[0:05] Each day [music] in Crystal Lake, we're
reminded why this place is so special. A
[0:10] city where progress meets purpose, where
every investment we make [music]
[0:14] strengthens the place we're proud to
call home.
[0:18] As we step [music] into 2026, we
celebrate the story of a thriving
[0:22] connected community, one that continues
to grow while preserving [music] what
[0:27] makes it feel like home.
Crystal Lake's economy continues to
[0:32] thrive, built [music] on strong
partnerships, smart planning, and a
[0:36] business-friendly approach that keeps
[music] opportunity growing close to
[0:39] home. Over the past year, we've welcomed
new faces:
[0:43] Lake Roots, Poke West, Cilantro Taco
Grill, Daiso,
[0:47] » [music]
>> Michaels, Vasa, Florio's Italian, Black
[0:51] Market Bakery, Starbucks, and Nissan's
expansion.
[0:55] » [music]
>> And on the horizon are Cava, First
[0:57] Watch, America's Best, BBQ King
Smokehouse, Menchie's, and 7 Brew along
[1:03] the Northwest [music] Highway commercial
corridor. We're also welcoming Distorted
[1:07] Soda and Sandwiches, Friendly [music]
Designs, and Curated by Laney Boutique
[1:11] to downtown Crystal Lake. As the city
[music] continues to experience growth
[1:16] to both residential and commercial
areas, the city's equalized [music]
[1:20] assessed valuation has grown
considerably to $1.7 billion.
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>> New construction, along with prudent
[1:27] financial planning, has resulted in a
considerable decrease to the city's
[1:32] property tax rate [music] over the past
10 years. This provides a valuable
[1:36] benefit to our residents [music] and
other property owners throughout the
[1:40] community.
Across Crystal [music] Lake, new
[1:43] neighborhoods and communities are taking
shape, each adding its own character to
[1:47] the city's vibrant future. Redwood, a
304-unit ranch-style [music]
[1:51] and ADA-compliant townhome community, is
welcoming many new residents to McHenry
[1:56] [music] County. Woodlore Towns 1 and 2
bring 102 new townhomes, while Clover
[2:02] offers 121 age-restricted [music]
independent living apartments for those
[2:07] looking to enjoy an active,
maintenance-free [music] lifestyle. At
[2:10] Waters Edge, 240 apartments and 20
luxury townhomes [music] create a
[2:15] modern, walkable setting surrounded by
retail, dining, and lakeside views.
[2:20] Nearby, Lennar's Waterside community is
beginning to take shape at Main [music]
[2:24] Street and Berkshire with 107 new
for-sale townhomes. And Parkway [music]
[2:29] Crossing adds 220 apartments. Together,
these developments [music] reflect
[2:34] Crystal Lake's ongoing growth, offering
diverse housing choices and welcoming
[2:39] [music] spaces designed for every
generation to call home.
[2:43] Infrastructure is the foundation [music]
that keeps our city strong. This year,
[2:47] Crystal Lake has invested wisely [music]
in projects that enhance safety,
[2:51] mobility, and long-term sustainability.
From the addition [music] of a new deep
[2:56] well and daylighting Crystal Creek to
critical water level control
[2:59] improvements at Three [music] Oaks
Recreation Area, every initiative
[3:03] ensures our systems remain reliable for
decades [music] to come. Investments in
[3:08] our community are transforming how we
experience the city. We want to
[3:12] encourage and enhance [music]
walkability and connectivity. A new
[3:16] 3-mile trail loop around Three Oaks
Recreation Area is opening new
[3:20] opportunities for outdoor exploration
and healthy living. [music]
[3:24] The city extended the sidewalk to
connect The Commons of Crystal Lake and
[3:28] the bike path, as well as filled
sidewalk gaps [music] throughout the
[3:31] city, allowing for greater mobility. We
are continually looking for ways to
[3:36] improve public spaces [music] that will
bring people together. The
[3:39] revitalization of Depot Park will bring
new life to our downtown and create an
[3:44] enhanced public gathering [music] space.
Public art benches throughout the
[3:48] downtown and creative installations
[music] in roundabouts and at Three Oaks
[3:52] Recreation Area are turning everyday
spaces into places of connection.
[3:58] As Crystal [music] Lake grows, we're
reimagining how people move through it.
[4:02] Upcoming infrastructure efforts,
including the Three Oaks Road
[4:05] intersection [music] improvements at
Sands Road and Letter Drive, which will
[4:09] be adding a traffic signal, turn lanes,
and pedestrian enhancements to improve
[4:13] safety. [music]
Oak Street and Route 176 improvements
[4:17] and pedestrian upgrades at [music]
Pingree Road and Grandview Drive will
[4:20] create safer, more efficient routes for
drivers, cyclists, and [music]
[4:24] pedestrians alike.
Education remains the heart of our
[4:28] community. District [clears throat] 47
continues to lead [music] with
[4:32] innovation, inclusivity, and care. From
new accessible playgrounds and teacher
[4:37] grants to enhanced school safety systems
that protect and empower every student.
[4:42] » [music]
>> Their commitment ensures that the next
[4:44] generation of learners grows in a
nurturing environment built for
[4:48] discovery and success.
District 155 continues [music] to shine
[4:53] as a model of excellence. With its
nationally recognized programs,
[4:57] expanding micro-internship [music]
initiative, and state-of-the-art stadium
[5:00] modernizations, students here are
discovering pathways that prepare
[5:04] [music] them for bright futures, whether
that's college, career, or service.
[5:10] At McHenry County College, the
community's investment is paying
[5:13] dividends. With the Foglia Center,
[music] the Liebman Science Wing, and
[5:17] the state-of-the-art Career and
Technical Education Center expanding
[5:21] opportunities in healthcare,
manufacturing, and beyond, these
[5:25] projects are shaping [music] tomorrow's
workforce
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