Riverwoods board expands ecological cost-share eligibility to certain association-held common areas

The Village of Riverwoods amended its municipal code to broaden eligibility for the ecological cost-share program so certain association-held common areas may participate, trustees decided.

Mayor Ford introduced the proposed ordinance changes and said the expansion would allow areas such as portions of Thorn Gate and a large parcel in Vernon Woods to apply for cost-share assistance. Village attorney said he had reviewed proposed language with the village ecologist, Steve Zimmerman, and incorporated the ecologist's suggestions into the final wording.

"I have reviewed this language with our village ecologist, Steve Zimmerman, gotten some comments and suggestions from him in terms of the wording," the village attorney said. The ordinance makes eligibility for association-held common areas dependent on completing an ecological consultation with the village ecologist so staff can "ascertain what's out there" before approving cost-share work, the attorney added.

Trustee Raff asked whether homeowners associations could pay for additional ecological consultations to re-examine areas over time; the attorney and other trustees said consultations could be arranged and that the change is intended to allow thoughtful expansion of restoration efforts. The board waived first reading and passed the ordinance by roll call.

Trustees and staff said the program additions are limited in scope — the attorney estimated only about eight additional parcels overall — and that Meadow Lake and other small entry features likely would not materially increase program participation. The village will continue to work with the ecologist to identify suitable parcels and manage the consultation process.