Manager's Report — 05 Jun 2026: Solar Panels, Road Repairs, Tree Planting Surge
Spring capital construction is accelerating across Northbrook, with solar installation at the Public Works Center beginning this month, 193 of 269 parkway trees now planted, and two major facility projects advancing toward foundation pours.
Key items
- Solar panels at Public Works Center — Installation starting now marks a tangible step in the Village's sustainability commitments, with a firm end-of-June target.
- Waukegan Road lane closure June 10–11 — Northbound traffic near 1000 Waukegan Road drops to one lane for two days starting 8 a.m. Wednesday.
- Lexington Homes 53-unit townhomes at 1825 Shermer Road — The Plan Commission's June 16 hearing is a key decision point for a major new residential development on Shermer Road.
- 269 parkway trees nearly all planted — 193 of 269 trees are in the ground, with the final 76 completing Northbrook's largest spring planting push.
- Zoning Code fence height amendment hearing — A proposed rule change for single-family fence heights goes to public hearing June 16, potentially affecting many homeowners.
Full agenda — click any item to expand
Upcoming Village Board and Plan Commission Meetings
The Village Board holds a Committee of the Whole at 6 p.m. and a Regular Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on June 9. The Plan Commission meets June 16 at 7:30 p.m. to review Lexington Homes' Final Planned Development submittal for a 53-unit townhome project at 1825 Shermer Road and to hold an additional public hearing on a proposed Zoning Code amendment regarding fence height for single-family residential properties.
Waukegan Road Lane Closure June 10–11
Beginning at 8 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, Public Works will close the right northbound lane near 1000 Waukegan Road (near Crestwood Place) to repair a temporary patch from a winter water main break. Crews will pour a concrete base June 10 and finish with asphalt June 11; the lane is expected to reopen around 3 p.m. Thursday. Contact Streets/Forestry Supervisor Scott Lemke at 847-272-4711 with questions.
Shermer Road Corridor Improvements Continue
Work this week between Willow Road and Walters Avenue included pavement markings, permanent signage, topsoil, sod, and tree planting. Installation of the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) at Farnsworth Lane is now underway. Contact Project Manager Michael Weller at 847-272-4711 or michael.weller@northbrook.il.us.
Concrete Street Patching Nears Completion
The contractor finished landscape restoration including sod installation during the week of June 1; residents are asked to water adjacent sod. Remaining work includes asphalt replacement at Picardy Lane and Bordeaux Drive entrances, pavement marking at Shannon Road and Picardy Lane crosswalks, and rubber joint sealer application. Contact Engineering Technician Luis Uriostegui at 847-272-4711 or luis.uriostegui@northbrook.il.us.
Solar Panels Coming to Public Works Center by End of June
Contractor SunPeak began staging equipment and materials this week, with installation anticipated to start soon and finish by the end of June, weather permitting.
Fire Station 11 and Fleet Garage Construction Advancing
At Fire Station 11, crews completed site grading and set rebar ahead of a foundation pour pending weather; StormTrap drainage pieces are next. At the Fleet Maintenance Garage, Leopardo is preparing for geothermal well drilling while excavation for the StormTrap on-site stormwater detention facility continues.
Spring Parkway Tree Planting Substantially Complete
193 of 269 scheduled parkway trees have been planted; the remaining 76 are scheduled through Monday, June 8, weather permitting. No action is required from residents — the Village Forester will inspect each newly planted tree after installation. Stump grinding of 47 stumps from previously removed trees is also complete, with topsoil and grass seed now being spread.
New Permits, Licenses, and Development News
A commercial interior alteration permit was issued for 31–35 Skokie Blvd. in Village Square Shopping Center for a new Nail Art Studio. A business license was issued for Posh Paws Chateau, a home-based dog boarding and dog walking business. Construction at the new Rivian dealership at 1810 Skokie Boulevard now has walls and roof in place.
Community Events: Grapes on the Green and Northbrook Grand Prix
Grapes on the Green, the 4th annual co-hosted event with the Northbrook Park District, runs June 20 from 4–8 p.m. at Village Green Park; tickets are required and available through the Park District website. Volunteers are needed for the Northbrook Grand Prix on July 23 for registration, course marshaling, and other roles — no experience required, sign-up via the online volunteer registration form.
Employee News
Administrative Clerk Maureen Morrissey is retiring after more than 22 years of service to the Northbrook Fire Department. Engineering Intern Adam Rosenthal joined the Public Works Department this week.