[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6345374,"mediaKeyId","2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d","parentId",2249260,"title","Riverside board asks planning and zoning to pursue text amendments aimed at reducing prominence of front‑loaded garages","audioSeconds",889,"startMs",3364000,"endMs",4253000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d&start=3364&end=4253","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d/thumbnail_3364000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6345374/Riverside/Cook-County/Illinois/Riverside-board-asks-planning-and-zoning-to-pursue-text-amendments-aimed-at-reducing-prominence-of-frontloaded-garages","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345374-d68073b71cdeae5547c5340e4c4fbddc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190501&Signature=GbRFjlsMwl736DXemncGkTKyCDMTA237DC5N1sCfvWR55eUA5NeoZDk~8kHtIBryTHkv6BrGLkoukYeZMpI9MCKWTI5HOgYe0UM-uLR0IWZP-akl1EVLjVAOuOWT4ju0DN1KLmWENk7RkNJ9iYvFifBH4YVDjsNZt7n72HcgvhB-8w7jvF5omksQ8SR2V~ZZ2EFNHw2DHMxn6PbAZtOSN5G~Iu9WZemwO0sriVlYqPolagZig~oGQ0NqSyqC2tMyOP1dYkIDG5-HufeTkdrvdqwMkeo9IGe2kxjbwgUTpUrgrptywPnUICt62hmvPr-jUGUigq-VYtUHEra1C1Hkqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Village of Riverside, IL","date","2025-02-07T08:45:54Z","article","The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees on Feb. 6 directed the Planning and Zoning Commission to continue work on proposed zoning text amendments intended to reduce the street-facing prominence of attached, front‑loaded garages and to encourage detached garages in select situations.

Planning staff (Planner Siren) told the board the two central elements of the draft amendments are: a requirement that attached front‑loaded garages be set back at least five feet from the front face of the house (making some existing front‑loaded garages nonconforming when properties are redeveloped), and a development incentive that would allow up to a 400-square-foot building‑coverage bonus for the construction of detached garages in specified cases (new single‑family construction, remodels replacing attached garages, or construction of a detached garage where none exists). Staff said the bonus would not increase allowed impervious surface coverage.

Manager Francis and trustees discussed the origin of the work: staff said conversations with the State Historic Preservation Office and the National Park Service previously flagged front‑loaded garages as a potential threat to the district's historic streetscape, in particular Riverside's characteristic setbacks and green parkways. Preservation Commission discussions on the topic date back to 2017 and resurfaced as the village updated related policies; staff said the item will go to the Preservation Commission for comment (scheduled Feb. 13), then to Planning & Zoning for a public hearing before returning to the board for final action.

Trustees debated trade-offs. Some trustees favored the \u001ccarrot\u001d approach of offering a building‑coverage bonus to encourage detached garages rather than strict prohibitions; others raised concerns that promoting detached rear garages can increase driveway length and impervious surface, potentially mixing policy signals. Trustees asked staff to obtain documentary context from earlier preservation correspondence and to seek a Preservation Commission opinion on whether the proposed 5‑foot setback would meaningfully address the landmark concerns cited by state and federal reviewers.

There was no final zoning action on Feb. 6; the board's direction was procedural: forward the draft text amendments to Planning & Zoning and Preservation commissions for their review and public hearing process.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Village of Riverside Board of Trustees Regular Meeting 02-06-25","oneSentenceSummary","The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees on Feb. 6 directed Planning & Zoning to continue work on zoning text amendments intended to reduce the street-facing prominence of attached, front‑loaded garages and to encourage detached garages through a building‑coverage bonus.","taxTitle","Riverside, Cook County, Illinois","taxId",70350,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345378,"Riverside trustees opt to keep electrical aggregation as primary program; agree to expand resident education on community solar options",1562,1789000,3351000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d&start=1789&end=3351","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d/thumbnail_1789000.jpg","/articles/6345378/Riverside/Cook-County/Illinois/Riverside-trustees-opt-to-keep-electrical-aggregation-as-primary-program-agree-to-expand-resident-education-on-community-solar-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345378-96a9705112b65344269bb3dae3463268/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190501&Signature=G~0LV3pp1ETpZI~eBNbJJsf5nT67KeNaQpsZ9FZY3JqQztx3nqr25gpkkmGe1Iu~sDgXDzuNsmx683dhHJtki3t4CIwf9zeRJa2nrwdi9lSd9bdTYUvzSgxSgOhX0se0ShAnZPUdKl5VXCZSySD83kWFdVfxr9JJDxfP2DdZJLmAhh1ARtRkzUkYvPy8lkKL8YMZVkb4HxZz-I3YhOh~QHW-JSlkh7-O-8-m1CS2w6QEWB0rzVEktHX9UA4XccEXX1BvfFVcmRr0bkYGPQJWCoWUgAWfFRdFaE67mEuCt36vOvEeATQ27pRL01PK51Zi5BKRBfVjkObCFmHG-DCsFQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Village staff briefed the Board of Trustees Feb. 6 on community solar options and the trade-offs between the village promoting a single community solar vendor, hiring an independent consultant for public education, or continuing solely with the existing electrical aggregation program.

