[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6244138,"mediaKeyId","3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4","parentId",3233858,"title","Resident urges greater stormwater adaptation as heavy-rain frequency rises; price tag for top projects estimated at nearly $50 million","audioSeconds",263,"startMs",8565000,"endMs",8828000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4&start=8565&end=8828","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4/thumbnail_8565000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6244138/Skokie/Cook-County/Illinois/Resident-urges-greater-stormwater-adaptation-as-heavy-rain-frequency-rises-price-tag-for-top-projects-estimated-at-nearly-50-million","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244138-df3601d503467d89f707946e6892b0f6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195756&Signature=cm3ZsibtOzAY0PXLTTyb4qBfC25okHaJm5Zwm40KZcMUMUsvoNIYe9Hy0wJ4dO4HTCU6ZQ7pXUiWdmk~CMZBzmtPiqy0w2lP~gY66Cdr9~dzdnm8fyJMo9l9qGB02ms7hKL-nBu2dWdMpNbO-Zrg6iiJxHHUsgKOuAJhtf59~gszD2zOFAjqeNrmygBlpbntHeDiPUdx6KzqiLqpDZmiQLkMB-PPzFvKo1QKM4ovvIzS0h1Lj1Rzke53JAhjHO6pE5LpnMpRaPGKv49rCGxzoN5Cp9~Wlo2KjbFGrAGvRCgXJH3nqY37z3G3KtVI1vAJ8-F1qGu49h2NUXuZcAvVyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Skokie, IL","date","2025-05-06T15:12:36Z","article","A member of the public used the May 6 meeting’s public-comment period to summarize a January presentation by Christopher B. Burke Engineering and to urge the village to adopt a forward‑looking approach to stormwater management in light of changing rainfall patterns.

The commenter said the village’s stormwater system was originally sized around a 10‑year storm standard and that what had been a 10‑year event is now closer to a 2‑year event because of climate-driven increases in rainfall intensity. The commenter recapped the stormwater task force’s top five recommended projects — including work near Downershadow Park, Rose Pointe Park, sections south of the golf course, Main Street and Sequoia Park — and cited a combined estimated cost “of almost $50,000,000” to implement those projects.

Why it matters: the commenter framed the choice as mitigation (reducing greenhouse-gas emissions) versus adaptation (investments to reduce flooding and protect infrastructure), noting limited municipal funds and that adaptation needs will grow if climate trends continue. The board’s mayoral and staff responses acknowledged the study, the magnitude of costs and the need for prioritization; staff and the commenter agreed that adaptation is a long‑term, resource‑intensive effort.

No formal action or vote on stormwater projects occurred at the meeting; the public comment ended with an invitation to continue the topic at a future meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","May 5, 2025 Village Board Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","A public commenter summarized a January stormwater presentation and urged the village to prioritize adaptation as intense rainfall becomes more frequent; staff confirmed earlier project recommendations and discussed funding trade-offs.","taxTitle","Skokie, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",3818,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244142,"Skokie swears in new firefighter and promotes lieutenant in brief ceremony",455,4748000,5203000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4&start=4748&end=5203","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4/thumbnail_4748000.jpg","/articles/6244142/Skokie/Cook-County/Illinois/Skokie-swears-in-new-firefighter-and-promotes-lieutenant-in-brief-ceremony","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244142-592d83b6a81fd7cf87f282c5e62df463/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195756&Signature=mmtlEw3Qe4IlTgozuG~6yjzTY1--EjuFZWdaYaPMKSxHkKJdZfui8~eDDKLcRCiXDVq2nDqbdyOoyAM89INds1MNQdyj5iRr2DOlz95vsxN4Cqo0lBAJDMIsqTjgC8-6RkfDcZhcJd6ScbyUmnfxVhrhLdi38WluntTboNybX~CDH3gA-FkAPSvkJyxkhGe00~qKFnwtZJtfMna1l8ygmdNPBxibdE3GVm-eqSErSSZ9bnl9J6E8FVil6yv1rmVCz4hbsvlrBl0XF1UWGtmtbhlYizRrvODqVQLl2lrjZQt68ej0hPa28A-K--elZNJxDxA0C0ovnK9ri65AgmFqHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the start of the May 6 meeting the board paused for personnel ceremonies conducted by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners. Vice Chair Helene Levine administered oaths: Brad Zavodal was sworn in as a fire lieutenant and Michael Sanders was sworn in as a firefighter.

