SkokieNews - New businesses, block parties and more!

February 27, 2024

Throw the Best Block Party Ever!

It’s time to start planning your 2024 block party! The Village’s Human Relations Commission will host its annual Block Party Forum and Networking event this Monday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. at the Skokie Public Library. Register for this free event.

What you’ll learn: Whether you’re a seasoned host or planning your first block party ever, this session is for you. Discover creative activity ideas for all ages, build your event agenda, learn about the permit application process, and get insights from past hosts.

We’re Hiring: Join the Skokie Police Department Team

Ready to serve your community? The Skokie Police Department is hiring!

Apply now: The Department is accepting entry-level police officer applications until April 1, 2024. Candidates should apply through the National Testing Network portal. Please share with any aspiring police officers.

Meet the team: Watch the candidate recruitment video to see why the Skokie Police Department is the place to begin your law enforcement career. Hint: It starts with community.

New Townhomes Coming to Main Street

On February 20, the Village Board of Trustees approved construction of a new, 68-unit townhome development at 4600 Main Street following an extensive, yearlong review process, including revisions and input from the Appearance Commission, Plan Commission, Village staff and neighbors.

The process: During the public review process, building height was reduced from five stories to three stories and the total number of units decreased from 158 to 68. The developer will also contribute a $450,000 fee-in-lieu to support affordable housing in Skokie.

The location: The townhome development will replace Arie Crown Hebrew Day School, which is constructing a new facility at 7770 Frontage Rd., in Skokie.

Will’s Place Celebrity Barista: Mayor Van Dusen

Mayor Van Dusen will be serving up coffee and more as celebrity barista at Will’s Place, 7927 Lincoln Ave., this Thursday, February 29, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Start your Leap Day with a beverage and a treat, and support a local Skokie business with a worthy mission.

Three New Businesses Coming to Skokie!

The Village Board recently approved Storefront Enhancement Program (SEP) grants supporting three new businesses coming to Oakton Street and Lincoln Avenue:

Sweet Reserve Café and Bakery, a minority-women owned bakery specializing in halal baked goods, 4845 Oakton St.
The Spot, a contemporary and vibrant hot pot restaurant, 7909 Lincoln Ave.
J&R Hair Academy, a cosmetology and barber school, 4524 Oakton St.

Why it matters: The SEP program encourages investment and enhancement of Skokie commercial corridors by supporting interior and exterior building improvements. Grants are capped at $50,000.

Underway: New Dunkin’ on Dempster and Lockwood

Work is underway on a new Dunkin’ location at the northeast corner of Dempster Street and Lockwood Avenues.

What to expect: The new location will include a drive-through, and will replace the existing Dunkin’ store located at Dempster Street and Gross Point Road. A new tenant is planned for that space.

Two Days Left to #DineAroundSkokie

Have a favorite Skokie dining destination? Share a photo of your food or a selfie on location using #DineAroundSkokie and tag @ExploreSkokie on Instagram by Thursday, February 29. You’ll be entered for a chance to win a full day of food and fun in Skokie ($150 value).

And the Artistic Excellence Award Goes to…

Congratulations to a+c architects and Andrea Siegel, who received the Skokie Fine Arts Commission’s Artistic Excellence Award at the February 20 Village Board Meeting!

About Andrea: Ceramic artist and retired District 65 and 68 art teacher Andrea Siegel served as chair of the Skokie Fine Arts Commission for 28 years, establishing the Skokie Through the Lens community photography exhibit, Student Outstanding Artist Recognition (SOAR) art exhibit, and the Artistic Excellence Awards.

About a+c: Located at 4840 Main St., a+c architects designs “deliberate, balanced, and meaningful environments” that “serve the individual and celebrate the community.” The gallery at a+c architects sponsors six art shows per year and hosts small concerts and poetry readings.

Training the Next Generation of First Responders

Ten members of the Skokie Fire Department's youth Fire Explorer Program recently completed hands-on CPR training and testing!

About the Fire Explorer Program: Launched in 2023, the program equips young adults ages 14-20 with the basic skills of firefighting and EMS while educating them on career opportunities in the fire service.

Your Artwork Here: Refuse Truck Youth Art Contest

Help call attention to the Village’s Environmental Sustainability Plan goal of reducing landfill waste community-wide!

Skokie students in grades 5-12 are invited to share their original artwork inspired by the theme, “Reducing Waste.” Two winning submissions will be featured on the Village’s brand new refuse truck.

Tonight: Artists Networking Event at Sketchbook

Skokie artists and creatives are invited to attend an Artists Networking Event hosted by the Village's Fine Arts Commission at Sketchbook Brewery tonight, Tuesday, February 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Connect and create: Meet other Skokie artists while learning how the Fine Arts Commission supports the arts in Skokie.

Severe Weather Possible this Evening

The National Weather Service has indicated that there’s the potential for severe weather this evening as a cold front moves through the area. Threats include scattered severe thunderstorms, hail, high winds, and the possibility of tornadoes. Stay tuned for the latest forecast updates.