The Bridge
November 5, 2020
New COVID-19 Mitigations Announced by Governor
New COVID-19 mitigations were announced by Governor J.B. Pritzker that went into effect for Lake and McHenry counties on Saturday, October 31, 2020. Among the restrictions are that bars and restaurants should no longer offer indoor dining, that all outdoor bar and food service must stop at 11 p.m. and meetings or social gatherings should be limited to the lesser of 25% room capacity, or 25 people. New guidelines do not apply to schools at this time. Please visit Illinois.gov and the Village's COVID News web page here for additional information.
Proposed TIF District: JRB and Public Hearing Planned
One of the required steps for approval of TIF districts is a Joint Review Board (JRB). This board is made up of representatives from taxing bodies with properties located in the TIF area and provides recommendations to the Village Board on whether to approve the proposal. The JRB for the proposed South Gateway TIF District will be meeting for a second time on November 13, 2020 to review the TIF proposal/plan and make recommendations to the Village Board. This second meeting is taking place due to a notification error, and is occurring so that all required steps are followed in consideration of the TIF.

The Village Board recently revised the public hearing date for the proposed TIF due to the second JRB meeting, and it will now take place Tuesday, December 15, 2020, starting at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Members of the public are encouraged to attend to learn more about the proposed TIF district and to ask any questions. Information on how to attend this meeting virtually can be found here. Plans for the proposed South Gateway TIF District include the redevelopment and improvement of 60 acres of property north of Lake Cook Road on the east and west sides of Route 53. Additional information on the proposed TIF District is available under the ‘Business’ tab on the Village of Long Grove website.
Petitions for Open Village Board Seats
The Municipal Election on April 6, 2021 will include six open positions on the Long Grove Village Board. These seats serve four-year terms and include Village President, Village Clerk and three Village Trustees; there will also be an additional Trustee seat on the ballot which will fulfill a remaining two-year term. The Illinois State Board of Elections website provides information about running for office. To request petitions for any of the Village Board elected seats, please contact Amy Gayton, Village Clerk, at amy.gayton@longgroveil.gov. Petitions will be accepted beginning December 14 through December 21, 2020, during Long Grove Village Hall office hours, 3110 Old McHenry Road, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mobile COVID-19 Testing Sites
The Lake County Health Department is offering free COVID-19 testing sites this month at locations around the county. Testing is open to all Illinois residents regardless of symptoms. Some sites feature drive-through testing and all sites accommodate walk-up testing. Upcoming mobile testing sites and dates include:


More information on community-based testing locations can be found on the IDPH website. Many healthcare providers are also offering COVID-19 testing. Residents without a healthcare provider or insurance can contact the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center at 847-377-8800. Sign up to receive COVID-19 updates via email from the Lake County Health Department at their website here.
Repair Plans for Covered Bridge On Hold
The RPC Bridge is currently closed as repairs are taking place on its underside, which were identified as needed during a recent inspection. The bridge is expected to be reopened by this weekend. The Village Board has decided to hold off on making repairs to damages on the bridge’s cover that were cause by oversized vehicles - as it considers solutions to protect the bridge from further damage. As many residents know, the bridge has been struck multiple times since it was renovated and reopened in August. Updates on bridge repairs, as well as plans from the Village to protect it, will be provided in future communications.
Park District Offers
Virtual Owl Prowl
The Long Grove Park District is offering a virtual presentation on Friday, November 20, 2020, at 7 p.m., via Zoom, about owls living in our area. At the end of the 45-minute program, a live screech owl will be brought into the presentation. This event is free and open to adults and families with children ages six and up. Register for the event to get the Zoom meeting instructions by calling the Long Grove Park District at 847-438-4743 or email syoung@lgparks.org. The Long Grove Park District is a non-taxing public organization staffed by volunteers. For more information, visit lgparks.org.
Board of Director Seats Open for HDLGBA
The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association (HDLGBA) is seeking candidates to fill open positions on its board of directors. The organization serves as the leader of community activity in downtown Long Grove. Members of the board are expected to contribute between 15 to 20 hours a month. Residents interested in applying are asked to contact the nominating committee at 847-682-7588, or email contact@longgrove.org. The submission deadline is Thursday, December 31, 2020. More information about the HDLGBA can be found here.
Downtown Vintage Holidays
The annual Long Grove Vintage Holidays events bring you a classic holiday experience with quaint shops, old-world charms, and family memories. Organized by the Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association (HDLGBA), Vintage Holidays 2020 features a number of events and activities listed below - including the practice of social distancing, mask-wearing requirements, and the implementation of hand sanitation stations. The festivities kick off Thursday, November 12 and run every weekend through December 20, 2020. Highlights include:

Merchant Open Houses: Shops throughout the historic downtown featuring decorations, sales, and specials on merchandise, food, drinks and more.

Holiday Music on Weekends: Visitors who stroll the downtown will enjoy festive holiday music, setting the mood for the season. Details will be posted on LongGrove.org as performance times and locations become available.

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: Starting November 21, groups of up to 10 (family & friends only) can enjoy vintage carriage rides along the historic downtown. To ensure that participants feel safe and comfortable, the sleigh will be cleaned after every ride, and every rider is required to wear a mask (masks will be provided free to those who do not have one).

Holiday Selfie-Station: New this year is a festive spot where visitors can take photos and share their Vintage Holiday experiences! Gather around the front porch of the Farmside building (across from the Visitor’s Center) to take Instagram worthy selfies to with family and friends.

Due to recent orders by the Illinois Governor, please visit the HDLGBA website for any updates relating to the downtown Long Grove events.
Upcoming Village Meetings

Village meetings continue to be held virtually until further notice. Information on how to participate remotely is included in meeting agendas - found under 'View Details' below.

For more information on the Village's commissions and committee meetings, click here.
Special Village Board Meeting on Thursday, November 5
Please click here for the agenda and for information on how to participate.