Resident summarizes business and resident feedback: development, logo, Northbrook Days among top concerns

At the Feb. 24 meeting David Hochberg used public comment time to relay feedback he said he collected from nine residents and four business owners in Northbrook.

Hochberg said residents praised the village—s first responders, public schools and the community—s diversity and fabric, but raised several concerns: the relocation of Northbrook Days to the metro lot instead of the park; barriers to a nativity scene display; dissatisfaction with the village—s new logo and signs (which some attendees said get covered in snow); perceived lack of downtown development and movement at Northbrook Court; distrust of the board among developers; and opposition to the Green Acres development. He also said some speakers disliked what they characterized as "virtue signaling," specifically mentioning affordable housing recommendations, which he summarized as "a state recommendation with 0 penalties tied to it if we don't hit the 15% mark." He presented several suggestions including reinstating the Economic Strategy Committee, hiring an economic development director, more creative financing and community engagement, and outreach to schools and religious organizations.

"They love the first responders, police and fire. They love the community, diversity both ethnically and sociologically, great schools," Hochberg said. He also relayed other direct concerns from residents and business owners about downtown activation and signage.

These comments were delivered during the public comment period; board members did not offer immediate responses during the time allotted. The remarks reflect residents— views as reported by Hochberg and were not verified during the meeting.