The eastern portion of the Deer Grove Forest Preserve is currently undergoing a five-year restoration  that began in the Fall of 2009.  The project is expected to restore 25.5 acres of historic wetland habitat and enhance an additional 14.5 acres of existing wetland.  Openlands, the contractor completing the project, worked with ecologists from FPDCC, the Army Corps of Engineers, and other partner agencies to create a master restoration plan for its work.   

Field work completed this past fall and winter includes the removal of dead oak trees, clearing of invasive species, installation of rock weir structures and controlled burning.  Many oak trees were killed by gypsy moths prior to the start of the restoration project, and those trees that presented a hazard to workers and the general public were removed,.  Several dead oak were left standing for wildlife habitat purposes.  The rock weirs were installed to slow surface water flow and restore the natural wetland hydrology to the existing basins.

Openlands will continue restoration activities this spring, with an emphasis on invasive species control, controlled burns and native species planting.  Short term closing (one or two days) of trail sections may occur depending on the location of the burn.  

A new state law requires Cook County Seniors to reapply for the Senior Citizen Exemption annually to receive the appropriate savings on their tax bills.  Commissioner Goslin is working with his fellow elected Cook County officials to repeal this law, but in the meantime, it is important to make sure that seniors complete an application to receive their appropriate property tax savings. 

The deadline for applications Cook County Assessor has extended the deadline to turn in applications for the Senior Exemption as a result of low response from previous recipients of the exemption.  All homeowners 65 and older must fill out these applications and return them by March 22nd or they will owe significantly more on their 2010 property tax bills.  

For more information on who qualifies for the Senior Citizen Exemption or to download an application, please visit the Assessor's website or call (312) 443-7550.

Commissioner Goslin's office will also be happy to offer any assistance and can be reached by e-mail at commissioner.goslin@cookcountyil.gov or by phone at (312) 603-4932.

Northfield Township 

• Approved application for variation to reduce rear yard setback from 50 feet to 19 feet for an addition; increase height of above grade stairs from 4 feet to 12 feet; and increase height of stone fence in front yard setback from 3 feet to 6 feet in the R-4 Single Family Residence District.  The subject property consists of approximately 0.96 of an acre, located on the east side of Beach Lane, approximately 144 feet south of Whirlaway Drive in Northfield Township.

• Approved application for variation to reduce left side yard setback from 15 feet to 13 feet (existing principal); reduce right side yard setback from 15 feet to 9 feet (existing principal); reduce right side yard setback from 15 feet to 4 feet (existing accessory); and reduce rear setback from 5 feet to 2 feet (existing accessory) to construct addition in the R-4 Single Family Residence District.  The subject property consists of approximately 0.46 of an acre, located on the south side of Bayer Drive, approximately 300 feet east of Quentin Road.  

• Approved change in plans an extra work on Winnetka Road Bridge over North Branch Chicago River in the Village of Northfield.  Adjustment of quantities. $15,061.30 (Addition).   

• Approved bid award for Willow Road, Schoenbeck Road to Wheeling Road ,and Wheeling Road, Camp McDonald Road to Palatine Road, in the City of Prospect Heights and Village of Wheeling.  

• Approved bid award for Winnetka Road, Waukegan Road to Edens Expressway and West Frontage Road (Skokie Road) in the Villages of Glenview and Northfield.

• Approved bid award for Traffic Signal Modernization Contract and LED Retrofitting in 53 Locations, including the Villages of Arlington Heights, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Northfield, Palatine, Schaumburg, Skokie and Wheeling.