Highland Park meeting roundup: No decisions published; City Council to consider grants, zoning
Highland Park's recent board and commission meetings were all agenda-only, with minutes not yet published, so no decisions have been reported. The most consequential upcoming item is the City Council's regular meeting on August 17, which includes votes on grants, contracts, and zoning changes.
Housing Commission
The Housing Commission met August 5 to review financial reports for the Peers, Ravinia, and Sunset Woods associations and the Housing Trust Fund. The agenda included payment of invoices and ratification of an HDA Peers Mortgage Loan IHDA Check Reimbursement, a review of the ERES Management Report, discussion of Peers pipe replacement funding and 2026-27 insurance renewals, and resolutions for CPAH grant drawdowns—one for the 2026 Operating Grant Agreement Quarter 2 and one for the 2025 Scattered Site Grant Agreement final drawdown for 1500 McCraren Road. No votes were recorded.
Zoning Board of Appeals
On August 6, the Zoning Board of Appeals held a public hearing on two variation requests: one for 85 Hemlock Ln to encroach into a side yard setback for a new shed, and one for 1569 Forest Ave to exceed the four-foot maximum fence height in the front yard. The agenda did not list any decisions.
Human Relations Advisory Group
The Human Relations Advisory Group met August 13 at the police department. The agenda included approving minutes from May 14, 2026, public comments, and discussions on the MLK Day of Service, the 2027 meeting schedule, the 2027 work plan, and HP Awards. No votes or decisions were listed.
Police Pension Board
The Police Pension Board met August 13 to handle routine pension business. The agenda included votes on duty disability benefits for Casey Foley and regular retirement benefits for Thomas Spanos, an investment performance review by Sawyer Falduto Asset Management, LLC, approval of bills and a cash management policy update, and board officer elections and FOIA/OMA designee appointment. No outcomes were published.
Historic Preservation
The Historic Preservation Commission met August 13 in person at City Hall. The agenda included an amendment to a Certificate of Appropriateness for 2276 Linden Avenue, a determination of historic significance for 1752 Spruce Avenue, a discussion of land-use incentives to encourage historic preservation, and administrative demolition reviews for 406 Woodland Road and 1867 Spruce Avenue. No decisions were reported.
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners
The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners held a special meeting August 14 to determine post-offer elements for an entry-level police officer candidate. The agenda also included approval of minutes, a closed session, and a public comment period. No other substantive decisions were listed.
Coming up
- **City Council** – August 17: The council will vote on exterior and interior improvement grants for local businesses (Bean Bar Corporation + Mezze at 565 Roger Williams Ave, and Faye's Diner at 473 Roger Williams Ave), an amendment to an economic incentive agreement with Bandido Inc. at 493 Central Avenue, a zoning ordinance regarding data centers, and a special use permit for a planned development at 1850 Green Bay Road.
- **Committee of the Whole** – August 17: Discussion items include the 2027 proposed library operating and capital budget, the Place of Remembrance project status and timing, and a comprehensive review of Chapter 119 (Alcoholic Beverages). No final decisions are expected.
- **Plan and Design Commission** – August 18: Public hearings on two special use permit applications—one to amend an existing permit at 2132 Green Bay Rd. and another for a storage container at 581 Roger Williams Ave. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from July 21, 2026, and an update on administrative design review.