Each appointee recited the oath to uphold the U.S. and Illinois constitutions, village ordinances and fire department rules and to faithfully discharge the duties of the office. Both introduced family members present: Zavodal named his mother, son and girlfriend and her parents; Sanders identified his wife and two children and parents in the audience.

The BoFPC vice chair read a poem honoring first responders and emphasized the community’s appreciation. Village leaders congratulated the appointees and remarked on the fire department’s standards, including its role maintaining ISO 1 accreditation.

No board votes were required; the ceremonies were formal oaths administered under authority of the fire and police commissioners and recorded in the meeting minutes.","The board recognized personnel actions by the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners: Brad Zavodal was sworn in as fire lieutenant and Michael Sanders as firefighter; family members were present for both oaths.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244147,"Plan commission and board approve auto-storage permit and District 219 site plans",1098,7221000,8319000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4&start=7221&end=8319","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4/thumbnail_7221000.jpg","/articles/6244147/Skokie/Cook-County/Illinois/Plan-commission-and-board-approve-auto-storage-permit-and-District-219-site-plans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244147-6d4df324731946cc91cd754ddbfeab9d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195756&Signature=Dq3uodm-JDG8Q99ZJa22CqLPd5PvExx3Sm5Hnk7GnovzEKEo6hO4gXBQVSypx-NyKzLHHnBZxdL4-6Rvt-X1SmCZJV4-ARECt3qN5mvcdsKLo9gt52WAETPtppka3ai-85GTOWpiVRCxQQx8hNLEVpd1BK2L9C5y-iJMUqDjTDivm-SrpiIRzGmgLC7B52i6um39w9tStrRtp9gFuIdu-BBJYJdIaI2JUJ9S~~yz7H3CvUzFsTnA62dA2rC737l86eZ91KlziPUnJXVqI6o0B19DlPyA1bm-pYc7XDZhv46kJiOqFM8p3alY-PpbqiLbRp0tZjY3dEEYLyx2b3OJ4g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Skokie board on May 6 approved two plan-related items recommended by the plan commission: a specialist permit for outdoor vehicle storage at 8046 Ridgeway Avenue and site plan approvals and related relief for Community High School District 219 projects at Niles Central and Niles West.

The Ridgeway request, filed by Chicago Title Trust Company as trustee for a vehicle dealer, would formalize outdoor storage on an existing crushed gravel surface screened by an 8-foot wood fence; the plan commission approved the permit by a 5–0 vote and the board later approved it by roll call with unanimous votes from trustees present. Staff said the storage area is for vehicles for sale only and customers would park in striped stalls or on the street; one nearby business operator had expressed concern about parking congestion.

The board also considered a four‑lot site-plan development submitted by District 219. The project includes a two‑story building on the Niles Central campus, a three‑story addition to Niles West, reconfigured surface parking, new stormwater detention, and a new signalized driveway at Grosse Pointe Road. The plan commission recommended approval, subject to conditions and minor ordinance reliefs (directional signage, landscaping and parking-lot tree requirements), and staff said the district and staff will prepare a separate special‑use ordinance for the project’s alternative-education element.

Trustees and staff discussed landscaping and tree removals on the District 219 site, with the district and architect saying that trees within the building footprint must be removed but that the plan calls for replacement plantings and calculations based on caliper inches to compensate for losses. The district reported sustainability elements including geothermal mechanical systems, planned solar panels and pursuit of LEED/WELL certification for parts of the project.

