Skokie roundup: Plan Commission advances ADU study, Board of Trustees to weigh $1.8M streetscape project
The Skokie Plan Commission continued its review of proposed accessory dwelling unit (ADU) zoning rules this month, while the Village Board of Trustees is set to consider a $1.8 million Main Street streetscape project at its July 20 meeting.
Plan Commission: ADU rules continued, Touhy Avenue developments on hold
The Plan Commission continued its discussion on a proposed zoning text amendment (§118-60) that would permit accessory dwelling units with a minimum size of 220 square feet. Commissioners raised questions about parking, green space, and pending state legislation, according to the agenda summary. No vote was taken; the item remains under study.
The commission also continued three development requests from Mackin Land Company for properties at 3738 and 3750 Touhy Avenue in an M3 district. The requests include a site plan approval for commercial development, a special use permit amendment to remove a car wash at 3750 Touhy Avenue, and a new permit for an automotive repair facility at 3738 Touhy Avenue. The items were continued pending submission of supplemental materials.
At its June 25 meeting, the commission approved an alley vacation north of 5142 Arcadia Street and east of 9139 Laramie Avenue to support a detached garage and resolve a fence encroachment. A zoning map amendment rezoning the northern 8 feet of 5142 Arcadia Street from B2 Commercial to R2 Single-Family Residential was also part of that action.
Appearance Commission reviews five addition proposals
The Appearance Commission on July 8 considered five applications for Certificates of Appropriateness for building additions. Four are residential first-floor additions: 5247 Suffield Court (applicants Jeremy Malveaux and Walter Dormann), 9043 Forestview Road (applicant Raffi Arzoumanian), and 9200 Ridgeway Avenue (applicant Gwen Zagon). A fifth application at 7725 Niles Center Road involves a first- and second-floor residential addition (applicant Emanuel Marzoumanian). A non-residential first-floor addition at McDonald's, 5360 Touhy Avenue, was also on the agenda (applicant James Olguin, owner McDonald's USA, LLC). Minutes have not yet been published.
Housing Sub-Committee reviews parking requirements
The Housing Sub-Committee of the Plan Commission met July 13 to review updates to the Comprehensive Plan, including off-street parking requirements related to home modifications (§118-201(2)). The agenda also included an ADU update, a Housing Chapter check-in, discussion of mixed-use corridors, and scheduling a walking tour of the West Dempster Corridor. Minutes have not yet been published.
Performing Arts Center Board reviews financials
The Performing Arts Center Board met July 13 to review May 31, 2026 financial statements and the Executive Director's report. The agenda included updates on North Theatre sound upgrades and capital equipment, discussion of a potential new outdoor venue in Skokie, and a report on year-end financials exceeding budget by nearly $297,388. Minutes have not yet been published.
Consumer Affairs Commission approves minutes, adjourns
The Consumer Affairs Commission met July 15 and approved minutes from its April 15, 2026 meeting. A motion to adjourn was also passed. No other substantive actions were taken.
Economic Development Commission introduces new member
The Economic Development Commission met July 15 to introduce new member Nick Greifer. The agenda included review of an Economic Vitality Strategy Consultant RFQ and development updates. Minutes have not yet been published.
Coming up
Board of Trustees — July 20: The board will discuss a Main Street Streetscape Improvement Project with Copenhaver Construction for $1,832,300, purchase of a Battle Motors LET2 Refuse Packer Truck for $379,946.22, and a Trackless MT7 Sidewalk Plow for $216,923.46. First readings are scheduled for an ordinance amending water rates and lead line replacement cost share, and a resolution approving a subdivision plat for 9050 Keystone Avenue.
Board of Fire and Police Commissioners — July 20: The board will review the retirement of Fire Lieutenant Daniel Collins, a recommended permanent appointment of Brian Handler to Fire Lieutenant, and a rank deferral request from Police Officer candidate Edward Campbell.