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Chicago Tribune
29-07-2025
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Officials say ‘first-of-its-kind' housing coming to Highland Park; will fill ‘huge gap' for adults with disabilities
A planned cooperative apartment community for adults with disabilities in Highland Park will be a first-of-its-kind, according to owners, and will fill a services and housing niche drastically underserved in Illinois. Nonprofit organization Collaborative Community Housing Initiative is working to turn the former memory care facility, The Auberge at Highland Park, into CCHI Commons. It's an $8 million undertaking that includes the purchase of the building, and transforming it from a care facility into an apartment community. Construction is planned to begin in October, with residents moving in around April. Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering said she is excited to see the Commons come to the area, saying it reflects the city's value of inclusion. It will be 'more than just a place to live,' she said, providing recreation and socialization in ways not seen in typical housing. When city officials heard about CCHI Executive Director Laurie Williams' concept for the Commons, they saw the 'important and impactful opportunity' and encouraged her to move ahead, Rotering said. By her measure, the project fits well in Highland Park, which is also home to the North Shore Special Recreation Agency, which provides programs and services year-round for children and adults with disabilities, and Keshet, a social services organization that opened its headquarters in the city less than a year ago. She praised CCHI and the families involved for their efforts. For Williams and many of the organization's volunteers, the work is personal. Families see their children with disabilities leave school and lose their support structures and community. Parents also worry about what will happen to their adult children after they die. Williams' own son is now 31. 'I thought, 'What's going to happen to him? What's his life going to look like?'' Williams said. 'Typical peers get to go to college, live in a dorm, have their own apartments. Our population can't do that.' Illinois ranks poorly in this regard, Williams said. A 'State of the States' ranking by the University of Kansas put Illinois in 46th place for financial support of services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It's a 'huge gap' when it comes to care, she said. The Commons, which will house 49 residents and a resident assistant, will be owned by its families as a co-op. It's a unique model. Williams believes it's the first inclusive housing project of its kind. She said that makes it more financially resilient compared to grant funding. Renovations include updating the commercial kitchen, installing a teaching kitchen, and adding art and music spaces. The work will transform it from a healthcare facility into a 'modern, ordinary apartment complex,' Michael Weiss, a CCHI volunteer and development partner, said. Despite its past use, the Commons won't be a care facility, Williams said, although it'll have the accessibility benefits of one with large doors and bathrooms. Residents may have jobs or be part of programs — they'll be semi-independent, with low to moderate needs. Williams said CCHI acquired the building in March, and has spent the subsequent months clearing it out. At the moment, much of the building is packed with chairs, desks and other leftover items the organization hopes to sell in an upcoming estate sale.
CBS News
03-07-2025
- CBS News
Highland Park to host day of remembrance, second parade since mass shooting
Friday marks three years since the deadly shooting during the Highland Park Fourth of July Parade that left seven people dead and dozens of others wounded. The city will host a day of remembrance honoring the victims as the residents continue to move forward since the tragedy. The event starts at 9 a.m. at The Moraine at 1202 Park Ave. W. The program will include a candlelighting ceremony and music. Attendees will also be able to contribute to the creation of a mosaic in tribute to the victims. Plans also include a parade that will kick off at 11 a.m. Those interested in attending the event will have to register. In February, Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering announced that the parade would return for the second year following the shooting. She said the goal was to "bring back the celebration of the holiday." "It's important as we continue on our journey together to try to heal, move forward, that we continue to bring these special times for our community to come together," she said. A memorial in the Rose Garden across from Highland Park City Hall remains open to the public.
