The Public Investigator

“What is that plane doing?” a Beach Park home owner wondered one recent Sunday afternoon, tracking a low-flying, slow-moving, single-prop aircraft overhead. “That’s the fifth time it’s flown over here today.” Subscribers can read on to find out why a plane might be doing something like that — and why the air space over your home might be next on the government’s list.

Why this news is important to you: Lake and Cook county governments have joined forces in a project to document photographic images covering all the areas of both counties, including taking a peek at your private property.

NEWS ALERT: A regional government initiative is proposing a solution about what to do with all the foreclosures  brought on by the current economic crisis. Subscribers can read on for details on how stimulus funds will be used to flip foreclosed properties across the county.

Why this news is important to you: This stimulus-funded government program aims to maintain the value of affordable homes in neighborhoods hard hit by the bust in the housing market.

NEWS ALERT: Lake County has commissioned Christopher B. Burke Engineering of Rosemont, Ill., to design a project to add a center turn lane on Wadsworth Road through Wadsworth. Subscribers can read on to get specifications and details of the project and find out how much the project’s engineering will cost.

Why this news is important to you: Wadsworth Road is one of only two connector arterials for residents of northeastern Lake County to access U.S. Route 41 and is the only access road for a local school, post office, some small businesses and a feeder road to residential areas. All phases of the reconstruction project will likely be more expensive because of the scarce right of way along the segment.

NEWS ALERT: If the County Board approves the appointments of three new members on Tuesday (July 14), nearly 40 percent of the board’s seats will be filled by new members. Subscribers can read on to find out who has been nominated to serve districts representing Waukegan, Vernon Hills and Lake Zurich.

NEWS ALERT: The county sheriff has been authorized to sell foreclosed properties of local residents. Subscribers can read on to find out where and how often these sales will be offered.

Why this news is important to you: Establishing a foreclosure sales program like this indicates the depressed condition of the local economy. Although it’s a sign of a down economy, it is an opportunity for local residents to purchase local property at bargain-basement prices, while stimulating the real estate and banking sectors, as well as generating a small revenue stream for county government.

Lake County senior citizens 65 years old or older whose income does not exceed $55,000 may qualify for a property assessment freeze, if the property is their primary residence. However, they must submit an application to the Lake County Chief County Assessment Office.

Because county officials suspect that many eligible residents are unaware of this program, the Lake County Board will consider extending the deadline from July 1 until August 31 at its next meeting on July 14 at 7 p.m. The Chief County Assessment Office is continuing to accept applications in the meantime.

“We sent applications to all eligible seniors earlier this year, yet we believe there are many eligible county residents who haven’t filed. That’s why we want to extend the deadline to try and reach more people,” Suzi Schmidt, County Board Chairman said.

So far, the Chief County Assessment Office has received 8,500 applications. Last year, the county approved about 10,400 applications.  

The Chief County Assessment Office and local township assessors are available to assist seniors and all taxpayers with filing exemptions.

 Completed application forms are to be mailed back to the Chief County Assessment Office, 18 N. County St., 7^th Floor, Waukegan, IL, by August 31. For questions, residents can call the Chief County Assessment Office at (847) 377-2050. A list of township assessor offices and additional information is available at www.lakecountyil.gov/assessor.

Residents are encouraged to share this information with their senior parents, family members, friends and neighbors who may be eligible.

Senior citizens who reside in Lake County might also qualify for the Senior Homestead Exemption.