The city of Park Ridge has become the latest member of an initiative aimed at improving environmental sustainability within suburban communities.
At the request of the Park Ridge Health Commission, the City Council on Sept. 18 voted to join the Greenest Region Compact 2. According to the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus, the compact aims for “enhanced quality of life for residents; protection and stewardship of the environment; and sustainable economic vitality.”
The compact includes 10 different categories communities can address: Climate, economic development, energy, land, leadership, mobility, municipal operations, sustainable communities, waste and recycling, and water.
The compact calls upon communities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; engage residents in “climate change mitigation and adaptation;” use efficient energy in buildings and reduce energy consumption; “conserve, restore and enhance” natural ecosystems and land features; and “cultivate a conservation ethic in the community,” among a number of other suggestions.
Tricia Williams, chairwoman of the Community Health Commission, said there is no cost or commitment to the city of Park Ridge to join the compact.
“By signing on to the compact, Park Ridge will join 56 other communities, and it will give us a framework to help the city plan for sustainability,” Williams told the City Council.
So how do Williams and the Community Health Commission define sustainability?
“It’s basically taking care of our environment, being good stewards of the environment,” she said.
So far, Park Ridge city government has taken some steps in this direction, Williams said, pointing to the mayor’s creation of a Bike Task Force to promote bicycling as an alternative transportation, energy improvements within city buildings, curbside recycling that is part of the city’s waste pick-up contract, and the city’s long designation as a “Tree City USA.”
“We’re on our way toward sustainability,” Williams said. “But this compact resolution will give us a chance to have a more strategic plan.”
Health Commission member Tim Milburn said members are willing to facilitate ideas for the city to follow, but city employees will ultimately need to be involved.
“This is targeted at the city level, for the municipality to make planned decisions on sustainability,” Milburn said.
The measure to join the compact was voted on unanimously by the City Council, with some members stressing that an affirmative vote did not require the city to follow any of the compact’s suggested initiatives.
“We could approve this tonight and do nothing,” Mayor Marty Maloney said. “There’s no cost obligation; there’s no mandated change in our policy. We don’t have to do anything.”
Fifth Ward Ald. Charlie Melidosian agreed.
“These are, generally speaking, good ideals to have,” he said. “But it’s not going to tie our hands.”
“I think it allows us to answer the question, ‘What have you done for sustainability in Park Ridge?’ ” said 7th Ward Ald. Marty Joyce.
Twitter: @Jen_Tribune
