Lakewood’s Erin Smith’s Winter Letter

Here is the winter quarterly letter Lakewood Village President sent her constituents: From the President Dear Neighbors: On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we want to extend our very best wishes for a joyous holiday season to each of … Continue reading

Chance to Ask Big Taxers Why

At last night’s meeting of the Lakewood Village Board, residents were masses in support and opposition of the creation of a Special Service Area tax district that would collect a maximum of 15 cents per $100 of assessed valuation for … Continue reading

Santowski Reports on Lakewood SSA Meeting

In times past Lakewood Village Trustee Ken Santowski sent monthly emails explaining what happened at that month’s meetings. For at least this month, he has decided to continue the practice. (Would that more local officials would take the time to … Continue reading

Clock Running on Imposition of 1.5 Cent Tax Around Turnberry Lakes

The Lakewood Village Board voted 5-1 Tuesday night to allow a small 50-year tax the $55-56,000 annual proceeds of which will be spent to keep the lakes of Turnberry Subdivision clean and clear. This year a Special Service Area (SSA) … Continue reading

Citizens Concerned about Flooding in Crystal Lake & Lakewood

Monday night, it was 40-50 residents of Lakewood’s County Club Additions subdivision meeting informally at the Gate 7 Beach owned by the subdivision’s Property Owners Association. The meeting had been called by April Runge of Wiltshire Lane. Representing Lakewood were … Continue reading

Lakewood Trustee Shares Thoughts on Village Board Meeting – Part 1

Lakewood Village Trustee Ken Santowski writes up his thoughts on village board meetings and shares them with constituents who are interested. His thoughts on the last village board meeting follow: Board update from November 9th, 2010 The meeting this week … Continue reading

Wonder Lake Special Service Area Apparently Back to Square One

From the White Oaks Bay Newsletter: LAKE DREDGING PLAN is back to square one after one year of waiting for the County Assessors Office to figure out who lives where and in what PIN Number.  All bids for dredging are … Continue reading

Wonder Lake Special Service Area Apparently Back to Square One

From the White Oaks Bay Newsletter: LAKE DREDGING PLAN is back to square one after one year of waiting for the County Assessors Office to figure out who lives where and in what PIN Number.  All bids for dredging are … Continue reading

Special Service Area Assessments Not Even Considered for Financing Crystal Lake TIF District Area Improvements

The City of Crystal Lake has not even considered imposing special property taxes on the businesses who are supposed to benefit most by the two Tax Increment Financing Districts it has proposed. Instead of taxing those businesses that will benefit … Continue reading

Crystal Lake TIF-Fighting Flyer: Mayor Shepley/Council Plan Tax Hike

As much as $6 million a year tax shift from businesses in two proposed Tax Increment Financing Districts (TIFs) to us homeowners and other businesses has been proposed by the Mayor and City Council. Over 23 years, something in the … Continue reading