Clerk Sowell described staff's estimate that hiring a neutral consultant for public education would cost roughly $50 per hour for 100 to 200 hours annually (an estimated $5,000\u001310,000 per year). Staff also summarized outreach to the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and Oak Park's Sustainability and Resilience Office; Oak Park reported about 1,000 households initially signed up for its community solar offering but only about 318 were currently enrolled, and Oak Park has roughly 2.5 full-time staff dedicated to sustainability work.

Staff noted differences among community-solar providers in availability and wait lists and emphasized that community solar is opt-in (subscribers must enroll) and typically results in two bills: a credit on the utility bill and a separate invoice from the solar provider. Staff cautioned that introducing a promotional campaign could create an information workload for village staff and risk resident confusion, and that third-party vendors sometimes send misleading mailers during aggregation renewals.

During discussion trustees and staff agreed by consensus to continue the village's electrical aggregation as the primary program and to improve communications so residents know community solar is an available, opt-in option they may pursue on their own. The board did not select or endorse a single community-solar provider, and staff said any decision to partner with a particular vendor (which often provides consultant services at no cost to the village) would be separate and require additional direction.

Staff listed the current aggregation contract pricing referenced earlier in the meeting: the board had previously approved an aggregation rate of just over 8 cents per kilowatt-hour with MC Squared, while the annualized ComEd rate is about 6.5 cents per kilowatt-hour. The board directed staff to include clearer education and frequently asked questions in future outreach about aggregation renewals and community solar options so residents understand opt-in mechanics, potential billing complexity and waiting-list issues.","After a staff presentation on community solar options and potential consultant costs, trustees agreed Feb. 6 to maintain the village's electrical aggregation program as the primary approach to procuring green energy and to increase public information about community solar subscribers residents can enroll in independently.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345382,"Consultant: Riverside Parks & Recreation runs high program volume on a small budget; recommends marketing hire",755,1005000,1760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d&start=1005&end=1760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d/thumbnail_1005000.jpg","/articles/6345382/Riverside/Cook-County/Illinois/Consultant-Riverside-Parks-Recreation-runs-high-program-volume-on-a-small-budget-recommends-marketing-hire","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345382-cf8f3207f1f6813d182bfe1fdbd2f3d1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190501&Signature=asGDYKH8rPyjYPBrmn~on4JDi9SnHvFKHY~IY7PNAFXY~4JUyf6Cr3PUszIMWY1kDjZfkFLEXlYIcmVjMljBGTc9PvUMNqa0PSQwKEBzCgjTN4Hi61PEVfR0kFKHvQfYZwCCVaAsivncd~Soor9PpnEz6OT-MPE2ItAP4~ZSGzJwmi1S3djdBi-ab4nTL-cx3twDLXLiE4c44H61qc2EYvZSA8wiifr-S9sXcIbTr0GhpHDx2glpQRl7pkDoVkPV4OMFbBTvTo0-0NT~6iFkOcd5-qGU~XQZ8ZZBzFczCQAoZMtKEB5-S4bXgFNQsnjVG-l2NCEs8wOVZsZe6fjepQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A consulting team from BerryDunn told the Village of Riverside Board of Trustees Feb. 6 that the village's parks and recreation department offers a high volume of programs relative to its staffing and budget, but manages those programs with one of the smallest capital-improvement budgets among comparator agencies.

