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Plan commission recommends tree-density and trail planning for 2026 budget; economic-development items delayed
Summary
The plan commission recommended the village prioritize increasing tree density and funding a trails master plan for the 2026 budget while delaying business-facing tasks until economic development capacity is added.
Staff and the plan commission presented proposed action items drawn from the village's 2023 comprehensive plan for inclusion in the 2026 budget process. The plan commission highlighted four items: increase tree density in development standards, target funds to complete a trails master plan, expand the commercial façade improvement program to include select apartment properties, and conduct a market study to identify growth industries and catalytic development sites.
Staff recommended focusing on the first two items — tree-density and the trails master plan — in the near term because the village does not currently have an economic development director to lead business-facing initiatives. A staff speaker summarized the commission's four priorities: "The first 1, increase tree density ... Trails master plan ... Develop a commercial facade improvement plan ... conduct a market study. Staff is recommending focusing on the first 2 non economic development items at this time due to the lack of an economic development director."
Trustees and staff discussed implementation details. One trustee asked whether the tree requirement was intended to favor native species or ornamentals; staff said the village has an approved tree list in the code and noted tree placement must account for sight lines and driveways. The board asked staff member "Danny" to prepare a memo that compiles current tree rules and requirements for discussion at a future meeting.
On the trails master plan, staff said outreach to the park district had begun and that plan-commission members and district representatives may work together on trail-system planning. For the commercial façade program, plan commissioners suggested adding apartments across from the John Shields property to the eligible list and discussed possible mural projects in partnership with local property owners and the school district.
No formal budget appropriation was adopted at the meeting; staff requested directional guidance to prioritize items for the upcoming budget process and will return with budget recommendations and a memo on current tree rules.