Motion and votes: The Ridgeway permit motion was moved by Trustee Pierce Slobin and seconded by Trustee Keith Robinson; the roll call vote carried. The District 219 site plan was moved by Trustee Anderson and seconded (second not clearly recorded in the transcript); the board approved the plan by roll call with all present trustees voting aye.

Both items will proceed to required ordinance steps and staff said they will prepare final documents for subsequent board action where necessary.","The village board approved a special permit for outdoor vehicle storage at 8046 Ridgeway Avenue and advanced a multi‑lot site plan for Community High School District 219 including building additions and a new signal at Grosse Pointe Road.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244151,"Update: litigation, liens and foreclosure slow progress on 4930 Oakton hotel project and put TIF funds in focus",3711,3495000,7206000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4&start=3495&end=7206","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4/thumbnail_3495000.jpg","/articles/6244151/Skokie/Cook-County/Illinois/Update-litigation-liens-and-foreclosure-slow-progress-on-4930-Oakton-hotel-project-and-put-TIF-funds-in-focus","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244151-0f3c0344a7eac37cf05b15c6bf54d35a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195756&Signature=kRXbGVG3jyIliP9v0LU3igsL21j9vzSJImvq4Ck2umfaiWAWNFx3KJEjeFd6YizlgQ2IVA8y2IVNao-CRcvWwVdfkI3RDYKngc4Ywy0wCAqWYmZHQHk~Bpk0pi9m3-~B9qzM5NSxwjpm-1Scb-p5la3W-86okrODH8fzh4PkIkQcOHe8hzEkQlHrHKDQ31taLcQLkV-CuugclDUU-gNof4Q4Y8d9-uxPgDbO4NN17wFJQjd4nB9GSeWQZlqsOkXw8VEX~m7BAIVHyz9vG74TrZ2wxJa2MJvpwnQBMu0ihZ-fOd79OXjsRDLiLzTBEH0vmIVkuVPo~y492o1XrzPSCw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village legal staff told the Skokie board on May 6 that two separate legal actions are affecting the stalled hotel project at 4930 Oakton Street: lien claims by subcontractors against the general contractor and a foreclosure action filed by the project lender.

Corporation counsel Michael Lorge said the village is not a defendant in the litigation and that its development agreement was drafted to limit municipal exposure. The village filed a court motion seeking expedited handling of the foreclosure proceeding to protect the asset; the judge “respectfully denied” that motion because the loan documents do not include an arbitration clause and instead set a June 2, 2025, status call and ordered the developer to respond to the foreclosure within 28 days.

Why it matters: the site was planned as a downtown hotel and is tied to a specific TIF (tax increment financing) district. Trustees asked whether the village could be exposed if the unfinished structure deteriorates and whether the village can recover TIF funds.

Key clarifications provided at the meeting:
- The developer–village development agreement established a maximum TIF assistance of $13.5 million; approximately $10 million of that maximum has been disbursed or spent under the agreement, according to staff.
- The village does not own the property and does not currently control the site; village staff conduct annual structural inspections and reported the structure was sound as of the last inspection (October of the prior year).
- The court noted that a receiver appointed by the court (most likely at the lender’s request) is one possible next step the judge mentioned orally; the village cannot compel a receiver.

Board members pressed staff on contingency planning, including whether the village could recover TIF funds if the project is not completed. Staff said recovery options are limited while the developer lacks the funds to complete the project; the most likely resolution, staff said, is another developer or creditor stepping in after the liens and foreclosure are resolved, provided the structure remains economically salvageable.

