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Resident urges village to act on downtown bench encampment, suggests model ordinance
Summary
A downtown business owner described a growing bench encampment and urged the village to adopt rules paired with social services; trustees and staff said the village is beginning to address the issue.
A downtown resident and business owner told the Village Board Monday that a homeless encampment forming near Northwest Highway has grown from one person on a bench to multiple occupants with belongings and trash, and urged a “measured compassionate” response that pairs enforcement with services.
Savina (identified in public comment as a resident and business owner) told trustees the situation “is a systemic issue” and recommended the police issue formal notices requiring removal of belongings from public benches after a reasonable grace period. She said such a policy should be paired with social services so people are directed toward housing and recovery rather than left to “stagnate.”
Savina referenced other Illinois municipalities and suggested Arlington Heights could adopt the Illinois Municipal League model ordinance or follow Round Lake, which she said passed a municipal ordinance this year regulating camping in public spaces. Village President Tonalia told Savina the board and staff are discussing the matter and encouraged her to stay in contact with the village manager’s office, saying, “we are just getting started on it.”
There was no formal board vote or ordinance introduced at the meeting. The item was raised during the Citizens to Be Heard portion and staff indicated the subject will return for further discussion.
