Village Board, 25 Aug 2026: Meadow Plaza Rezoning Hearing Reassigned
The Northbrook Village Board of Trustees will meet Tuesday, August 25, at 7:30 p.m. to consider, among other things, whether to reverse its May 2026 decision and send the Meadow Plaza mixed-use development application back to the Plan Commission for a public hearing.
Key items
- Meadow Plaza Rezoning Hearing Reassignment — The board could reverse its May 2026 decision and return the Pulte Home Company mixed-use development application for 1901 Cherry Lane to the Plan Commission, changing who conducts the public hearing on a major redevelopment of the Meadow Plaza Shopping Center site.
- Downtown Sales Tax Rebate Incentives — Staff will present options for a sales tax rebate program that could financially benefit downtown Northbrook businesses, with the board discussion potentially shaping future economic policy.
- Synergy Badminton Preliminary Review at Shermer Road — A proposed badminton training facility at a currently vacant industrial building on Shermer Road would require a Comprehensive Plan amendment and rezoning, which could affect the character of that commercial corridor.
- Fleet Maintenance Garage Technology Purchases — Three separate purchases for network, security, and radio equipment at the new Public Works facility on Commercial Avenue represent infrastructure spending ahead of the garage's projected February 2027 opening.
- Police Station and Fire HQ Space Needs Re-Verification — Authorizing a review of the 2023 Space Needs Program before design begins could affect the scope and cost of two major future public safety facilities.
Full agenda — click any item to expand
Swearing In of Police Chief Marc Fainman
The meeting will open with the swearing in of Marc Fainman as Northbrook's Police Chief, marking the formal start of his tenure leading the department.
Rezoning Notice: 5 Revere Drive
The board will receive an informational notice that the Village of Northbrook has filed an application to rezone 5 Revere Drive from I-1 Restricted Industrial District to O-3 General Office District. The purpose is to align the property's current use with the appropriate zoning classification, an option available under the Village's Zoning Code. A Plan Commission public hearing on the application is expected to be scheduled as early as September 2026, following staff review.
Warrant List and Budget Amendment
The board will review and act on escrow deposit and performance bond refunds processed between August 1–15, 2026, along with payments from the same period. A budget amendment ordinance for Fiscal Year 2027 is also on the consent agenda; staff describes the amendment as addressing significant cost increases that may stem from supply chain issues or unexpected capital costs discovered through ongoing expenditure review.
New Fleet Maintenance Garage: Technology and Equipment Purchases
Three consent agenda items relate to equipping the Village's new Fleet Maintenance Garage at 3504 Commercial Avenue, which is expected to open around February 2027. The board will consider approving a computer network installation through Sentinel Technologies, Inc. of Downers Grove; an expansion of the Village's existing camera and door-access-control systems through Motorola Solutions, Inc. of Chicago; and the purchase of two-way radio equipment from Alpha Prime Communications of Northbrook, described as a critical-path item for the facility where the Public Works Department will maintain the Village's fleet.
Police Station and Fire Headquarters: Space Needs Re-Verification
Before design work begins on a new police station and fire headquarters, the board will consider authorizing amendments to the existing construction manager and architect agreements to re-verify the 2023 Space Needs Program for both facilities. Staff is recommending the review because staffing and facility conditions have changed since the original program was completed.
Café Sub-Lease at Metra Train Station
The board will consider a new two-year sub-lease agreement with AWSOME B., Inc. of Mount Prospect for operation of a café at the Northbrook Metra train station. The agenda describes the café as offering non-alcoholic beverages — including coffee, tea, and boba — as well as prepared bakery items such as waffles and croissants.
Synergy Badminton: Preliminary Review at 2775–2783 Shermer Road
The board will hear a preliminary review request from Synergy Badminton for a Comprehensive Plan amendment, rezoning, and special permit to operate a physical fitness facility at 2775–2783 Shermer Road. The applicant proposes a badminton training facility within a tenant unit of a currently vacant multi-tenant industrial building.
Sales Tax Rebate Incentives for Downtown Northbrook
Village staff will present options for a sales tax rebate incentive program aimed at downtown Northbrook businesses, consistent with the Village's Strategic Plan. The presentation is intended for board discussion rather than a final decision.
Meadow Plaza Rezoning Hearing: Returning to Plan Commission
The board will consider reversing its May 26, 2026 action, which had assigned the public hearing on Pulte Home Company LLC's rezoning, subdivision, and planned unit development application for 1901 Cherry Lane (Meadow Plaza Shopping Center) to the Village Board itself. If the motion passes, the public hearing would instead be conducted by the Plan Commission. The application involves a proposed mixed-use development at the shopping center site.
Recognition: Cara Pavlicek's Retirement
The board will consider a resolution recognizing Cara Pavlicek's retirement following 36 years of public service.
National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Proclamation
The board will consider a proclamation designating September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in Northbrook.
What actually happened
Village Board, 25 Aug 2026: Pulte's Meadow Plaza Redevelopment Sent to Plan Commission
The Northbrook Village Board voted 5–1 to send Pulte Home Company's proposed mixed-use redevelopment of Meadow Plaza shopping center at 1901 Cherry Lane to the Plan Commission for a public hearing, reversing a prior Board action. The meeting also featured the swearing-in of new Police Chief Marc Fainman and a budget amendment to add four police officers.
Swearing-In of Police Chief Marc Fainman
Marc Fainman was sworn in as Northbrook's new Police Chief at the start of the meeting. Fainman expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead his hometown department and emphasized officer wellness, teamwork, and continued community service. No vote was required for this ceremonial action.
