Manager's Report — 08 May 2026: Downtown Benches, New Building Official, Three Upcoming Events
Northbrook's week-ending report covers a new Building Official hire, downtown beautification progress, active construction at the Public Works Fleet Maintenance Garage and Northgate Estates Subdivision, and three upcoming community events.
Key items
- Cop on a Rooftop — May 15 — Residents can support Special Olympics at Dunkin' (2775 Dundee Rd) while officers try to double last year's $3,000 fundraising total.
- New Building Official hired — Jennifer Holtz took over the DPS Building Official role on April 27, replacing Jacqueline Clawson who retired after many years.
- Shermer/Meadow wall repair next week — A contractor will spend about three days fixing the vehicle-damaged brick landscape wall at Shermer and Meadow Roads, causing temporary traffic shifts.
- Northgate Estates first home permits filed — The first permits for the newly approved 7-lot subdivision off Landwehr Road signal that residential construction on Doriann Court is beginning.
- Inaugural Disability Inclusion Award — nominations open — Businesses and organizations have until July 31 to be nominated for the Disability Inclusion Commission's first-ever recognition award.
Full agenda — click any item to expand
Upcoming Meetings
The Village Board meets twice on Tuesday, May 12: a Committee of the Whole at 6 p.m. in the Terrace Room, followed by a Regular Village Board Meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room. The Northbrook Plan Commission holds a public hearing on May 19 at 7:30 p.m. to consider Zoning Code and Comprehensive Plan amendments — clarifying the prior zoning code and aligning the Comprehensive Plan with the forthcoming Strategic Plan.
Staffing Update: New Building Official
Jennifer Holtz joined the Development Planning Services (DPS) Department on April 27, 2026, as the new Building Official, succeeding Jacqueline Clawson, who retired on April 30 after many years in the role.
Downtown Beautification and Wall Repair
Public Works crews finished installing benches and flower planters along Shermer Road as part of the Central Business District's spring setup, with flower installations in planters and hanging pots expected to be complete by Memorial Day weekend. Beginning next week, a Village contractor will spend approximately three days restoring the brick landscape wall at the northwest corner of Shermer and Meadow Roads — damaged by a vehicle last fall — with temporary traffic shifts but two-way traffic maintained throughout.
Project Updates: Fleet Garage and Northgate Estates
Demolition of the pre-engineered metal building shell at the Public Works Fleet Maintenance Garage is ongoing and expected to run through mid-to-late May; work the week of May 11 includes excavation for a storm trap stormwater detention system, concrete slab work, and ComEd removing an overhead powerline and transformer on the northern end of the site to prepare for geothermal drilling. The first single-family home permits have been filed for Northgate Estates, a recently approved 7-lot subdivision off Landwehr Road on the newly constructed Doriann Court.
ComEd Vegetation Management
ComEd will conduct herbicide treatments within transmission corridor right-of-way areas along Interstate 94 between May and July as part of its routine vegetation management program; affected property owners have been notified directly. More information is available at the ComEd Vegetation Management Program website or by calling 800-334-7661.
Three Upcoming Community Events
Northbrook Art in the Park runs May 9–10 at Village Green Park, featuring 80+ artists, live music, a live painting class, a Kid's Creation Station, and food vendors. On May 15, Northbrook Police host Cop on a Rooftop from 5 a.m. to noon at Dunkin' (2775 Dundee Rd) for the Torch Run Special Olympics — officers raised over $3,000 last year and are aiming to double that figure. Northbrook Climate Action Day is May 30, 10 a.m.–1 p.m., at the Village Hall rear lot, featuring a resource fair with the Sustainability Commission, community partners, and sustainability experts, plus a demonstration garden focused on energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
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Police Activity
A kindergartner named Roxy at Hickory Point School won a ride to school in a police vehicle as part of a school fundraiser and redeemed the prize this week, with the entire school able to enjoy the visit. The weekly Police Bulletin has been updated for the week ending May 8, 2026.
Disability Inclusion Award
The Disability Inclusion Commission is accepting nominations for its inaugural Disability Inclusion Award, recognizing businesses and organizations that contribute to a more inclusive community, through July 31 via an online form.