Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for March, 2025

Construction begins on 164 high-end townhouses at Bell Works in (CUSD 220) Hoffman Estates

Posted in 220, Daily Herald, Hoffman Estates, Property Taxes, Real Estate, School Districts, South Barrington, Taxes, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on March 26, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Eric Peterson | Daily Herald

Officials recently broke ground on a project involving 164 townhouse units on the northeast side of Bell Works in Hoffman Estates, which will be known as The Towns at Bell Works Chicagoland.

The partnership among New Jersey-based Inspired by Somerset Development, home builder PulteGroup and the village of Hoffman Estates expects to see completion of the project during the third quarter of 2026.

The townhouses add the long-awaited residential component that fulfills the vision of the redeveloped former AT&T headquarters as a “metroburb” where people work, live, shop and enjoy entertainment.

Officials from Inspired by Somerset Development, PulteGroup and the village of Hoffman Estates take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for The Towns at Bell Works Chicagoland. | Courtesy of Inspired by Somerset Development

“Our vision for the metroburb model has always been to create more than just a vibrant hub for work, dining and retail. It’s about fostering a dynamic, all-encompassing community,” Inspired by Somerset founder and CEO Ralph Zucker said in a statement.“Implementing a townhome component was a natural next step in evolving that vision, providing a unique residential offering that perfectly complements our growing ecosystem at Bell Works Chicagoland.”

The townhouses have been designed with three-bedroom layouts with an option for a fourth, three floors of living space and two-car garages. They are expected to be priced in the mid-$400,000s, representatives told village officials last year.

Read more here.

Related: “Krishnamoorthi secures $500,000 in grants for roads near Hoffman Estates’ Bell Works development,”  “Bell Works Chicagoland in Hoffman Estates ready to add homes,”  “164 high-end townhouses coming to Bell Works in Hoffman Estates,” “Remaking white elephant suburban headquarters: Is a ‘metroburb’ headed to Hoffman Estates?” “Developer filing plan for townhouses, apartments at Bell Works in Hoffman Estates”

Read Full Post »

Wealthy white homeowners vote more on property tax hike proposals in Cook County, study finds*

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Chicago Tribune, Cook, County, District 220 referendum, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Politics, Property Taxes, School Districts, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)? on March 26, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By A.D. Quig | Chicago Tribune

Some suburban voters are facing key decisions about hiking property taxes in the April 1 election, but if the past is precedent, “the few will decide for the many” again, according to a report from Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ office.

Referendums for $45 million in infrastructure spending in Western Springs, $94.9 million in school upgrades in Northbrook, and for permission to go above state tax caps in the Northfield Park District, Prospect Heights and Roselle are on the ballot this spring.

And Pappas’ office found a small number of voters — largely rich, white homeowners — tend to have the strongest turnout for these types of property tax votes.

The treasurer’s office report compared turnout with census data on race, income and home ownership to reach its conclusions.

Pappas, whose office mails property tax bills, previously released an analysis showing low turnout on pocketbook issues further down ballot, arguing more voter engagement would keep rising taxes under control. Average turnout across the county for property-tax-related issues in the 2024 primary was just 20.9%, according to the report. Less than a quarter of all Chicago voters, for example, gave their say on the “Bring Chicago Home” question, which did not pass.

“Rising property taxes always anger property owners. Despite that, most don’t vote in referendums that determine whether their taxes go up or down,” Pappas said in a release.

Read more here.

*A study was needed?

Read Full Post »

Why is taking a selfie with your ballot illegal in Illinois?

Posted in Crime, Elections, Politics on March 26, 2025| Leave a Comment »

By Dylan Sharkey | Illinois Policy Institute

Illinois voters face a surprising legal risk by showing their civic duty: taking a selfie with your completed ballot is a Class 4 felony punishable by 1-3 years in prison and $25,000 in fines.

An innocent snap showing your voting pride could theoretically land you behind bars in Illinois. The outdated law stems from concerns about vote-buying schemes in which voters would need to provide photographic evidence of their vote to collect payment.

Even sharing with a small group of friends is illegal because the felony extends to anyone “observing” unlawful voting, which includes shared ballot selfies.

But vote buying itself is already illegal nationwide, so the picture prohibition in Illinois feels unnecessary.

State Rep. Kam Buckner, D-Chicago, introduced legislation legalizing ballot selfies. But his House Bill 1894 stalled in the Rules Committee, where legislation often goes to die.

So, as the April 1 elections approach, Illinois voters should be aware of this peculiar legal risk.

More here.

