The Rundown with Allison Longenbaugh
@allison4naperville.bsky.social
Planning & Zoning Commissioner, former Naperville City Councilwoman, runner, Everton fan (COYB). I sit through City Council meetings so you don’t have to. #TeamNaperville
Director Munch is looking for Council direction on the following:
-SECA funding adds $200K obligation for NCTV17- increase cap for inflation or leave flat?
-Drones as First Responders (DRO) - $150K for pilot program?
-Special Area Study- $100K to pick one area (5th Ave or I88 corridor)?
-SECA funding adds $200K obligation for NCTV17- increase cap for inflation or leave flat?
-Drones as First Responders (DRO) - $150K for pilot program?
-Special Area Study- $100K to pick one area (5th Ave or I88 corridor)?
November 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Director Munch is looking for Council direction on the following:
-SECA funding adds $200K obligation for NCTV17- increase cap for inflation or leave flat?
-Drones as First Responders (DRO) - $150K for pilot program?
-Special Area Study- $100K to pick one area (5th Ave or I88 corridor)?
-SECA funding adds $200K obligation for NCTV17- increase cap for inflation or leave flat?
-Drones as First Responders (DRO) - $150K for pilot program?
-Special Area Study- $100K to pick one area (5th Ave or I88 corridor)?
The third of three budget workshops is Monday (6pm) and will cover the Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Overview. Staff was disciplined in their approach to this year’s balanced budget, reducing overall operating and capital expenses and keeping an eye on long-term trends.
November 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
The third of three budget workshops is Monday (6pm) and will cover the Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Overview. Staff was disciplined in their approach to this year’s balanced budget, reducing overall operating and capital expenses and keeping an eye on long-term trends.
What a difference a day makes! I was excited to see that the Healing Field was back on Rotary Hill for the first time since 2019, and took my run up the hill to recognize our Veterans. Thank you to everyone who’s served.
November 9, 2025 at 5:06 PM
What a difference a day makes! I was excited to see that the Healing Field was back on Rotary Hill for the first time since 2019, and took my run up the hill to recognize our Veterans. Thank you to everyone who’s served.
3. New programs: Drones as First Responders ($150K), website upgrade ($100K), special area studies- I88 v 5th Avenue ($150K).
4. Commuter Parking fund will be out of funds in 2027. This won’t impact this year’s budget but it will come up next year.
4. Commuter Parking fund will be out of funds in 2027. This won’t impact this year’s budget but it will come up next year.
October 28, 2025 at 10:28 AM
3. New programs: Drones as First Responders ($150K), website upgrade ($100K), special area studies- I88 v 5th Avenue ($150K).
4. Commuter Parking fund will be out of funds in 2027. This won’t impact this year’s budget but it will come up next year.
4. Commuter Parking fund will be out of funds in 2027. This won’t impact this year’s budget but it will come up next year.
These items caught my eye in the 513 pages:
1. Health insurance costs are up 18.5%, matching the national trends. WOW.
2. City Services portion of SECA increased to include NCTV17 support ($200K). Given the recent discussions and future report about SECA, I expect there to be discussion about this.
1. Health insurance costs are up 18.5%, matching the national trends. WOW.
2. City Services portion of SECA increased to include NCTV17 support ($200K). Given the recent discussions and future report about SECA, I expect there to be discussion about this.
October 28, 2025 at 10:28 AM
These items caught my eye in the 513 pages:
1. Health insurance costs are up 18.5%, matching the national trends. WOW.
2. City Services portion of SECA increased to include NCTV17 support ($200K). Given the recent discussions and future report about SECA, I expect there to be discussion about this.
1. Health insurance costs are up 18.5%, matching the national trends. WOW.
2. City Services portion of SECA increased to include NCTV17 support ($200K). Given the recent discussions and future report about SECA, I expect there to be discussion about this.
Here are some highlights:
- Headline number: $685.13M (+6.8% over 2025 $641.65M)
- No new personnel
- Includes $1.5M in budget savings across all departments
- Property tax $59.73M (+856K, +1.5% y/y). Rate 0.5506 (decrease from 0.5960).
- Headline number: $685.13M (+6.8% over 2025 $641.65M)
- No new personnel
- Includes $1.5M in budget savings across all departments
- Property tax $59.73M (+856K, +1.5% y/y). Rate 0.5506 (decrease from 0.5960).
October 28, 2025 at 10:28 AM
Here are some highlights:
- Headline number: $685.13M (+6.8% over 2025 $641.65M)
- No new personnel
- Includes $1.5M in budget savings across all departments
- Property tax $59.73M (+856K, +1.5% y/y). Rate 0.5506 (decrease from 0.5960).
- Headline number: $685.13M (+6.8% over 2025 $641.65M)
- No new personnel
- Includes $1.5M in budget savings across all departments
- Property tax $59.73M (+856K, +1.5% y/y). Rate 0.5506 (decrease from 0.5960).