Elsa Fisher and finance specialist Jesse Mayotte presented a high-level financial overview and benchmarking analysis covering fiscal years 2022\u00132024 and projections through 2028. The consultants said Riverside's operating budget for parks and recreation is small compared with peer agencies and that the village's annual capital-improvement program for parks was shown in the presentation as approximately $60,000.

The benchmarking slide deck compared population, acreage and program counts among 15 responding agencies. BerryDunn's analysis showed Riverside at roughly 9 parks and about 82 acres, and program volumes above the average for agencies of similar size once extremes were removed. Consultant Nikki (recreation lead) reported the department has four full-time employees, augmented by approximately 30 to 40 part-time staff for seasonal programming; staff recently added a fifth part-time position to help with programs.

Consultants highlighted two core conclusions: Riverside offers more programming than many benchmarked agencies given its staff and budget, and the village's capital budget for parks and recreation is comparatively small. As a result, BerryDunn recommended that the village consider hiring a part-time marketing position to improve outreach, programming awareness and relieve program staff who currently split marketing and administrative duties.

Manager Francis and trustees thanked the consulting team; BerryDunn said the next project steps include a recreation assessment that will dive deeper into program types and a visioning session scheduled in February, followed by a final plan targeted for April.","A BerryDunn presentation to the Village of Riverside Board Feb. 6 found the parks and recreation department delivers above-average programming for its size but operates with a comparatively low capital budget and small full‑time staff; consultants recommended a part‑time marketing position and further recreation assessment.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345387,"Riverside holds public hearing on up to $6.2 million water and sewer bonds",89,63000,152000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d&start=63&end=152","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d/thumbnail_63000.jpg","/articles/6345387/Riverside/Cook-County/Illinois/Riverside-holds-public-hearing-on-up-to-62-million-water-and-sewer-bonds","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345387-c0cb1c8b6a90353f6d5d3ddb1d5a3add/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190501&Signature=ZQXTeHQ4GWJZULY9-s5y4BpJoUA3kO-6c2PhFtb~eT1at7pbIznE3cT3bEuPMQIqWpSRpl9CqVwUlxB39ZiWW3fWI6S8z7LqfU2rDNcxRX8rbhxwkWbU~nrEWLke~aScYi3Rl-TVAvLhfVNX-zDhpL~QZr6-K6h79TQg3Cs0pZS~jk1vX5wH-skfPt21eTsG-XCiFHctuIHhNX5AD-FzuXSmDTTJOEqvXZAWm-gK0NZCPGGOQ40gM7~iS1nRxS0chzLqz472qcS3EF0eHOqo1vKkF2JZF3lnwi2wGItV5cBra8nSmSKcD-sQrid3SVxuKMUr4Gewvd4Rzw0l3jAYFw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees opened and then closed a public hearing Feb. 6 on the village's intent to issue general obligation bonds not to exceed $6,200,000 to fund water and sewer infrastructure improvements, Finance Director Zavala told the board.

The bonds are structured as general obligation, alternate revenue source bonds with an expected 20-year repayment period and an estimated interest rate range of 4.29 to 5 percent; final interest rates will be set after the bond sale in March, Zavala said. Anticipated net proceeds were listed at about $6,000,000.

The hearing packet and Zavala's presentation described planned projects to be funded by the issuance: multiple water-main replacements, sewer separation work and replacement of lead service lines. Staff said the projects are being aligned with street improvements to reduce costs and avoid repeated excavation on the same street.

Notice of the public hearing was posted in the Landmark newspaper on Jan. 22, 2025, Zavala said. No members of the public offered comments during the hearing. After a brief staff presentation and no public testimony, a trustee moved and a second was offered to close the public hearing and return to the regular meeting. The clerk called the roll and the trustees present voted unanimously to close the hearing.

