Tree Preservation Ordinance Update
The Homer Glen Village Board approved significant updates to the tree preservation ordinance. The revision aims to safeguard mature trees on private properties.
The Environment Committee has been updating the ordinance since February 2025. Prior revisions had not occurred in two decades.
Initial concerns from trustees led to a special meeting on August 20. Feedback from this meeting shaped the final approved ordinance.
Protecting trees adds real value to our community.
Andy Panelli, Environment Committee Member
The ordinance targets residential properties over three acres effective January 1. It will gradually include smaller lots, applying to one-acre lots by 2031.
The regulations intend to prevent clear-cutting for development and promote healthy tree conservation. Permits are now necessary for tree removal.
The ordinance exempts trees removed within the footprint of new homes or driveways, plus a 40-foot buffer.
Homeowners must replace removed trees or donate to the village’s tree fund.
No changes were made concerning commercial and industrial properties.
Trustee Mike Lepore expressed concern about potential neighbor disputes arising from the ordinance.
Big Tree Champion Contest
The Village Board celebrated the Big Tree Champion contest winners. This tradition recognizes exceptional trees based on size, age, or rarity.
A new kids category was introduced this year, honoring Bryce Hansen, 3, for discovering two eastern cottonwoods with an impressive trunk circumference.
Other winners included Jesse Synoga for finding a silver maple with significant circumference, and Parnell O’Brien and Jason Arrigo for identifying other notable trees.
Suspension of Flock Camera System
The Village Board suspended the Flock camera license plate reader program. This followed reports of alleged policy violations by a Will County sheriff’s deputy.
Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike called for the suspension pending the investigation.
The village contracts police services with the Will County sheriff’s department.
Trustee Nick Muller endorsed Flock cameras for their crime-solving benefits while supporting the current suspension.
Trustee Robert Schaller advocated for pausing Flock cameras as a prudent measure. Strict protocols will be reviewed before the program resumes.
So far, only four of the planned twelve cameras have been installed.
The village restricts camera data sharing and retention to ensure privacy.
Mosquito Abatement and Lighting Contract
The Village Board added an extra mosquito abatement treatment costing approximately $11,000.
Heavy summer rainfall raised concerns over mosquito breeding. West Nile virus presence has been confirmed in the area.
The board entered a three-year lighting contract for park decorations at a cost of nearly $49,000.
Michelle Mullins contributed as a freelance reporter for this coverage.