Read Full Post »

Karam, Wang and Stern for CUSD 220 Board of Education 

Posted in 220, Board of Education, District 220 referendum, Education, Elections, OP/Ed, Politics, School Districts, Topics Of Interest on March 23, 2025| 5 Comments »

(Cook County sample ballot)

Voters will have the opportunity to select up to 4 candidates for election to the Barrington Community School District 220 Board of Education (BOE). We suggest you vote for 3 candidates, Katie Karam, Steve Wang, and Deanna Stern.

We endorse incumbents Katie Karam and Steve Wang for BOE, as each has demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in Barrington over their first 4-year term and they will bring needed continuity to the BOE over the coming 4 years.

Katie Karam has effectively championed the needs of families and advocated for their rights and resources. This was notably on display during her first years on the 220 BOE when she advocated on behalf of the students and parents wanting to be back to in-person learning during the Covid pandemic.

She has continued to be a champion of the students, parents, educators and taxpayers, pushing for a long-term Capital Planning tool that will assist in budgeting for the maintenance and upkeep of the D220 facilities without the need to seek yet another referendum from the taxpayers.

Katie is Barrington born and raised with three children attending D220 schools. She has a keen understanding of the District’s needs with the fiscal responsibility to also be a good steward of the taxpayers. We endorse her for the 220 BOE.

As a father of two, Steve Wang understands the challenges families face, and he brings that perspective to the BOE. With a finance degree from Notre Dame combined with his professional experience working in finance at a healthcare non-profit, he is equipped to make sound financial decisions that benefit D220.

Steve has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to our community, serving 4 years on the BOE, 6 years as a Girl Scout Leader, showing commitment to academic excellence and dedication to being a voice for all constituents in our community. Steve has the vision and integrity needed to lead D220. We endorse him for the D220 BOE.

Deanna Stern has 20 years of experience teaching special education and has two children currently in and two graduates of the D220 schools. With her background in education, combined with her position on the Barrington Educational Foundation, she has helped nurture the potential of every student she encounters.

Deanna actively supports academics, ensuring that all students have the resources and encouragement they need to succeed. She is keenly focused on the mental and physical health of the D220 students and is prepared to make that a priority of the BOE. She has further committed to fiscal stewardship of the taxpayer’s investment in our schools. We endorse her for the D220 BOE.

Read Full Post »

Bosnick and Matta for Barrington Area Library Board of Trustees

Posted in Barrington Area Library, Education, Elections, OP/Ed, Politics on March 23, 2025| 4 Comments »

(Cook County ballot sample)

Voters will have the opportunity to select up to 3 candidates for the Barrington Area Library Board of Trustees (BAL). We recommend they vote for 2 candidates, Joe Bosnick and Erin Matta.

Joe Bosnick has lived in Barrington for ten years, building a deep connection to our community, shaped by his service in the Marine Corps. Joe actively participates in local life, including cheering on his two daughters at St. Ann’s Catholic School and enjoying the vast resources offered by the Barrington Library.

Joe is an advocate of the BAL, recognizing the value of its resources, meeting spaces, and events, including utilizing the library as a venue for community veteran meetings. Joe served as an Executive Officer in the Marines, giving him strong people skills, the ability to collaborate on a board, and an understanding of fiscal stewardship. We endorse him for the BAL Board.

Erin Matta has lived in Barrington since 2012 and has three children in the Barrington schools. She holds degrees in psychology and human development and has a keen interest in fitness and helping clients achieve their wellness goals. Erin has had a lifelong love for the library and has passed this passion on to her children.

As a small business owner, she understands the need to be a good steward of the taxpayer’s investment in the library. As a mother and community member, she understands the need to develop and approve library policy that serves the Barrington community. We endorse her for the BAL Board.

Read Full Post »

Forest Preserves of Cook County March 2025 Newsletter

Posted in Crabtree Nature Center, FPDCC, Horizon Farm on March 23, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Coyotes inhabit virtually every available territory in Cook County, so most of us have a coyote neighbor—even if we haven’t seen it yet. They even live in the most developed parts of the city of Chicago. | Coyote (Canis latrans), Photo by: Vonda Zwick

In this issue:

  • Closing Swallow Cliff’s Unofficial Trails Breathing New Life into Nature
  • Protect, Preserve and Get Paid—Jobs in the Forest Preserves Await
  • Forest Preserves Celebrates Women’s History Month
  • Latest News: Feathered Friends Need You! 2025 Birdhouse Building Contest Set to Begin; Tap into Spring: Join Us for the Third Annual Trash Bash on April 5 & 26; Foundation 2024 in Review: Stories of Restoration, Resiliency and Inspiration
  • Upcoming Events
  • Volunteer Opportunities: Trail Watch

March newsletter here.

