Big Projects Taking Place in Highland Park in 2016
It seems like it is very much going to be quite a big year for Highland Park, as the city has just recently called attention to a list that was created that contains more than 140 major projects and initiatives that are scheduled to either begin or take place during 2016. These projects do not count those already making up the city’s day to day focus, but—being the customer focused initiatives they are—these projects are certainly based on the city’s foundation of the four priorities: fiscal stability, public safety, infrastructure investment, and community vibrancy. “Our employees take great pride in their work and in everything that they do. We strive to provide quality customer service and take a proactive approach in meeting the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors,” noted City Manager Ghida Neukirch. “We look forward to the progress in the year ahead and welcome public feedback.”
Neukirch also emphasized the importance of locating any problem areas or areas that simply needed improvement, as well as being fiscally responsible by finishing incomplete projects from the following year. “Less than ten percent of the projects were carried over from last year,” Neukirch (who has been working on major annual initiatives for more than three years) said. “It’s an aggressive list, but I believe it’s achievable with our organized and outstanding employees.” Neukirch went on to explain that this new branding will affect all departments, from assisting the city in business development efforts to providing current business with better marketing platforms. Too, these resources, of course, will also help spread the word about Highland Park to potential residents.
One of the things certainly on the list for 2016 has to do with researching a new development plan for the Highland Park Theater, which is being carried over from 2015. The City Council has asked for additional information with regard to analyzing the various proposals for the theater, including such things as an indoor marketplace, a hotel, an office building with space for a small restaurant, and two different condominium buildings. “The city spent a great deal of time trying to preserve the Highland Park Theater,” Neukirch said. “We want to be careful and have something that will complement the downtown district.” Last September, residents were asked to take a survey in order to vote on the five proposals, of which the indoor marketplace received the most favorable responses.
As is always the case, keep checking back in here with us at Lexus of Highland Park for more information with regard to your Highland Park community. Too, while you are at it, why not come on down and sign up to test drive one of our new 2016 Lexus vehicles.
