration Program

Interested in sharing your profession with a high school student exploring their career options? The Highland Park Career Exploration program (HPCE) provides students with the opportunity to gain valuable insights into a potential career path and goals. The City and Highland Park High School match students and professionals to discuss career aspirations, work initiatives, and other professional inquiries.

Learn more about the HPCE program.