Read Full Post »

Bensidoun USA bringing new weekly French Market to downtown West Dundee

Posted in Entertainment, Topics Of Interest on March 23, 2025| Leave a Comment »

Bensidoun USA’s French Market will be set up outside the Pump House in downtown West Dundee. The new weekly event will be held Fridays between May 23 and Aug. 22. | Mike Danahey/The Courier-News

By Mike Danahey | The Courier-Review

Oh là là! Mesdames et messieurs, a French Market is coming to West Dundee.

The weekly summer event, which won the backing of the West Dundee Village Board this week, will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays between May 23 and Aug. 22 near the renovated Pump House in the downtown district.

Bensidoun USA presents about a dozen such markets in the metro area every summer, including locations in downtown Chicago, Geneva, Wilmette, Wheaton, Barrington and Elmhurst.

“It’s the only market being offered in the Chicago area on Friday by Bensidoun USA,” said Maureen Himmel, a member of the village’s events committee.

Trustees Cheryl Anderley and Dan Wilbrandt formed the events committee, which also includes residents Kate Grimaldi, David Haas, Sam Rosenberg and Adriana Soleim and Community Development Director Tom Moszczynski, in April. When it sent out a community survey asking residents what they would like to see in town, the top request was a farmers market, which was cited by 78% of respondents.

From there, Himmel reached out to Bensidoun USA.

Visitors peruse the booths available at the French Market in Wilmette on Oct. 29, 2022. A similar Bensidoun USA market will be opening in West Dundee in May. | Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press

“Bensidoun French Market has 60 years of experience in the Chicago and New York metro areas. Their professionalism and market offering is unmatched,” Haas said.

Bensidoun will manage the market and earn fees from the vendors, whom they procure. The only thing the village needs to provide — pavement anchors for booths — are already in place, Haas and Soleim noted.

Read more here.

Read Full Post »

Illinois school district responds to federal probe into allegations of making girls change with transgender

Posted in 220, Barrington Education Association, BOHICA, Commodius Maximus, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Elections, Fox News, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, School Districts, Taxes, Unions, What the Ficke (Bradford)?, WTF on March 22, 2025| 1 Comment »

Deerfield Public Schools District 109 claims it has followed state law, but is that the right thing to do if true?

By Jackson Thompson | Fox News

Deerfield Public Schools District 109 has responded to a federal Title IX investigation that was launched over allegations of administrators forcing middle school girls to change in the same locker room as a transgender student.

The district provided a statement to Fox News Digital insisting that its actions were rooted in Illinois state law.

“Deerfield Public Schools District 109 complies with state law. The Illinois Human Rights Act prohibits all public school districts from discriminating on the basis of sex, including gender identity, and mandates that students must be permitted access to the locker room and bathroom that aligns with their gender identity,” the statement read.

“We are sensitive to the privacy needs of all of our middle school students and ensure that no student is required to change into a gym uniform for physical education class in front of others. When both our middle schools were renovated in 2017, we added five private changing stations within each locker room that are available to all students. All students also have multiple options to change in a private location separate from the locker room if they wish.”

The district also says it will work with local families to determine next steps.

“The District and the Board are united with our leaders and educators on this issue and have a shared commitment to upholding the law,” the statement continued.

“The District and the Board call upon all of those expressing concerns or perspectives on this issue with our staff and educators to do so in a respectful and civil manner. We are glad to work with families to address any individual concerns and determine appropriate next steps to support your child’s well-being and participation.”

The U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights announced on Thursday that it is launching an investigation into the Illinois Department of Education, the Chicago Public School District 299 and Deerfield Public Schools District 109 over reported Title IX violations.

Read more here.

Related: “WATCH: Transgender school locker room policy puts Illinois in the national spotlight,” “What Dems Have Done to Deerfield girl—and the rest of Illinois—is Just Plain AWFL,” “Opinion: This Is Criminal, Exploitive Behavior Coming Out of School Dist. 109 Deerfield,” “Deerfield middle school administrators force teen girls to change in front of boy in school locker room”

Read Full Post »

Homeschooling and the hypocrisy of Illinois politicians

Posted in Barrington Education Association, Deception, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Education, Ethics, OP/Ed, Politics, Pritzker’s Rules of Order, School Districts, Springfield, Topics Of Interest, What the Ficke (Bradford)?, Wirepoints on March 21, 2025| 1 Comment »

By: Ted Dabrowski and John Klingner | Wirepoints

Illinois politicians’ latest attempt to impose their will on homeschooling began with a single tragic story of one child’s abuse. Lawmakers took that case of parental neglect and twisted it, expanded on it, and turned it into an indictment of homeschooling in general. Now they want new legislation to control it.

