2019 In Highland Park: Strike Averted, Developments Decided

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — With the arrival of the end of the year and the beginning of the 2020s, it's time to take a look back at 2019 in Highland Park and Highwood.

Among the top stories of the year for the area: new developments have been approved and rejected, a school strike was authorized before a contract was negotiated, and businesses have come and gone.

Find a selection below of 12 of the most-read articles from the Highland Park Patch over the past 12 months that readers may have missed.

Albion Highland Park Gets Final City Council Approval

A development agreement allowing a five-story, 161-unit apartment building beside Sunset Woods Park has been finalized.

New Teacher Contract Ratified By District 112 Board, Union

The two sides adopted a new five-year contract and settled an unfair labor practices charge and two grievances with a $117,000 payout.
Earlier: Strike Authorization Vote Set By District 112 Teachers Union and NSSD112 Teachers Vote To Authorize Strike

Divided Highland Park City Council Decides Against Public Hearing On Cannabis

In an informal 4-3 vote, the City Council opted to take a "wait and see" approach to recreational cannabis businesses.

City Council Rejects 162-Unit Senior Housing Development

Despite a unanimous vote against the proposal, councilmembers remain interested in rezoning the long-vacant Greenberg Radiology site.

---

Mixed-Use Development On Roger Williams Expected By April 2020

Groundbreaking for the four-story commercial and residential building in the Ravinia business district is anticipated in the coming months.

Reckless Driver Killed State Trooper While Passing On Shoulder In Northbrook: Prosecutors

Wisconsin accountant Scott Larsen was speeding in the left shoulder when he struck and killed Illinois State Trooper Chris Lambert, of Highland Park, prosecutors said.
Later: Memorial Highway Dedicated To Fallen State Trooper

Emergency Sand Replenishment Project Begins At Rosewood Beach

Rosewood Beach in Highland Park will be closed for an estimated six weeks during a $310,000 plan to replace shoreline lost in recent years.

Park District Gives Severance To Director After Drafting Letter Firing Her

District officials drafted a termination letter for its former finance director before agreeing to pay a severance package.

Bett's Boutique Set To Close After 43 Years In Highland Park

The fixture of the local retail and fashion scene is liquidating inventory and looking for a new owner as its founder prepares to retire.

Highland Park Synchronized Skaters Win Bronze Medals In Sweden

Featuring Highland Park High School students, the junior Starlights team placed third in international competition last weekend.

Highwood Microbrewery Owners Buy San Diego-Based Ballast Point

The co-founders of Kings & Convicts Brewing purchased the company from Constellation Brands, which bought it four years ago for $1 billion.

Trapped Deer Rescued By Highland Park First Responders

A deer found trapped inside a narrow rock formation on Ravine Beach was rescued by Highland Park firefighters and a police officer.