No new formal municipal action on the property was taken at the meeting; the board received the update and asked staff questions about inspections, timelines and possible court receivership.","Village counsel reported on two parallel legal tracks — subcontractor liens and a foreclosure by the lender — affecting the stalled hotel at 4930 Oakton Street. The court denied the village's motion to expedite and set dates for further status calls; board members and residents asked about structural risk and TIF exposure.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6244156,"Skokie honors longtime corporation counsel Michael Lorge at board meeting",3723,965000,4688000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4&start=965&end=4688","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3233858-e6e6c79d2e6f20233955f44a978cb4c4/thumbnail_965000.jpg","/articles/6244156/Skokie/Cook-County/Illinois/Skokie-honors-longtime-corporation-counsel-Michael-Lorge-at-board-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6244156-390d20eedf4bd06d2781cb3d1310bfec/orig.mp4?Expires=1771195756&Signature=mtTZAqtO9Uun6KQazz8ATbk6vg8vlTC-HgvLXwc~l-TUoUuIa6sBzt4~vbdVhNLs5bwBlh390jcsAShbQgH~r3cw9hnbKbgg8DCkumLrbOPsLS0iOAKjN2emWlEn-LbHsngg~FNIaxAXezEVPLzVneCiINnlnD4UBBznpUMJWXulJQ1BdJHDF8bd4b-V1T5xkeWutllYXwZ8Abs8MbO-sHctUwmr2ki~0jzixjL1mb1cijvT-yBPl7P8i-ubarEk~lvfc3mnK-F7mlZQ0lKeZAR~TGkztQzztaZkX5CFXQr1OwUoT4IjVW9ouYEAUgb69KD84owAX9WOUdI-hFbHbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Skokie board of trustees spent a significant portion of its May 6 meeting honoring Michael Lorge, who announced his retirement as the village’s corporation counsel after more than 13 years in that role and roughly 30 years in public service. Officials and residents delivered tributes, and the board presented a proclamation and ceremonial awards.

The event opened with a mayoral proclamation read on behalf of the village, listing Lorge’s career highlights: service in the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, roles as an administrative law judge for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and long-term local posts that included village trustee, counsel to the Skokie Human Relations Commission and corporation counsel. The proclamation also cited his work on code amendments and amicus briefs on topics including immigration and gun safety.

Why it matters: board members and community leaders credited Lorge with shaping policies and projects across Skokie, including efforts on immigrant protections and economic development, and with mentoring local volunteers and officials. Multiple speakers said his departure will remove a source of “institutional knowledge” the village has relied on for decades.

Residents, municipal and state officials offered remarks before and during the proclamation portion of the meeting. Longtime Skokie resident Richard Perlin recalled Lorge’s encouragement to get involved in civic life. Alina Eliasoff, a 30-year resident, described Lorge’s mentorship while organizing the village folk arts festival. Cook County Commissioner Josina Morita and state lawmakers — including State Senator Laura Fine and several legislators who provided a joint resolution — praised his role in building partnerships across government and nonprofit sectors. Trustee Keith Robinson and Trustee Allison DeSloven thanked Lorge for legal guidance and mentorship to new trustees.

The board presented a formal proclamation and ceremonial gifts. Lorge also addressed the board later in the meeting during the corporation counsel’s report, thanking colleagues and noting the work of the counsel’s office. Several speakers urged the village to preserve continuity as the office transitions to new leadership.

No formal board action on legal or policy matters related to Lorge’s retirement was recorded at the meeting; the recognitions were ceremonial. The meeting minutes show multiple public comments and formal presentations in honor of Lorge before the agenda resumed.","The Village of Skokie held an extended public recognition for Corporation Counsel Michael Lorge, with residents, elected officials and colleagues praising his three decades of public service and presenting proclamations and awards.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Resident urges greater stormwater adaptation as heavy-rain frequency rises; price tag for top projects estimated at nearly $50 million

Skokie swears in new firefighter and promotes lieutenant in brief ceremony

Plan commission and board approve auto-storage permit and District 219 site plans

Update: litigation, liens and foreclosure slow progress on 4930 Oakton hotel project and put TIF funds in focus

Skokie honors longtime corporation counsel Michael Lorge at board meeting