The 2nd of 3 budget workshops is Tues 6p. Staff did a fantastic job keeping a balanced budget of $685.13M. This year’s theme is the alliterative “Money with a Mission” & focuses on 5 trends: moderating revenues, aging assets, state legislation, staff investment, & national/global financial climate.
October 28, 2025 at 10:28 AM
The 2nd of 3 budget workshops is Tues 6p. Staff did a fantastic job keeping a balanced budget of $685.13M. This year’s theme is the alliterative “Money with a Mission” & focuses on 5 trends: moderating revenues, aging assets, state legislation, staff investment, & national/global financial climate.
No new updates. Here's a picture from NBC5 news just now.
October 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
No new updates. Here's a picture from NBC5 news just now.
BNSF delays!
October 22, 2025 at 11:23 AM
BNSF delays!
3. Naper & Plank- approve final plat for the 90-unit development. This was another win for visitability. All 34 townhomes are visitable (no-step entry)!
October 21, 2025 at 10:12 AM
3. Naper & Plank- approve final plat for the 90-unit development. This was another win for visitability. All 34 townhomes are visitable (no-step entry)!
Council has a full docket with fall budget season, so this is a relatively short agenda. Of interest:
1. 2027 Priorities Plan presentation. Updates on Public Safety, Utilities, & Environment/Community Design.
1. 2027 Priorities Plan presentation. Updates on Public Safety, Utilities, & Environment/Community Design.
October 21, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Council has a full docket with fall budget season, so this is a relatively short agenda. Of interest:
1. 2027 Priorities Plan presentation. Updates on Public Safety, Utilities, & Environment/Community Design.
1. 2027 Priorities Plan presentation. Updates on Public Safety, Utilities, & Environment/Community Design.
We did not vote on the Data Center last night. We extended to 11:15p after a detailed presentation from petitioner & 20 public speakers. Rushing through questions & deliberations was not the right thing to do on this important decision. The public hearing continues on Nov 5.
October 16, 2025 at 12:57 PM
We did not vote on the Data Center last night. We extended to 11:15p after a detailed presentation from petitioner & 20 public speakers. Rushing through questions & deliberations was not the right thing to do on this important decision. The public hearing continues on Nov 5.
This passed 7-2 (NO-Bansal & Castagnoli). I empathize with speakers who were concerned w density, setbacks, & height. Given its location, density is appropriate, & the height is commensurate with the surrounding buildings. I was happy that they flipped unit 2 so its entrance would be on Benton.
October 16, 2025 at 12:49 PM
This passed 7-2 (NO-Bansal & Castagnoli). I empathize with speakers who were concerned w density, setbacks, & height. Given its location, density is appropriate, & the height is commensurate with the surrounding buildings. I was happy that they flipped unit 2 so its entrance would be on Benton.
OH! This is the AT&T building at Main/Franklin. Did you know it used to be a brewery and a mushroom farm?
www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/01/s...
(And it's 45 feet tall.)
www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/01/s...
(And it's 45 feet tall.)
October 15, 2025 at 1:31 AM
OH! This is the AT&T building at Main/Franklin. Did you know it used to be a brewery and a mushroom farm?
www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/01/s...
(And it's 45 feet tall.)
www.chicagotribune.com/2024/03/01/s...
(And it's 45 feet tall.)
3. Karis Data Center (1960 Lucent Lane) - continuation of the public hearing started on Sep 3. The biggest change is that they eliminated Phase 2. That’s the building that would have been close to Naper Commons.
October 15, 2025 at 1:29 AM
3. Karis Data Center (1960 Lucent Lane) - continuation of the public hearing started on Sep 3. The biggest change is that they eliminated Phase 2. That’s the building that would have been close to Naper Commons.
2. Benton+Main (109 W Benton) - M/I looking to build 11 townhome units across 3 buildings (7 in one rowhouse building & 4 in 2 additional rowhouses). They are looking for density, HEIGHT, setback, & coverage variances. The height is a biggie; 35 ft is permitted & they want 46 ft.
October 15, 2025 at 1:29 AM
2. Benton+Main (109 W Benton) - M/I looking to build 11 townhome units across 3 buildings (7 in one rowhouse building & 4 in 2 additional rowhouses). They are looking for density, HEIGHT, setback, & coverage variances. The height is a biggie; 35 ft is permitted & they want 46 ft.
I’ll be back on the dais Wednesday for my first Planning & Zoning (PZC) meeting. Three items on the agenda. It could be a long meeting.
1. DJK (557 S Washington) - converting a residence to their design studio. Needs setback & rear yard coverage variances to be able to provide ample parking.
1. DJK (557 S Washington) - converting a residence to their design studio. Needs setback & rear yard coverage variances to be able to provide ample parking.