The next procedural step is the village's March bond sale, after which final interest rates and the precise financing schedule will be reported to the board, staff said.","The Village of Riverside opened and closed a public hearing Feb. 6 on intent to sell up to $6.2 million in general obligation bonds to finance water and sewer projects; trustees closed the hearing with a unanimous roll-call vote and the village will complete the bond sale process in March.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6345369,"Votes at a glance: Riverside board approves consent agenda, closes public hearing and adjourns to executive session (Feb. 6)",4138,876000,5014000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d&start=876&end=5014","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2249260-1e037ca2f548bca8d5e72dc8c178584d/thumbnail_876000.jpg","/articles/6345369/Riverside/Cook-County/Illinois/Votes-at-a-glance-Riverside-board-approves-consent-agenda-closes-public-hearing-and-adjourns-to-executive-session-Feb-6","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6345369-cdd1bbd50301b015c437cea5aea48d60/orig.mp4?Expires=1771190501&Signature=UnIX~Hi8jJ5Y~pfzElewKqhurUNRT3wIiBtDkT1w4Hh6Dtsw2Z9v~LXBT~BY5k93hzxyLL3HA6JFWKHyUYZ7qYVHEXtfZXgWJOx1AIKWpcDwrBnfmKrQSDmV0ZRTPvU7VYcLLIWPmfsFthGNyHuJ~ssHD8Mv0en2xAzQHAYSd1NTtky2mJw3-eEW~cPj8h3JoB7fliVWhWfqA8SYq~Er3WCBT31A1vPNFs2I-GTAMJIW0TLC6XjfPUaPUw4FgPFBylmHFFX1YfQwRsTKNCSQRxU-RAGpHAMvtm9sarMENyteHm17zqPJc-qjWqqhjaxhL9Jou0fAVkdnLkCZ5BeCsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Village of Riverside Board of Trustees conducted several formal votes Feb. 6. Below is a concise list of actions recorded at the meeting and the roll-call outcomes.

Votes at a glance

1) Close public hearing on intent to issue up to $6.2 million in general obligation bonds: Approved by unanimous roll-call vote of trustees present.

2) Consent agenda: Approved. The consent agenda, approved by roll call, included the following separately listed items in the meeting packet: approve voucher list of bills (02/06/2025); approve Village Board regular meeting minutes (01/16/2025) and executive session minutes (01/16/2025); review and file Parks & Recreation Board minutes (Nov. 18, 2024) and Planning & Zoning Commission minutes (Dec. 17, 2024); review and file department monthly reports (Police & Fire Dec. 2024; Finance Dec. 2024; Community Development Jan. 2025); a resolution authorizing the village manager to issue a purchase order to Ziegler Auto Group of North Riverside for a 2025 Ford utility interceptor in an amount not to exceed $47,175.70; a resolution authorizing the village manager to waive competitive bidding and execute a sales agreement with Curry Commercial Truck Center for an amount not to exceed $33,565 for a 2025 Ford Maverick pickup; an ordinance amending Title 8 relating to water charges for places of worship; an ordinance adopting the official updated zoning map of the Village of Riverside; and a resolution revising special event/facility rental policy and procedures for the train station. The clerk called the roll and trustees present voted aye on the motion to approve the consent agenda.

3) Motion to adjourn to executive session to discuss probable, imminent or pending litigation and acquisition of real property: Approved by unanimous roll-call vote. The board stated it would not reconvene for public action after the executive session.

Roll-call summary for recorded votes: Trustee Mateo, Trustee Marshaszka, Trustee Clarity, Trustee Evans, Trustee Kos and Trustee Gallagos recorded aye votes on the motions above when roll calls were taken; there were no recorded nays, abstentions, recusals or absences for these items in the transcript.","At its Feb. 6 meeting the Village of Riverside Board of Trustees approved the consent agenda including vehicle purchases and code updates, unanimously closed a public hearing on bond issuance, and voted to adjourn to executive session for litigation and property acquisition discussions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Riverside board asks planning and zoning to pursue text amendments aimed at reducing prominence of front‑loaded garages

Riverside trustees opt to keep electrical aggregation as primary program; agree to expand resident education on community solar options

Consultant: Riverside Parks & Recreation runs high program volume on a small budget; recommends marketing hire

Riverside holds public hearing on up to $6.2 million water and sewer bonds

Votes at a glance: Riverside board approves consent agenda, closes public hearing and adjourns to executive session (Feb. 6)