Chicago Tribune
16-06-2025
- Politics
- Chicago Tribune
Highland Park condemns ‘acts of hate' after antisemitic letter reportedly sent to resident; ‘we will not be intimidated'
After an 'antisemitic' and 'threatening' letter was sent to a Highland Park resident, Mayor Nancy Rotering said the city stands with its Jewish community. According to an online post by the city, the Highland Park police are continuing to investigate the letter that was reported Sunday evening. Preliminary investigation indicated it had been sent through the United States Postal Service. Testing by the Hazardous Material team showed no toxic material. Highland Park 'strongly condemns antisemitism,' the post said. 'Our Jewish community deserves to live free from fear of violence, and Highland Park police will continue to partner with regional, state, and federal law enforcement to monitor antisemitic and other hate-motivated activity.' According to the post, at about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, police responded to a residence in the 900 block of Marion Avenue for a report of a threatening letter containing antisemitic comments in their mailbox. The police notified the FBI and the State Terrorism and Intelligence Center, the post said. In the post, the city condemned 'antisemitism and all acts of hate' and professed its solidarity with the Jewish community 'In light of increased concerns regarding global antisemitic activity,' Highland Park police had already implemented a close watch on houses of worship and other significant sites, which will continue. The city has also communicated with clergy serving Highland Park's Jewish congregations. Rotering said the incident has 'shaken' many in the community, and was a reminder that even in a city striving 'to lead with compassion and inclusion — hate can still find its way to our doorstep.' She warned antisemitism was rising 'not only across the world, but here at home,' and acknowledging the 'fear, the hurt and the anger that such acts provoke.' 'We also understand the pride and strength that come from standing firm in who we are, and in what we believe,' Rotering said. Jewish families are a part of the 'story and the fabric of Highland Park for generations,' Rotering said, noting their contributions to the city's civic, cultural and spiritual life. 'That legacy will not be erased or overshadowed by hate,' she said. 'To anyone who feels afraid or targeted: please know that you are not alone. Your city stands with you. We will not be intimidated. We will not be silent. We will meet hate with unity — and with the full strength of our community.
Boston Globe
24-02-2025
- Boston Globe
Jury selection to begin in murder trial of suspect in suburban Chicago July 4 parade
Authorities allege a gunman perched on a roof shot at crowds assembled for a Fourth of July parade in downtown Highland Park, an upscale suburb 30 miles (50 kilometers) from Chicago. Seven people were killed in the 2022 shooting, including both parents of a toddler. Dozens more were wounded. They ranged in age from their 80s down to a then- 8-year-old boy who was left partially paralyzed. Witnesses described confusion as shots rang out, followed by terror as families abandoned the parade route, leaving behind lawn chairs and strollers to find safety inside homes and businesses. Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up City leaders canceled the parade the following year but reinstated it in 2024 with a memorial for the victims. Advertisement Mayor Nancy Rotering has said the city doesn't want to be defined by the mass shooting. This month, she announced the parade will return in July, but without fireworks, partly because of 'community trauma.' 'This year's parade theme reminds us that teams bring people together in support of a common goal, and that we are most resilient when we support each other,' Rotering said. Killed in the shooting were: Katherine Goldstein, 64; Jacquelyn Sundheim, 63; Stephen Straus, 88; Nicolas Toledo-Zaragoza, 78; Eduardo Uvaldo, 69; and married couple Kevin McCarthy, 37, and Irina McCarthy, 35. The case Crimo faces 21 counts of first-degree murder — three counts for each person killed — as well as 48 counts of attempted murder and 48 counts of aggravated battery. Prosecutors have turned over about 10,000 pages of evidence, as well as hours of a video-taped interrogation during which police say Crimo confessed to the shooting. But the 24-year-old Crimo has since pleaded not guilty and rejected a plea deal. Court proceedings have made parts of the interrogation public, and defense attorneys tried unsuccessfully to have the videos thrown out, alleging Crimo's rights were being violated. Advertisement Videos show officers repeatedly asking Crimo if he understood his Miranda rights, which include the right to remain silent and have an attorney present. 