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Skokie Business of the Year: Sketchbook Brewing |
On Monday evening, the Village’s Consumer Affairs Commission recognized Sketchbook Brewing Co. as the 2024 Skokie Business of the Year!
About Sketchbook: Sketchbook opened its Skokie taproom and production facility at 4901 Main St. in 2020, adding a popular outdoor patio in summer of 2021.
More than beer: In recognizing Sketchbook, the commission noted the brewery’s outstanding commitment to sustainability, strong partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and its support for community events and gatherings.
Raise a glass: Congratulations are also in order for Will’s Place, Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Cafe, and Schaefer’s Wines & Spirits, which were named honorable mention.
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Making Plans for the Future of Main Street
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On Monday evening, the Skokie Village Board reviewed plans to guide the future redevelopment of the Main Street Commercial Corridor, between Crawford and Tripp Avenues.
Make It On Main Street: The Main Street Commercial Corridor Study lays out a unified vision for Main Street as a colorful, vibrant commercial corridor and active neighborhood hub that supports small businesses and a diverse, engaged community. The study:
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Identifies short-, mid- and long-term actions to bring that vision to life block-by-block, including opportunities for private redevelopment, property acquisition, landscaping, public space improvements, and more.
- Supports affordable and attainable commercial and residential spaces by identifying opportunities for development that maintain Skokie’s unique character.
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Building on momentum: Completing the study is the latest step in the Village’s efforts to enhance the corridor. The Village has:
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Implemented streetscape improvements, including beautifying the median and adding on-street bike lanes.
- Approved Storefront Enhancement Program (SEP) grants to support improvements at Halal Market & Grill (4043 Main St.) and the buildout of three storefronts at 4012 - 4024 Main St., including a brick-and-mortar location for Soul Good Coffee, retail gourmet food store Zelda’s Table, and another smaller retail space to be announced.
- Secured a $600,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to support early work to implement the study.
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From plan to action: On Monday, the Village Board immediately put the study into action, advancing plans to purchase a vacant building at 4051 Main St. On a short-term basis, the property will be utilized for events and activities by the Fine Arts Commission and Economic Vitality Office. On a long-term basis, the study calls for the property to be part of a property assemblage that will create a larger redevelopment opportunity.
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Village Board Approves Westfield Old Orchard Redevelopment Plans
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On Monday evening, the Skokie Village Board approved plans for the transformational redevelopment of Westfield Old Orchard.
The blueprint: Plans for the north end of the shopping center include the construction of more than 600 apartment homes, street-level retail and restaurant space, a new public common area and event space, a 200-key hotel or additional residential units, a parking garage and more.
On-site affordable housing: 3.5 percent of units will be leased to renters earning between 60 and 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) for at least 25 years. Focus, the co-developer for the first phase of the project, shared that this is the first time it has included on-site affordable housing in a regional shopping mall redevelopment.
Going for green gold: The project also aims to achieve LEED Gold certification, and will include amenities such as bike storage, EV charging infrastructure, native plantings and green space.
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| Holiday Festivities at Westfield Old Orchard
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Holiday Recycling Dos and Don’ts
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As you prepare to celebrate with friends, family and coworkers this season, take a moment to review a few common items that should – and should not – be placed in your recycling cart.
Do Recycle
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Cardboard. Break down and fold boxes before placing them in your cart. Out of space? Put folded boxes into one larger cardboard box and place it next to your recycling cart.
- Paper gift boxes. Remove plastic components, such as handles or plastic windows.
- Plain paper gift bags, plain paper wrapping paper, and holiday greeting cards and envelopes without any glitter, foil, or plastic/laminated coatings.
- Bottles, cans, tubs, and cartons.
- Aluminum food trays. Clean only (no food).
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Packaging materials, such as Styrofoam, bubble wrap, bubble envelopes and foam peanuts.
- Gift bags and wrapping paper with laminate/metallic coverings, wax coatings or embellishments.
- Tissue paper and shredded paper
- Ribbons and bows. Consider reusing, if possible.
- Paper towels and napkins
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Batteries
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Photo: Skokie MRC volunteers provide a 'Stop the Bleed' training course.
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Calling Skokie’s Mental Health Professionals: Join the Medical Reserve Corps!
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Are you a licensed mental or behavioral health professional living or working in Skokie? Make a meaningful impact by joining our Medical Reserve Corps (MRC).
What is MRC? This network of volunteers is called on to assist during public health emergencies and support initiatives that promote community well-being.
How can you help? With your expertise, you can play a vital role in providing mental health support at critical times, educating residents about wellness, and contributing to Skokie’s resilience and preparedness.
Why join?
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Make a difference: Use your skills to improve the mental health of our community.
- Experience professional growth: Gain unique experiences in public health response.
- Build community connections: Join a network of dedicated professionals committed to making Skokie stronger.
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Who should apply? If you’re a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), psychologist, psychiatrist, school counselor, or other licensed mental health professional, we want you on our team! Learn more and apply.
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Big Impact: Niles Township Food Pantry Recognized
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On Monday evening, the Village Board proclaimed December 2024 as “Niles Township Food Pantry Awareness Month,” recognizing the pantry’s outstanding dedication to supporting community members in need.
By the numbers: Last year, the Niles Township Food Pantry served 3,300 households, distributing nearly 1.4 million pounds of food.
Want to help? Support the pantry by donating needed items or making a financial contribution.
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Unless otherwise indicated, all meetings are held at Skokie Village Hall, 5127 Oakton Street.
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Commission on Family Services
December 4, 2024, 7:00 PM @ Conference Rooms D&E - Zoning Board of Appeals
December 4, 2024, 7:30 PM @ Council Chambers - Beautification & Improvement Commission
December 5, 2024, 6:30 PM @ Conference Room A - Plan Commission
December 5, 2024, 7:30 PM @ Conference Rooms D&E
- Human Relations Commission - NEW DATE
December 9, 2024, 6:30 PM - Performing Arts Center Board Meeting
December 9, 2024, 7:00 PM @ North Shore Center for the Performing Arts
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5127 Oakton St. | Skokie, IL 60077 US
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