Homeschooling risks truancy, they say. And abuse, educational neglect and poor accountability. That’s how lawmakers are fear-mongering about Illinois’ long-standing, hands-off approach to homeschooling in an attempt to gain more power over parents and children.

But if you know anything about Illinois’ public education system, you’ll recognize the rank hypocrisy immediately. Illinois schools are full of truancy, abuse, educational neglect and poor accountability. Yet lawmakers do little to nothing about that. Instead, they’ve turned their attention towards the last form of education they don’t control.

The bill at hand, House Bill 2827, would force homeschooling parents – and private schools – to annually submit a declaration form to their local school district, with the potential penalty of fines and even jail time if parents don’t comply. Among other items, the bill also requires administrative and curriculum standards.

The bottom line is, the proposed law is an infringement of the fundamental right of parents to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children (see the Supreme Court case Troxel v. Granville).

Yet Illinois State Rep. Terra Costa Howard, the lead sponsor of the legislation, justifies her bill by saying homeschooled children “lose daily contact with teachers and others who are mandated to report abuse and neglect.” That’s coming from someone who’s said and done nothing to address the source of the state’s biggest sexual abuse problem: Chicago Public Schools.

And State Rep. Michelle Mussman, another bill sponsor said, “We really are looking for a better way to capture the small, the very important subset of kids who are…missing an education or worse.” But Mussman and most Illinois legislators have done little to address the state’s own public school literacy collapse. Six out of every 10 children statewide are unable to read at grade level – that’s more than 1.1 million public school students.

Below we lay out the many hypocrisies of the homeschool bill supporters.

1. Rampant chronic absenteeism in public schools. Lawmakers’ concern about “truancy” in homeschooling falls flat considering they consistently allow up to a quarter of Illinois public school students to be “chronically absent” (10% or more missed school days in a year) each year. That’s based on data straight from the State Board of Education’s annual report card.

Chicago’s numbers are far worse – over 40% of CPS students were chronically absent in 2024. These kids are at risk of “academic and social problems” according to the State Board of Education.

Absenteeism skyrocketed during the covid years and has remained at elevated levels since.

Many Illinois teachers also consistently fail to show up for class, again based on state education data. Over a third of all teachers statewide were considered “chronically absent” in 2024, meaning they missed 10 school days or more during the year. The National Bureau of Economic Research warns that student outcomes decrease significantly when teachers are absent for 10 days or more.

Who are lawmakers holding accountable for this? And why aren’t they holding themselves accountable?

The Wirepoints piece continues here.

Read Full Post »

Vintage Chicago Tribune: Our favorite animals who became celebrities

Posted in Animal Welfare, Chicago Tribune, Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation, Nostalgia, Topics Of Interest on March 21, 2025| Leave a Comment »

An adult fox walks through Millennium Park’s Lurie Garden at dusk on May 21, 2023, in downtown Chicago. | Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune

By Kori Rumore and Marianne Mather |  Chicago Tribune

Chicago loves a good animal story. Whether it’s the discovery of a massive snapping turtle nicknamed Chonkasaurus, or pondering the lifespan of an Australian lungfish named Granddad, who arrived at the Shedd Aquarium for the 1933 World’s Fair and was estimated to be 109 years old when it died in February 2017.

For older generations, animals were mostly viewed in cages at local zoos. But as animal care practices have evolved, we’ve been able to watch polar bears, gorillas, lions and even beluga whales roam — or sleep — in their habitats from just beyond a panel of glass.

Then there are those wild, recent creatures who have imprinted on our hearts — and even a city sidewalk — for making their homes near ours.

Here’s a look back at some of Chicago’s well-loved animals.

April 3, 2007: A coyote walks into a Quiznos

A coyote that wandered into a Chicago Quiznos is released in Barrington Hills by Dawn Keller of Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation on April 4, 2007. | Scott Strazzante/Chicago Tribune

Shortly after lunchtime, a docile coyote nonchalantly wandered through the propped-open door of a Quiznos submarine sandwich shop at 37 E. Adams St. in downtown Chicago and plopped down in front of the soda cooler.

Officials picked up the year-old male about an hour after it entered the restaurant. The animal ate nothing and no one was harmed.

The coyote was released later in Barrington Hills on 9 acres of private property, where rabbits and mice — not submarine sandwiches and chips — would be his daily fare.

Another coyote ventured onto ice on Lake Michigan in 2015, before it ran off into a nearby park. And in January, a coyote was discovered in a refrigerated section inside an Aldi grocery store at 800 N. Kedzie Ave. It was safely removed by Chicago police and Animal Care and Control.

More here.

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »