On April 8, residents of Homewood expressed their concerns over the Harwood Avenue transit oriented development (TOD) tax increment financing (TIF) District during a public hearing on the proposal. According to Homewood Economic and Community Development Director Angela Mesaros, the TIF is meant to generate revenue to finance redevelopment and[Read More…]
Author: Summer Kiswani
Homewood Science Center annual report shows growth in programs
Edie Dobrez, executive director of the Homewood Science Center, presented a positive 2024 annual report at the April 8 village board meeting. The center has continued to flourish with its goal of educating young ones through its programs, and has significantly increased student participation, Dobrez said. The total number of[Read More…]
Homewood approves amendment of HCF Homewood agreement
The Homewood Village Board approved a revised redevelopment agreement with HCF Homewood for the Hartford Building, located at the southwest corner of Ridge Road and Martin Avenue on April 8. The opening of the Hartford Building in 2023 increased the population in the Homewood downtown area, and increased property values, Director[Read More…]
Engineering firm urges emergency power upgrades for key Homewood facilities
On Feb. 25, the Homewood Village Board received recommendations for preventing future loss of power at critical facilities during emergencies. The topic has been in discussion since the low-scale tornado in July 2024 caused loss of power to the Village Hall for three days, Assistant Village Manager Terence Acquah said. [Read More…]
Open Access in Homewood holds a feminine product drive this March
In honor of National Women’s History Month, Open Access is holding a donation drive for feminine hygiene products during the month of March. Open Access is asking for donations of pads, liners and tampons. These items can be dropped off at 900 Maple Ave. in Homewood. According to Director of[Read More…]
Homewood approves Wind Creek Casino’s property tax appeal, passes North Halsted TIF measures
At the Homewood Village Board meeting on Feb. 25, the board approved Wind Creek Casino’s property tax appeal for 2024. The appeal also requires approval by the East Hazel Crest Village Board, Village Manager Napoleon Haney said. Wind Creek’s property was given an assessed value of $24,159,965 by the Cook[Read More…]
Village of Homewood 2025-2026 budget draft presented to board on Tuesday
The Homewood Village Board got its first look at the 2025-26 fiscal year budget at the Feb. 25 board meeting. Director of Finance Amy Zukowski presented the budget plan for the coming fiscal year starting May 1. The budget is divided by various funds, but it is the general fund[Read More…]
Life’s Essentials for Stroke Prevention presentation held at Homewood library
Certified nurses Mary Burke, Sirena Shepard and Joyce Fitzpatrick shared their expertise on strokes to a group of seniors at the Homewood library on Feb. 17. Their presentation helped educate attendees on the signs and symptoms of strokes and how to prevent them. Burke, Shepard and Fitzpatrick, who all work[Read More…]
Homewood Village Board holds public hearing for North Halsted TIF
The hearing for the North Halsted tax increment financing district (TIF) was held by the Homewood Village Board on Feb. 11. The board will hold a vote for the ordinances to officially establish the TIF district in March. The taxing body representatives at the Joint Review Board on Jan. 6[Read More…]
Homewood approves converting Spornette building into apartments
The Homewood Village Board approved a special use permit on Feb. 11 that will allow for the redevelopment of the building that used to house Spornette International Inc. Mahmoud Essa has proposed the idea of converting the Spornette building into a 15-unit apartment complex. The property is located at 18240[Read More…]