HIGHLAND PARK
Environmental plan to be developed
Highland Park authorized an agreement this week to develop its first environmental sustainability plan. The council on Monday approved a $44,650 contract with Recolo, a Chicago-based management consulting firm, to measure the city’s carbon footprint and make recommendations for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The city will share the cost with the Park District, North Shore School District 112, Township High School District 113, Highland Park Public Library and Moraine Township. Officials expect to finalize the strategic plan by October. “We’ll lead by example for other communities,” Mayor Michael Belsky said. “This is a start.”
— Robert Channick
WAUKEGAN
Changes coming, new mayor promises
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Waukegan city officials have clashed frequently with Lake County government over the last 40 years but that soon will change, Waukegan Mayor-elect Robert Sabonjian Jr. said this week at what is likely to be his last County Board meeting.
“As mayor of Waukegan, where there was antagonism there will be alliance,” he said. “Where there was confrontation, there will be cooperation.”
Sabonjian won an upset victory April 7 with about 54 percent of the vote.
After the County Board meeting Tuesday, Sabonjian said one of his first tasks will be to drop a lawsuit filed by the city against industries in Waukegan Harbor and move forward on a major cleanup of the polluted waterway.
Sabonjian also said he wants a comprehensive review of the city’s debt, which he said totals $55 million or more — largely because of the Genesee Theatre renovation and associated projects.
“There are going to be some changes,” said Sabonjian, who has been a member of the County Board for 10 years.
— Ralph Zahorik