The Highland Park News reported yesterday on a public hearing over a proposed citywide ban on plastic foam packaging and single use plastic bags.  Local restaurant and retail owners spoke out, claiming that such a law would place undue economic hardship on their businesses. 

Claiming that (unspecified) "alternative" packaging would cost three times more than current materials, one restaurant owner stated "I'm afraid if we raise our prices we're just going to drive people to the bordering communities where (those restaurants) don't have these pass-through expenses."  Other opponents said that any new required containers would create the same litter problems, and advocated for better recycling programs.

City officials indicated they would balance environmental impacts and financial strain on businesses as they seek out a "middle ground".