Forest preserves, savannahs, prairies and trails for walkers and cyclists in Lake County appear on the verge of an improvement with more dedicated land on the way as yes votes are ahead of no votes on a $155 million referendum offered by the Lake County Forest Preserves District.
The forest preserves referendum was one of nine appearing on all or some of the ballots cast in Lake County in Tuesday’s general election, either binding affected residents to the majority choice or showing a preference for potential legislation.
Forest Preserves Board of Commissioners President Angelo Kyle said he is pleased with the unofficial results and looks forward to seeing the details of the work which is proposed to be done and the new lands to be acquired.
“I think that it shows the work that the Lake County Forest Preserves District is doing and the individuals that utilize the forest preserves really take it seriously,” Kyle said. “The public wants the forest preserves to be a mainstay within Lake County.”
With proponents of the forest preserves referendum leading with 66.5% of the ballots cast to 35.5% against, out of 270,515 total votes, the owner of a $300,000 single-family home will likely pay an additional $32.97 for the first year, according to unofficial results.
Work began on the forest preserves ballot initiative more than a year ago when district officials began charting plans for the next 10 years.
Ty Kovach, the district’s executive director, said when he first introduced the idea of a referendum to the Board of Commissioners, he hoped to use $65 million to acquire a new property, $85 million to do needed work on as many as 22 preserves, and $5 million for deferred maintenance.
Helping with an equitable distribution of forest preserves resources across the county, Kovach said it will reduce operating costs, finish already started projects, preserve existing resources and improve ecosystem services to support the quality of life in the county.
Voters in Highland Park who want liquor license holders to be able to hold public office voted yes 81.82% of the time in an advisory referendum, while those opposing the existing city ordinance said no 18.18% out of 16,343 votes cast.
Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering, who voted to keep the existing ordinance in place earlier this year when it came to light after Ravinia Brewing owner Jeff Hoobler was elected to the City Council, said she plans another look next year.
“We value public opinion,” Rotering said in the email. “This topic is on our 2025 work plan and I look forward to a robust discussion when the council is seated in the spring of 2025.”
Volunteers who supported the referendum were at polling sites throughout the city with informational pamphlets featuring a large “vote yes” message.
One person who favors the referendum is Ajit Kalra, the owner of the Indus restaurant. He said he believes the ordinance discriminates against him and other restaurant owners who live in the city.
“The law was made during prohibition,” said Kalra, who owns Indus restaurant in Highland Park and holds a liquor license. “It keeps a class of citizens from holding office. (Cannabis) dispensary owners can hold office but restaurant owners who sell liquor can’t.”
Voters who favor a $149.5 million referendum in Mundelein High School District 120 have 56.11% of the votes while those who oppose it have 43.89% out of 18,295 votes counted. It is designed to repair and equip the existing buildings.
With Barrington Community Unit School District 220 asking voters for $64 million for repairs and renovation to existing buildings, those casting ballots in Lake County voted yes 54.32% of the time, and 45.68% no of 10,752 votes counted. The district is located in Lake, McHenry, Cook and Kane counties.
Moraine Township voters in Highwood, most parts of Highland Park and southeastern Lake Forest said yes 71.16% of the time and no 27.84% of the time to provide funding for mental resources and treatment out of the 16,842 votes counted.
Voters in Cary Community Consolidated School District 26 are voting yes on a $20, million referendum with 55.58% casting yes ballots and 44.42% saying no out of 550 votes counted so far.
