|
Our very own Ghida Neukirch wore her Highland Park City Manager hat when she spoke to the club this week. As City Manager, she is responsible for the day to day management of the organization which employees 277 people full time. In giving the state of the city presentation, she highlighted many facets. Among the major projects are: - HP150 - the city will be celebrating it's sesquicentennial in 2019. opportunities to volunteer for planning the big event can check out the website: www.cityhpil.com/hp150. - Pedestrian Orientated Shopping Overlay (POSO) - In September, the City Council approved to reduce the POSO boundaries. This is aimed at increasing the downtown commercial occupancy and long-term economic viability of the Central Business District. -Karger Center - An assessment of the city owned real estate identified this property as rapidly aging with escalating operating costs. These were key factors in deciding to list the property for sale. The facility currently houses HP Community Nursery School and Day Care Center and Rhythmix Gymnastics Program. Developer Albion/Jacobs has agreed to purchase the center for $3.762M and plans to build a 171 unit apartment project. The proposed development considers the needs of the neighboring properties and the Central Business District. - Briergate TIF - In September, the recommendation was made for the Council to consider a TIF. That decision will be made later this year. Capital Improvements for the next fiscal year include: the HP Bike Walk 2030, Ravinia fire station, HP Country Club, the library expansion and relocation of youth/senior services. Information about these projects can be found on the city's website: www.cityhpil.com If Ghida doesn't wear enough hats, in her professional capacity she serves on the executive board for the Northwest Municipal Conference where she represents HP and fifty other municipalities. Ghida is married to Scot Neukirch and together they raise their two children, Jaclyn and Zachary. She is president-elect of our club. Whatever free time she has, she is a girl scout leader and volleyball coach, all the while squeezing time in for boxing! 
Many Thanks to Cynthia Plouché for her notes and Neil Dahlmann for his photos! |
