Recent Council Action

Safety at Telegraph Road Train Station -- First and foremost, Lake Forest is dedicated to the safety of commuters and residents at Lake Forest’s two train stations which serve the Union Pacific North line (Downtown/Market Square) and Milwaukee District North line (Telegraph Road). Tragically, in less than two years, two fatalities have occurred at the Telegraph Road Train Station. As a result, Metra has removed the pedestrian crosswalk immediately adjacent to the west depot doors (facing the railroad tracks). Commuters are now directed to use the pedestrian crosswalk approximately 215 feet north of the depot (closer to Conway Road).

Mayor Cowhey has appointed a Transportation Safety and Enhancement Committee that will analyze both vehicular and pedestrian accidents in Lake Forest, specifically at the Telegraph Road Train Station. This committee will recommend initiatives that the City could undertake to reduce accidents and enhance safety for residents, commuters, motorists and railroad operations.

Safety is the most important thing when you are near railroad tracks. Please remember to:

 Stand back from the yellow tactile strip on the platform.  Do not assume the approaching train is yours and that it is going to stop.  Do not cross the tracks in front of a moving train.

Stop . . . . Look . . . . Listen before you cross railroad tracks!

Lake Forest Expresses Interest in Post Office -- At its February 16, 2010 meeting, the Lake Forest City Council authorized Mayor James Cowhey to send a letter to the U.S. Postal Service stating the City's intent to purchase the Lake Forest Post Office on Northgate adjacent to Market Square. This Letter of Intent provides the City with a 90-day period during which the City will have the exclusive opportunity to complete its due diligence, including an inspection of the property.

To facilitate work during the 90-day period, the Council authorized the City Manager to establish an ad hoc planning team to lead the due diligence work and to begin consideration of options for reuse of the Lake Forest Post Office in a manner that will support and enhance the long-term vitality of Market Square and the City's Central Business District. One of the options to be discussed is the possible leasing back of space to allow for continued Post Office operations in the building to serve Lake Forest residents and the surrounding communities.

Prior to the end of the 90-day due diligence period, the planning team will forward a recommendation to the City Council on whether or not the City should enter into a contract to purchase the Post Office. Importantly, the City Council stated that it is not the intent of the City to own the Post Office over the long term.

Social Hosting Ordinance Approved -- Lake Forest has become the latest Lake County community to expand and strengthen rules to deter people who allow children to drink or do drugs at parties or other gatherings. Upon recommendation from the City’s Legal Committee, the City Council adopted an ordinance on February 16, 2010 that will hold any person, not just parents, accountable for events at which youth are drinking or using drugs.

It also expands the types of places where such rules can be enforced. The previous ordinance covered residences, while the new law adds hotels, parks, banquet halls, as well as vehicles such as limousines, busses, and boats. The new law does not apply to alcohol consumed for religious ceremonies and provides a safety net for persons hosting a lawful gathering, by notifying the Police when circumstances get out of hand. Violators face fines of up to $2,500.

The social host ordinance is part of a collaborative effort across Lake County to prevent underage consumption of alcohol. The Lake County Underage Drinking Prevention Task Force, which includes the Lake County Chiefs of Police, Speak Up! Prevention Coalition of Lake Forest/Lake Bluff and other Lake county coalitions, has a goal of passing social host ordinances to cover every community within the county. Lake Forest is the 19th town to adopt such a law; Barrington, Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Bluff, Mundelein, and other area towns have adopted similar laws.

Project 2010: Marketing Plan -- The Mayor's Business District Advocacy Group recommended a coordinated, sustainable marketing plan for the City's businesses. A team was formed with representatives of local businesses, the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management, City and volunteer residents. The group drafted a marketing plan to strengthen the vitality of the business districts and increase sales tax revenue by promoting shopping and dining in Lake Forest. For more information, contact the Office of Economic Development or visit the “Businesses” section via the navigation link at the top of this page.