The Bridge
October 22, 2020
Board Approves Interim Village Manager
The Village Board recently approved an interim Village Manager to take over daily responsibilities of running the Village, due to the resignation of current Village Manager David Lothspeich. The interim Village Manager is William (Bill) Balling, who has already begun working in this role. Previously, he served as Buffalo Grove’s village manager for 29 years and now owns a management consulting firm that provides interim services for local government. All Village services provided to the community will remain the same, as the Village Board proceeds to hire a permanent replacement for the Village Manager position. If you have questions, please call Village Hall at 847-634-9440.
South Gateway TIF District Update
A Joint Review Board (JRB) meeting for the proposed South Gateway Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District was held October 9, 2020 via Zoom. The JRB is the recommending body to the Village Board, and was established for the TIF District currently under consideration. The South Gateway TIF District would include developed and undeveloped properties near Lake Cook Road and Route 53, and assist with redevelopment in this area. The plan and project were presented at the JRB meeting, and approval was recommended.

A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 7 p.m. Members of the public interested in attending are encouraged to do so virtually by Zoom or by phone using the information found in this link. Additional information on the proposed South Gateway TIF District is available under the ‘Business’ tab on the Village of Long Grove website at longgroveil.gov.
EDC Launches Series to
Help Local Businesses
Long Grove’s Economic Development Commission (EDC) is hosting a new video interview series entitled How’d You Do It? where Long Grove residents and business owners share their professional successes, risks, tips, tricks and even their worst mistakes. The 15-minute interviews are conducted during designated EDC meetings and are followed by questions and answers from participants.

The first edition of the series featured Irwin Steinberg, EDC commissioner and retired partner of WipFli LLP. Steinberg spoke about how he founded a CPA firm and built it into a consulting firm employing some 55 people.

Future episodes are being planned and will be posted on the EDC webpage here. The EDC meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month and all meetings are open to the public. Due to the pandemic, meetings continue to be held virtually via Zoom or by phone. Meeting dates and more information are available here.
November 3, 2020 Election Information
The November 3, 2020 Election is less than two weeks away! Early voting is in process now and runs through Monday, November 2. A list of early voting sites in Lake County, with locations and times, can be found on their website here. The last day to request a mail ballot is Thursday, October 29. Postage-free drop boxes for mail ballots are available at early voting sites, which can be found here. For more information about voting by mail, click this link. Additional information, including how to view your ballot and polling locations on Election Day, can be found at this link.
Cuba Road Update
The Cuba Road resurfacing project is ongoing and proceeding on schedule. While the road will remain open to two-way traffic during the project, there will be times when access is limited to one-way traffic in the active construction zone. Traffic will be directed through the zone by flaggers. The asphalt paving portion is planned to continue through the end of October, with the final restoration to be completed by mid-November 2020.
Protecting the Bridge from Further Incidents
Since its renovation and reopening in August 2020, the covered bridge has been damaged several times by over-sized vehicles, and Village officials are now considering ways to help protect the historical landmark. Options are being reviewed to prevent future incidents, which include improving the signage on both sides of the bridge. Another would be to restrict Robert Parker Coffin (RPC) Road to local traffic only, so that mapping systems would direct drivers to use Old McHenry Road, instead of using RPC as a cut-through to get to Route 83 or Route 53. Other options include adding rumble strips on the road, changing the contours of the bridge’s openings, adding steel supports to protect the wood siding, and installing video surveillance cameras. The Village will be evaluating all of these options and updates will be provided in future communications.
Free Daffodils for
Roadside Planting

Planting daffodils is a yearly tradition where residents can pitch in their time to help maintain the beauty of Long Grove’s public roadways. The Village is giving away free daffodil bulbs to residents for planting along the public right-of-ways.

There are two types of bulbs to choose from: Carlton, a yellow bloom, or Fragrant Meadow, a mixture of yellow and white flowers. If you would like to pick up a bag of bulbs, please contact Sherry Shlagman at sshlagman@longgroveil.gov or call 847-634-9440.

When requesting bulbs, please indicate your name and your choice of bulbs. The bag will be marked with your name and set outside the meeting doors at Village Hall for you to pick up. Happy planting!
Halloween Town – Continued!
The Historic Downtown Long Grove Business Association is hosting additional Halloween festivities this year as ‘Halloween Town’ continues. Following pandemic safety guidelines, the Association is working with downtown businesses to provide visitors with a safe and fun way to celebrate the season. Please visit LongGrove.org for more information and any updates.

Trick-or-Treating: Friday, October 23, 2 – 5 p.m. Businesses throughout Long Grove's Halloween Town will hand out sweets during this trick-or-treating bonanza! The Association asks that all Trick-or-Treaters and parents wear face covers (even under costume masks) while entering and leaving the stores, and to eat their candy outside or at home.

Tricks & Tales: Friday, October 23, 4 – 6 p.m. To complement an afternoon of treats for the kiddies, the Long Grove Historical Society, Lions Club, and other members of the community will be performing free spooky skits at locations throughout the downtown area.

Pet Costume Parade: Sunday, October 25, 11 a.m. Pets throughout the region are invited to don their best Halloween costumes and howl at the moon during this 3rd annual event! There's no cost to watch the parade; all pets must remain leashed. The parade steps off at approximately 11 a.m. (weather-permitting).
Halloween Safety Reminders
As a reminder, the Village of Long Grove does not have set hours for trick-or-treating. The Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC have both offered guidance on how to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this festive season. Some Halloween safety tips to consider:

  • Wear appropriate face covers. A costume mask is not an appropriate face covering.
  • For homeowners participating in trick-or-treating, leave individually wrapped candy or treats spaced apart on a table or other outdoor area that allows for safe social distancing.
  • Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried by trick-or-treaters and used frequently.
  • Trick-or-treaters should only visit well-lit homes; remind children not to enter a home.
  • Have children bring treats home to have them inspected by a parent or guardian. Discard unwrapped candy and food.

Drivers need to be extra cautious and watch for pedestrians. Residents are also asked to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 immediately.
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.
EDC


October 27
Village Board


October 27
PCZBA


November 3
CSCC


November 4