Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Riverwoods considers expanding woodland cost-share to commonly held properties; no vote
Loading...
Summary
The board discussed revising the village’s woodland cost-share program to allow participation by commonly held properties such as homeowners‑association land. Staff will survey properties and meet with the sustainability group and village ecologist; the item remains under study and no action was taken.
Village leaders discussed whether the woodland cost‑share program should be revised to permit participation by commonly held property such as homeowners association (HOA) land, but the board took no action.
Mayor Ford said he had asked the village ecologist to survey two properties that have sizable commonly held land and that any cost share for those properties would likely be a pro‑rata participation rather than a per‑lot formula. "It is likely that there will be a pro‑rata participation, meaning that, for example, lot number 1, I believe in Vernon Woods is roughly 17 acres," Mayor Ford said, explaining the concept under consideration.
Trustee Raff asked whether the current program had already been revised; staff replied the program today applies to individually owned properties and that prior small revisions expanded eligible activities beyond garlic mustard removal to invasive shrubs. Trustee Smith said the matter should be considered holistically as part of a broader cost‑share review to increase access and usability for residents.
Staff and trustees said they are coordinating a meeting with the sustainability group, the plan commission and the village ecologist to develop options and cost estimates. The village ecologist’s involvement was described as important because of licensing and site‑specific expertise.
There was no motion or vote. The board framed the item as a study and directed staff to continue outreach and to return with estimates and options for the board’s consideration at a future meeting.
