The forecasts are in and optimism abounds for the upcoming holiday season. Numerous experts, including the National Retail Federation expect 2018 retail sales to increase between 4.3 and 4.8 percent over 2017.
The Northbrook Park District recently announced progress made to date on its capital improvement initiative New Places to Play, which was launched earlier this year.
The Chamber board recently approved the appointment of three new individuals to fill the terms of Board members whose terms have expired.
The Village of Northbrook’s Industrial and Commercial Development Commission (ICDC) wants to make it easier for manufacturers and distributors to have ancillary showrooms in the Sky Harbor business park, which has I-1 zoning.
Village Trustees voted unanimously last month against a request to rezone a property in Sky Harbor business park to allow for a sports and recreation club, expressing admiration for the business and a desire for it to move to Northbrook, but objecting to the proposed location.
Many stores will have extended holiday hours; there will be festive decorations, and the sounds of the season will fill the air this upcoming holiday season.
Village Trustees took action last month that will result in all Northbrook businesses needing to comply with the Cook County Paid Sick Leave ordinance, starting in January 1, 2019. By a vote of 6 -1, the Board voted to reverse its earlier position taken last year exempting employers from the ordinance. Trustee A.C. Buehler cast the single vote against the action.
Sweeping changes are in store for Northbrook Court according to preliminary plans recently unveiled by mall owner Brookfield Properties. Working in partnership with Ryan Companies, Brookfield proposes demolishing the current Macy’s at the west end of the mall to pave the way for the construction of an apartment building, a high-end grocery store, open air plaza, and “great lawn” as an entry connection to the indoor shopping center.
November kicks off the holiday season, and the Chamber is busy with a number of projects to promote Northbrook as an outstanding shopping and dining destination. Northbrook’s retail businesses and restaurants are given the spotlight in print, cable TV, and social media campaigns produced through a partnership between the Chamber and the Village.
By Susan Troestler, LaPointe Law
Effective January 1, 2019 virtually all Northbrook employers, regardless of size, will be required to provide paid sick leave to their part and full-time employees.