October 15, 2025 at 1:29 AM
I’ll be back on the dais Wednesday for my first Planning & Zoning (PZC) meeting. Three items on the agenda. It could be a long meeting.
1. DJK (557 S Washington) - converting a residence to their design studio. Needs setback & rear yard coverage variances to be able to provide ample parking.
1. DJK (557 S Washington) - converting a residence to their design studio. Needs setback & rear yard coverage variances to be able to provide ample parking.
SECA has come up at recent Council meetings. As the former council liaison, I have experience with the process. City staff and commissioners dedicate hours & hours of work to ensure a transparent and robust review. I covered a number of FAQs on my website.
www.allison4naperville.com/post/seca-faq
www.allison4naperville.com/post/seca-faq
October 11, 2025 at 8:07 PM
SECA has come up at recent Council meetings. As the former council liaison, I have experience with the process. City staff and commissioners dedicate hours & hours of work to ensure a transparent and robust review. I covered a number of FAQs on my website.
www.allison4naperville.com/post/seca-faq
www.allison4naperville.com/post/seca-faq
7. Wright (W) - Villa-Prairie. Lots of gaps to fill in!
8. Highland (S) - Wright-Columbia. I can see the need here.
Agenda details. It explains the evaluation process staff uses: naperville.legistar.com/LegislationD...
8. Highland (S) - Wright-Columbia. I can see the need here.
Agenda details. It explains the evaluation process staff uses: naperville.legistar.com/LegislationD...
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
7. Wright (W) - Villa-Prairie. Lots of gaps to fill in!
8. Highland (S) - Wright-Columbia. I can see the need here.
Agenda details. It explains the evaluation process staff uses: naperville.legistar.com/LegislationD...
8. Highland (S) - Wright-Columbia. I can see the need here.
Agenda details. It explains the evaluation process staff uses: naperville.legistar.com/LegislationD...
5. Laird (W)- Douglas-Wilson. There are stop signs on Douglas E-W but not on Laird N-S. The SW corner is blind, & neighbors say many drivers ignore the stop signs. This is a win for kids' safety.
6. Vest (W)- Lockwood-Bauer. This strip could use a sidewalk (though it’s unincorporated).
6. Vest (W)- Lockwood-Bauer. This strip could use a sidewalk (though it’s unincorporated).
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
5. Laird (W)- Douglas-Wilson. There are stop signs on Douglas E-W but not on Laird N-S. The SW corner is blind, & neighbors say many drivers ignore the stop signs. This is a win for kids' safety.
6. Vest (W)- Lockwood-Bauer. This strip could use a sidewalk (though it’s unincorporated).
6. Vest (W)- Lockwood-Bauer. This strip could use a sidewalk (though it’s unincorporated).
3. Franklin (S)- Julian-Huffman. There’s a sidewalk on the north already. The properties to the south are heavily landscaped. This one would have been a no for me and residents were against it (per the comments).
(4. Kildeer wasn’t in running distance.)
(4. Kildeer wasn’t in running distance.)
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
3. Franklin (S)- Julian-Huffman. There’s a sidewalk on the north already. The properties to the south are heavily landscaped. This one would have been a no for me and residents were against it (per the comments).
(4. Kildeer wasn’t in running distance.)
(4. Kildeer wasn’t in running distance.)
1. 6th (N)- Ellsworth-Center. The property on the south side is for sale which would mean a sidewalk eventually, but who knows when. Given that there are no sidewalks on either side, it’s needed for kids walking to school.
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
1. 6th (N)- Ellsworth-Center. The property on the south side is for sale which would mean a sidewalk eventually, but who knows when. Given that there are no sidewalks on either side, it’s needed for kids walking to school.
Whoops! I missed mentioning the Sidewalk Program in my recap for tomorrow’s meeting. It’s buried in the Consent Agenda but will likely get some discussion. Most of the locations are in walking/running distance from my house so I checked them out before the September TAB meeting.
October 7, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Whoops! I missed mentioning the Sidewalk Program in my recap for tomorrow’s meeting. It’s buried in the Consent Agenda but will likely get some discussion. Most of the locations are in walking/running distance from my house so I checked them out before the September TAB meeting.
6. The Water Department was approved for a $3.5M, 30-year no-interest loan from the IEPA that will allow us to replace 100% of lead pipes in the city. I love that they reapplied and got the loan!
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/n...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/n...
October 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
6. The Water Department was approved for a $3.5M, 30-year no-interest loan from the IEPA that will allow us to replace 100% of lead pipes in the city. I love that they reapplied and got the loan!
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/n...
www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/24/n...
5. Metra station Washington Bridge stairwell improvements - new handrails and updated signage.
October 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
5. Metra station Washington Bridge stairwell improvements - new handrails and updated signage.