Meadow Plaza Redevelopment Referred to Plan Commission
The Board voted 5–1 (Trustee Hebl dissenting) to reverse a prior Board action and allow the Plan Commission to conduct a public hearing on Pulte Home Company LLC's application for rezoning, subdivision, and a Planned Unit Development for a mixed-use development at 1901 Cherry Lane, the site of Meadow Plaza shopping center. Village Attorney Culbertson explained that the Plan Commission serves as a recommending body on zoning matters while the Board retains final authority. Trustees identified priorities for the Plan Commission's review, including retail preservation, building height and zoning, traffic, parking, drainage, fire access, school impacts, and alignment with the 2012 Downtown Plan. More than two dozen residents offered public comment, with the majority expressing concerns about the development's scale, impacts on existing local businesses, traffic, parking, flooding, tree removal, school capacity, and alignment with the Village Green Overlay District; a smaller number expressed support for thoughtful mixed-use growth that adds housing and community gathering space.
Synergy Badminton Facility at 2775–2783 Shermer Road Referred to Plan Commission
The Board voted unanimously (6–0) to refer a preliminary review application from Synergy Badminton to the Plan Commission. The applicant is requesting a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, rezoning, and a Special Permit for a physical fitness facility in a 35,000-square-foot portion of a 135,000-square-foot building. DPS Director McEwan outlined the property's history and zoning context. Trustees expressed general support for the application but raised concern about what ICS zoning could allow for other future tenants in the building.
Downtown Sales Tax Rebate Incentive Program Discussed
DPS Director McEwan presented a concept for a downtown business incentive program that would use capped, sales-tax-funded gap financing for eligible building and business improvements, similar to programs in neighboring communities. The Board discussed potential incentive structures, eligible improvements, private investment requirements, and safeguards to ensure the program benefits the Village. No vote was taken; the item was a discussion only.
Four New Police Officers Added to FY2027 Budget
The Board unanimously adopted Ordinance 2026-47, amending the FY2027 annual budget to fund four additional full-time police positions. Village Manager Pavlicek explained the amendment is based on a staffing study and the department's evolving needs. Trustee Reese noted the expansion is intended to reduce overtime and maintain full staffing coverage, while acknowledging long-term budget impacts. This item was pulled from the Consent Agenda by Trustee Reese for separate consideration under Public Safety.
Village Manager's Report Highlights
Village Manager Pavlicek reported that the Village's AAA bond rating was reaffirmed, highlighted progress on key infrastructure projects and upcoming Skokie Boulevard improvements, and introduced new Economic Development Coordinator Carol White. She also clarified that construction at 820 Dundee is the new Fire Station 11 project, which has been discussed with the Board since 2022 and approved at multiple public meetings, and noted ongoing communication with nearby Ballantrae residents. The Board also received notice that a rezoning application has been filed for 5 Revere Drive, seeking a change from I-1 Restricted Industrial to O-3 General Office District, to be assigned to the Plan Commission for a public hearing.
Village Manager Cara Pavlicek Honored at Retirement
The Board unanimously adopted Resolution 2026-R-149 recognizing Village Manager Cara Pavlicek's retirement after 36 years of public service. President Ciesla read the resolution aloud during the meeting.
Consent Agenda: Technology and Facility Upgrades for New Fleet Maintenance Garage
The Board approved resolutions authorizing a computer network installation (Sentinel Technologies, Inc., Downers Grove), camera and access control system expansions (Motorola Solutions, Inc., Chicago), and two-way radio equipment (Alpha Prime Communications, Northbrook) for the new Fleet Maintenance Garage Facility. The Board also approved an amendment to master agreements for space needs program verification for a new Police Station and Fire Headquarters, and authorized a new two-year sub-lease for a café at the Metra Train Station with AWSOME B., Inc. of Mount Prospect. All items passed 6–0 as part of the Consent Agenda.
Warrant List Approved
The Board approved escrow deposit and performance bond refunds totaling $12,500.00 and payments totaling $2,633,996.89, both for the period August 1–15, 2026. Both items passed 6–0.
Read the official documents
{
"card_hook": "Northbrook Board votes 5-1 to send Pulte's Meadow Plaza mixed-use redevelopment at 1901 Cherry Lane to Plan Commission for public hearing.",
"key_items": [
{
"title": "Meadow Plaza Redevelopment (1901 Cherry Lane)",
"why_matters": "A Pulte proposal to redevelop Meadow Plaza as a mixed-use development — potentially including a six-story building — now heads to the Plan Commission for a public hearing, with dozens of residents raising concerns about local businesses, traffic, schools, and zoning."
},
{
"title": "Four New Police Officers Added to Budget",
"why_matters": "The Board amended the FY2027 budget to fund four additional full-time police positions, which will affect staffing levels, overtime costs, and the Village's long-term budget."
},
{
"title": "Synergy Badminton Facility at 2775–2783 Shermer Road",
"why_matters": "A badminton facility seeking rezoning and a Comprehensive Plan Amendment for a 35,000-square-foot space moves to the Plan Commission, with the Board flagging concerns about future tenants under the requested zoning."
},
{
"title": "Downtown Sales Tax Rebate Incentive Program",
"why_matters": "The Village is exploring a gap-financing program using sales tax revenue to support downtown business and building improvements, which could shape the future of Northbrook's commercial district."
},
{
"title": "New Police Chief Marc Fainman Sworn In",
"why_matters": "Northbrook has a new Police Chief, with Fainman signaling priorities around officer wellness and community service at the start of his tenure."
}
]
}