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July 7, 2022

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The City of Highland Park is heartbroken by the tragic shooting at the Independence Day Parade on July 4, 2022. As a community, we all share in grieving those who were killed or injured, and our hearts are with their loved ones. Since this unimaginable attack, Highland Park’s businesses have stood in solidarity with the victims, survivors, their loved ones, and our community as a whole.


The City understands that the past few days have been especially challenging for business owners and employees, particularly those within the investigation area. While we can all acknowledge that the nature of this incident necessitates a thorough investigation that requires the preservation, as much as possible, of the crime scene, we also know that this has caused additional hardships in addition to the trauma we all experienced just a few days ago. We have prepared the below FAQ to share as much information as we can about this situation, help you to set timeline expectations for your employees, suppliers, and customers, and connect you with resources and assistance to best serve your customers and support your teams.

 

When can businesses within the investigation perimeter reopen for business?

We know this situation is difficult for our local businesses and we appreciate your patience.


The FBI and Lake County Major Crimes Unit are investigating a major crime. They must be thorough. The area will reopen as soon as we receive clearance from them. They anticipate allowing businesses within the perimeter to access their place of business by Saturday, July 9 at 6 PM, but this is tentative. Access to your business does not mean you can open for business. As the scene is processed and evaluated, we will provide more information. The City will provide another update to businesses no later than Friday, July 8. The perimeter map follows below.

Why are some businesses within the investigation perimeter operating during the required closure? 

Businesses within the perimeter are required to remain closed. Those that were operating have been notified that they must cease operation. 


How do healthcare professionals contact their patients to let them know their office is closed until further notice?

While the FBI and Lake County Major Crimes Unit are investigating a major crime, you cannot enter any building within the investigation perimeter. If you cannot access your patient/client list remotely, please consider changing your voicemail message to inform callers that you are closed due to a local emergency and to leave their names and phone numbers so that you can call them back to reschedule. You can also provide an alternate phone number for them to call you or your staff.

 

How do businesses within the investigation perimeter get their mail during the closure?

Due to the recent events, the Postal service cannot deliver to the closed area due to the ongoing investigation. The Post Office currently has these deliveries on hold at the office. If any business affected by the investigation chooses to pick their mail up at the post office, they can do so during regular business hours. The post office will resume delivery once the authorities allow the Postal service access. Once this occurs, the postal service will deliver any mail currently on hold.

 

Will businesses within the investigation perimeter receive any government funding to help them recoup lost revenue during the time they are unable to open? Will employees be compensated for lost wages?

No state or federal aid is available at this time. The City is researching opportunities for business assistance.

 

Are there counseling services available for the community beyond the next few days?

For a list of counseling services, please visit the City’s website.

 

What can businesses do to support those that are working and the Highland Park community? Can we drop off food?

We are truly humbled by the incredible outpouring of support and generosity of the community.


We urge those who wish to show their financial support to send donations to the Highland Park Community Foundation; a longtime local organization deeply embedded in the community which is in the best position to help our neighbors in need. They have set up a fund to directly assist victims, survivors, and those that support them. Visit hpcfil.org to submit donations.


If you or your business are interested in donating food or items to first responders, please contact hr@cityhpil.com with your contact information. We are keeping a list and will reach out should ongoing needs arise.


At this point in time please do not send food directly to any City locations in order to minimize duplicate donations.

 

Whom do we contact to volunteer to help those in need?

Immediate needs are being met through local, state, and national resources.

The Volunteer Pool of Highland Park is maintaining a list of volunteers as a resource should there be a need for volunteers in the future. Individuals interested in having their contact information on file with the Volunteer Pool of Highland Park may email info@volunteerpoolhp.org with their name, contact information, and any specific areas of expertise.


Organizations with a need for volunteers may reach out to the Volunteer Pool which will assist them in connecting with volunteers.


Should additional information become available or volunteer needs arise we will share any relevant information on the City’s website at cityhpil.com.

 

Where should businesses take belongings that were left along the parade route?

Please do not remove personal property left along the parade route as this is still an active investigation. A secure perimeter around the crime scene has been established:

Retrieving items outside the secure perimeter:

Public Works has picked up items left along the parade route outside the secure area and placed them on the north lawn of City Hall, 1707 St. Johns Avenue. Items will be added as they are collected.

 

Retrieving items within the secure perimeter

Property within the secure area is being processed by the FBI to ensure that all relevant evidence is gathered. Items that are not being retained for evidence will be released as they are processed and may be picked up at the Family Assistance Center at Highland Park High School, 433 Vine Ave, Highland Park from 9:00 AM through 9:00 PM until Friday. Future dates and hours for item pick-up will be shared as it becomes available.

 

Items recovered from zones 1 and 5, items from the north side of zone 3, and limited items from zones 4 and 6 on the map below are available for pick-up at this time. There were no personal items recovered in area 2. Items at the intersection of Second and Central are not available for pick-up.

We thank all affected individuals for their patience during this lengthy process as this may take a significant amount of time. Additional information regarding the return of personal effects at the scene will be shared as it becomes available.

 

What should restaurants within the investigation perimeter do with their spoiled food?

Lakeshore Recycling Systems is prepared to do a pickup of trash and dumpsters the day after businesses regain access to clear any rotting food from the business district. We will work with businesses on any additional assistance needed at that time.

 

Are there any vigils being organized?

Many compassionate individuals and organizations have organized vigils to honor the memory of those who were killed and offer support and healing in this challenging time. The City is publicizing information about vigils on its website.

 

What is the status of City-sponsored events?

We have temporarily paused City-sponsored community events for this week and next and anticipate resuming regular programming the week of July 17. We appreciate your understanding as our resources are heavily focused on the investigation. We are not canceling due to fear; we are focusing our resources on the investigation. 

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