Highland Park residents voiced strong concerns during the City Council Special Meeting on September 29, 2025, regarding a proposed development on the former Solo Cup site. The meeting highlighted significant community opposition to the project, which includes plans for 221 residential units.

Dan Wagner, a resident from the Southwest Corridor, emphasized the need for traffic management, specifically requesting left turn access from Lake Cook Road onto Ridge Road to alleviate congestion on Old Deerfield Road. He argued that the current development plans disproportionately burden residents in his area without providing corresponding benefits.

Several residents raised questions about the project's density and its impact on local infrastructure, particularly regarding school bus traffic and emergency services. Concerns were also expressed about the architectural design, with many feeling it does not align with the character of Highland Park. Pamela Roushaun, a local resident, criticized the perceived inadequacy of the developer's concessions, arguing that the reduction in units was minimal and that the proposed green space should be zoned accordingly.

The meeting also addressed the implications of corporate landlords, with Erin Kasdan warning against the potential negative effects of Habitat for Humanity's involvement in the project. She highlighted issues such as maintenance neglect and the impact on community cohesion.

In contrast, some residents, like Leslie Spitzer, supported the development, arguing it could bring economic benefits to local businesses and provide housing options for downsizers and new families. However, many speakers urged the council to reconsider the project's scale and ensure that it fits the neighborhood's needs.

The council was urged to delay any decisions for further review by the Planning and Design Commission, with calls for a more thorough examination of the project's impact on traffic, safety, and community character. As discussions continue, residents remain vigilant, advocating for a development that respects the existing community while addressing housing needs.