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Staci Wolff

Community Spotlight : Crystal Lake, IL

05-10-08
Staci Wolff

Crystal Lake is a large city and one of the Northwestern Chicago Suburbs As the largest city in McHenry County, it contains three high schools, and has many separate neighborhoods.

Demographics

According to the 2000 Census there were 38,000 people, 13,000 households, and 9,900 families living in Crystal Lake. The population density was 900/km² (2,300/sq mi). There were 13,500 housing units at an average density of 830/sq mi (320/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 94% white, 0.56% black, 0.16% Native American, 2% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 2% from other races, and 1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7% of the population.

45% of the households included children under 18, 64% were married couples living together, 8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25% were non-families. 20% of all households were made up of individuals and 8% had someone at least 65 years old living alone. The average household size was 2.9 and the average family size was 3.4.

In the city the population was spread out with 32% under the age of 18, 7% from 18 to 24, 33% from 25 to 44, 20% from 45 to 64, and 9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 98 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $67,000, and the median income for a family was $75,000. Males had a median income of $52,000 versus $32,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $26,000. About 3% of families and 4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3% of those under age 18 and 4% of those age 65 or over.

Culture and Entertainment

The historic downtown district is a favorite in the community. This is where many communters catch teir morning train to the city. Located in the downtown district is the Raue Center for the Perdorming Arts where you can find plays and concerts throughout the year. There are many restaurants worth visiting including Finn McCools, Georgios, and Duke O'Brians. Don't forget the little boutique shops that are sprinkled throughout downtown.

Image:Crystal Lake 02 clock.jpg

Education

Crystal Lake is home to McHenry County College and a number of elementary and high schools.

There are Three Middle Schools Bernotas, Lundahl, and Hannah Beardsley. Bernotas was built in 1969. Lundahl was built around 1958- 1959. Hannah Beardsley oppened in 1996. Bernotas is the home of the Vikings. There are three high schools which serve the city of Crystal Lake. The oldest, Crystal Lake Central, graduated its first class in 1924 and was known as Crystal Lake Community High School when it opened. It is located in the downtown area of the city, and has an enrollment of approximately 1300. In response to pressures from increasing population, Crystal Lake South, was opened in 1978. When it was completed, the school was ridiculed for being remotely located and surrounded by corn fields. It now stands boxed in by suburban development. Prairie Ridge High School opened in the fall of 1997, again due to increasing population pressure. The school stands on a hill off to the north of the city.

New Burn Ordinances for McHenry County

04-16-08
Staci Wolff

PROHIBITED AT ALL TIMES

· Burning of manure, garbage, litter, etc. on any property in McHenry County.

· Burning of landscape waste within 100' of a habitable structure (i.e. residence, school, etc).

· Burning of landscape waste within 50' of a non-habitable structure (i.e. detached garage, barn, etc).

Summary of Open Burning of

Landscape Waste Regulations

McHenry County Public Health Ordinance

Article III - Section 1.29

Effective April 1, 2008

Health Department Home

RESTRICTIONS WHEN GREATER THAN 100' FROM A HABITABLE STRUCTURE

AND 50' FROM A NON-HABITABLE STRUCTURE

· Only landscape waste and only on the property where the landscape waste was generated

· Only during the months of April, May, Oct. (weekends only)

· Only between dawn and dusk

· Only when the winds are less than 10 mph

· Must be supervised by an individual at least 18 years of age

· A fire extinguisher, garden hose or water source must be available at the burning site

500' EXEMPTIONS

Burning of on-site generated landscape waste 500' or greater from a habitable structure is allowed:

1. During any month of the year

2. On any day of the week

3. At any time of the day

NOTE: All other prohibitions / restrictions apply.

OTHER EXEMPTIONS

· Recreational fires; not larger than 3'x3'x3', and excludes leaves, grass or shrubbery clippings

· Ceremonial fires (bonfires) larger than 3'x3'x3', and excludes leaves, grass or shrubbery clippings; permit required from McHenry County Department of Health

· Habitat Reclamation or Firefighter

Community Spotlight: McHenry, IL

03-19-08
Staci Wolff

The Fox River runs through McHenry

Welcome to McHenry, IL

McHenry, Illinois is a growing community located about an hour northwest of Chicago. McHenry is a suburb that enjoys the convenience of small town living, with the proximity to a large city.

Fort McHenry Playground

What to do?

In the summertime, enjoy boating on the fox river which connects to the chain 'o lakes. Enjoy the many nature preserves in the area with a picnic or a hike. Located in the area is the McHenry Dam, Moraine Hills State Park, the Volo Bog, and Glacial Park. If you like festivals, you will love Fiesta Days. Fiesta Days is held in July and includes a week of live music great food and fun times.

If its shopping you are after than you are in luck! Cruise down route 31 and enjoy the newest retail developments. If its old town charm you are after, don't forget about Riverside Dr. and Green St.!

Dining

McHenry has dining options for every budget. If its elegant you are looking for, don't forget to stop by Dunhills for a steak and martini. You may even catch their live band that plays in the lounge area. For Italian fare, I suggest Bimbo's for an authentic Italian meal located on Riverside Dr.

For those sports enthusiasts, stop by Firewood Grill and lounge in the bar while enjoying some appetizers while you watch one of their many flat screen TV's.

Market Data

  • The average home prive in McHenry is $329,000
  • Currently 730 properties on the market (3-19-08)
  • Average time to sell is 215 days (2-19-08)