HP Referendum Aims to Raise $32 Million

Release Date: Jul. 3, 2008

By Kenneth Patchen, Pioneer Press Staff Writer
The Park District of Highland Park has approved plans for two lakefront renovation projects that will require a November referendum for a $32 million tax levy increase.
If approved, residents will obtain new Central Park and Rosewood Beach facilities that offer recreation opportunities along with improved environmental protection for bluff and ravine areas. Improvements include natural breakwaters, bluff and ravine trails that integrate beach and park areas, an education center, bath houses, concession stands and grill areas, a lakefront promenade, spray-play areas, a fishing pier, and improved swimming areas.

"We have an excellent project that stands on its own merits," said Executive Director Ralph Volpe. "The community has backed us and been part of this process for a long time."

The cost for Highland Park homeowners would be an estimated $67 tax increase annually for each $100,000 of fair market home value. The median home value in Highland Park, according to the 2000 Census, is $380,000.

The plans show marina facilities for about 125 boats, but the cost -- around $13 million -- to construct them will be paid for from user fees, not the referendum.

Neutral position

The Park District began community meetings in 2006, hosted a weekend workshop session with the League of Women Voters Highland Park, conducted polls and telephone surveys, and held multiple public meetings as a Park Board to discuss issues and concerns related to lakefront improvements. Unanimous approval for the final schematic design was given during their June 26 meeting. The District will offer an educational campaign to inform the community about the plans, although District employees and officials do not advocate approval or rejection of the referendum. They are required by law to remain neutral.

"The lakefront was the place to go for recreation (in past decades)," said Special Project Manager Steve Meyer. "Highland Park is one of 14 out of 1,200 (communities) in Illinois that enjoys being located on Lake Michigan. Highland Park is really blessed with that. But, things needed modernization and we need to encourage people to go back and enjoy it."

Details of the two proposals are online at www.hplakefront.org.