MAYOR ROCKINGHAM COMPLETES PROPERTY ACQUISITON City Council approves; City another step forward in revitalization

Mayor Leon Rockingham Jr. praised the North Chicago city council for their approval of the acquisition of the remaining properties at the Sheridan Crossing site. The council unanimously approved the purchase of Jim’s Ranch Restaurant at 909 MLK Drive, Ted’s Liquor at 2124 Sheridan Road, the Hobby House at 918 MLK Drive and other properties along MLK Drive and Sheridan Road.

“This is a major accomplishment for our Sheridan Crossing Development,” said Mayor Rockingham. “I commend our city council for recognizing the importance of getting this project completed and I commend their commitment to revitalization of North Chicago.”

Located at Sheridan Road and MLK Dr, the focus of the 40-acres is now on the demolition of the remaining buildings and the development of the site. The city is currently partnered with McShane Companies – a national leader in development construction management services. “Studies done by McShane indicate significant leakage in the retail, hospitality and entertainment sectors,” said Rockingham. “That means individuals must now do their shopping and dining outside the city and we intend on changing that.”

The plan for the site includes retail stores, a hotel and restaurants. The development plan is consistent with the city council’s commitment to its constituents and its commitment to be a good host community for United States Navy recruits. “This development will serve people from all over the county who visit North Chicago every week to attend Navy recruit graduations,” said Rockingham.

The city has already made significant investments to the site including street improvements, sanitary sewer lines and the construction of a new rail road crossing at MLK Dr. and Sheridan Road which will provide direct access to Sheridan Crossing from the Naval Station.

“The Sheridan Crossing site benefits from its easy access to the Naval Station, and the city council’s approval of the acquisition affirms my administration’s strategy of the development. This initiative is a remarkable example of the city working as a team to achieve a common goal. Sheridan Road in North Chicago is well on its way to becoming one of Lake County’s great destination spots – a great place to discover and a great place to live, work and play."