'I've heard them a million times,' Crimo said at one point. Prosecutors also have shown footage of a person dressed in women's clothing and identified by police as Crimo headed toward the parade route on the morning of July 4, 2022. Something that could also hurt the defense is Crimo's unpredictable behavior in court. He didn't show up to two previous court hearings, refusing to leave his Lake County jail cell. And in June 2024, when he was expected to accept a plea deal and give victims and relatives a chance to address him publicly, he showed up to court in a wheelchair and rejected the deal, surprising even his lawyers. He also fired his public defenders and said he would represent himself, then abruptly reversed himself. 'Anything could happen at this point,' said Eric Johnson, a law professor at the University of Illinois. Crimo's defense attorneys and Lake County prosecutors have repeatedly declined comment ahead of the trial. The family Crimo's father, Robert Crimo Jr., pleaded guilty in 2023 to seven misdemeanor counts of reckless conduct. The charges focused on how his son obtained a gun license. In 2019, at age 19, Crimo III was only allowed to apply for a gun license with the sponsorship of a parent or guardian. His father agreed, even though a relative had reported to police that his son had a collection of knives and had threatened to 'kill everyone.' Crimo Jr., a onetime mayoral candidate and former owner of a now-closed deli, has attended his son's court hearings, making eye contact with him during hearings. He declined to discuss the case in detail. Advertisement 'As a parent, I love my son very much and Bobby loves this country more than anyone would ever know,' he said during a phone interview. 'I have no further comment.' The jury Potential jurors are due at the courthouse in Waukegan on Monday for what attorneys expect to be a monthlong trial. But the high-profile case could complicate efforts to find a jury. Survivors and their families have filed multiple lawsuits, including against the maker of the semiautomatic rifle used in the shooting and against authorities they accuse of negligence. Those who have spoken out declined interviews ahead of the trial. Some are expected to testify, along with police and a former school resource officer who encountered Crimo during middle and high school. Experts say attorneys will have to approach juror selection with extra care. 'There is information that's out there,' said Alan Tuerkheimer, who consults lawyers on jury strategy but isn't involved in the trial. 'This is the kind of thing that has affected people in the community.'
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Highland Park announces Independence Day plans
The Brief Highland Park unveiled its Independence Day event plans, including a community festival on July 3 and a "Dream Team" parade on July 4. The city will also hold a remembrance ceremony to honor victims of the 2022 Fourth of July parade shooting. There will be no evening events or fireworks, as the city takes a trauma-informed approach to community needs. HIGHLAND PARK, Ill. - With a renewed focus on community spirit and remembrance, Highland Park today announced its Independence Day celebration plans. Events will kick off on July 3 with a community festival at The Preserve of Highland Park. There will be music, food, games and more. Then, on July 4, the "Dream Team"-themed parade will take place in downtown Highland Park, celebrating togetherness and resilience. What we know The events mark the continuation of Highland Park's efforts to reclaim its Fourth of July traditions following the tragic 2022 mass shooting at the Independence Day parade that left seven people dead and dozens injured. Recognizing the importance of reflection, the city will host a remembrance on the morning of July 4 to honor those who lost their lives and to show solidarity with those affected by the tragedy. "Highland Park's Independence Day events reflect the community's patriotic spirit and steadfast commitment to supporting and celebrating each other," said Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering. The "Dream Team" parade, celebrating the spirit of teamwork and unity, will step off at 11 a.m. on July 4. "Whether that's family or friends, sports, dance, faith, community or neighborhood… Parade participants and attendees are encouraged to wear team jerseys and apparel, and floats will celebrate the colors and mascots of favorite teams and organizations," the city said in a news release. The parade will follow the same route as 2024, beginning at First St. and Laurel Ave. and progressing through downtown Highland Park to Sunset Woods Park. Notably, there will be no evening events or fireworks. The city cited community trauma, sustainability concerns, and pet needs as reasons for pausing nighttime festivities. The city council plans to engage with the community later this year to gather feedback and ideas for 2026. What's next As planning continues, updates will be provided by both the city and park district on their respective websites. The Source The information in this article was provided by the City of Highland Park and the Park District of Highland Park.
