GLENCOE
Environmental awareness in focus
Glencoe wants more green.
Officials are mulling the creation of a “Green Committee” that would examine how the community can promote environmental awareness. During discussion at a recent village board meeting, President Scott Feldman suggested the plan commission could handle the job, rather than a new committee.
Other recommendations in a sustainability study presented to the board include a push to increase public environmental awareness through community activities and school programs, encourage public transportation and consider creating a village trolley system. The study also suggests an effort to decrease water consumption and energy audits for all new construction.
Trustee Keki Bhote wondered how some goals, such as improving air quality, would be objectively measured. Walter Eckenhoff, chairman of the village contextual review design commission, said some elements of the plan, such as how much gas is used by municipal vehicles, are easier to quantify than others.
— Tracy Gruen
VERNON HILLS
Advertising suggested to bolster revenue
Vernon Hills wants some green, too.
Director of Public Works Edward Laudenslager told the Village Board this week that revenue could be generated with advertising.
Suggestions included installation of digital ad signs inside the Metra station, offering sponsorship on village lamp post banners, installing advertising signs and banners at the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex, and allowing ad space through score cards and tee signs at the Municipal Golf Course.
Revenue estimates range between $50,000 and $80,000.
— Kathryn Dill
SKOKIE
Residents, mayor rail against CTA extension
Talk of a CTA yellow line extension in Skokie drew criticism from residents and Mayor George Van Dusen at a board meeting this week.
Van Dusen said he’s against the proposed extension that would run from Dempster Street and stop at Old Orchard Road. He and several concerned residents last month urged CTA not to build a train station in the Niles North High School parking lot.
“The preferred alternative for the village, in my opinion, would be the bus rapid transit system,” Van Dusen said.
“I do not want a train or a bus going through my neighborhood,” resident Marda Dunsky said.
One resident felt a train station in Skokie would bring more crime and drugs. Others worried the train would lower property values.
“We’re becoming known for our eye sores,” said resident Diane Peterson, who felt the village board should work on filling vacancies downtown and making it more vibrant rather than concentrate on transporting people to an “overdeveloped” part area of town.
— Tracy Gruen
LAKE FOREST
Green Bay Road resurfacing OK’d
Lake Forest City Council members approved an agreement this week with the Illinois Department of Transportation for the resurfacing of Green Bay Road from Westleigh Road to Alden Lane. Officials estimate the busy stretch of road was last paved 12 or 13 years ago.
The resurfacing is a joint effort between IDOT, which will be financing 70 percent of the cost — or $545,498 — with federal stimulus funds and the city.
Work is to start in May and run through August.
— Kathryn Dill
