School Crossing, EV Charging Rules Approved In Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — A crossing used by students heading to school will get flashing beacons and a pedestrian refuge island under improvements approved by the Northbrook Village Board.

Trustees approved a $285,000 contract Tuesday for work at Kingston Drive and Pfingsten Road, along with closing a sidewalk gap at 2525 Techny Road.

The board also approved an expanded electric vehicle charging policy and higher rates under its police towing contract. Residents again raised concerns about Meadow Plaza, prompting Village President Kathryn Ciesla to address the redevelopment review process.

Here are highlights from the meeting.

Crossing Improvements Aim To Help Students

The Kingston/Pfingsten project will include push-button-activated flashing beacons and a raised median refuge island, giving pedestrians a place to pause while crossing.

Village engineering staff described the intersection as an important connection for students traveling to Glenbrook North High School and Maple School, as well as for others walking and biking through the community.

The crossing was identified in the village's 2018 Master Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan and a Safe Routes to School study completed in July 2025 with School District 30. That study included outreach to parents and students about barriers to walking and biking to school, according to the board packet.

The contract also includes extending the sidewalk at 2525 Techny Road to close a gap in the village’s pedestrian network.

Chicagoland Paving Contractors of Lake Zurich submitted the lower of two bids at $285,000. Trustees also authorized a $28,500 contingency for unforeseen work, bringing the total authorization to $313,500.

Staff said during the meeting that the work was expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

Free EV Charging Policy Expanded

Trustees approved a policy covering all existing and future publicly accessible EV charging stations on village property, replacing a policy that applied only to Village Hall.

Charging remains free. The policy establishes a four-hour maximum per session and requires vehicles to be actively charging while occupying a charging space.

Vehicles left beyond the limit without authorization, or parked improperly in charging spaces, may be subject to fines or impoundment under village code.

Public charging hours are generally at least 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, although the village manager can adjust access for operational needs, special events or other circumstances.

The stations are available for personally owned motor vehicles and village vehicles. Commercial vehicles, recreational vehicles, e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric equipment are excluded.

The village retains the ability to introduce fees with Village Board approval.

Police Towing Rates Increase

The board approved an amendment to its police towing agreement with Gene’s Village Towing of Wheeling.

According to the staff report, the changes include:

• Standard tow: Increasing $10 to $195.
• Fuel surcharge: Increasing $10 to $15.
• Service call: Increasing $10 to $85.
• Medium-duty towing: Increasing $25 to $200.
• Heavy-duty towing: Increasing $50 to $300.

The company cited increased labor costs. Its previous rate increase was in June 2024. The rates apply to services under the village's police towing contract.

Meadow Plaza Hearing Resumes Nov. 17

Several speakers criticized the proposed Meadow Plaza redevelopment, urging officials to preserve downtown businesses and seek a different approach. Another speaker defended allowing the developer to continue through the review process.

Ciesla thanked residents and Plan Commission members for their participation in the hearings, then addressed calls for the village to solicit competing development proposals.

She said the village could not seek competing plans on behalf of the privately owned property and said applicants are entitled to proceed through the review process.

The board did not approve a Meadow Plaza redevelopment plan at the meeting.

The Plan Commission hearing is scheduled to continue Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. The location had not been announced in the village’s latest update. Residents can check the Meadow Plaza information page for details.

Payment Changes During Software Upgrade

Village officials also reminded residents about temporary payment and service changes during a software upgrade running through noon Monday, Nov. 2.

Building Department payments are paused, and Development and Planning Services hours are limited to 8:30 a.m. to noon.

Online utility, business license and miscellaneous payments remain available, along with in-person check payments for those categories. In-person cash, credit and debit card payments are unavailable during the transition.

Online payments will appear as pending until services are restored, according to the village’s upgrade notice.

Anniversary Celebration Ahead

Northbrook's 125th anniversary open house will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at Village Hall, 1225 Cedar Lane.

Plans include music, birthday cake, Touch-a-Truck, historical displays and local artwork. At 3:15 p.m., residents will help recreate a community photograph originally taken in 1925.

Illuminate Northbrook follows Friday, Nov. 20, downtown, with hot chocolate, music, giveaways and a countdown to the holiday lights switching on at 6 p.m.