Northbrook board supports cost-share plan to remove invasive buckthorn and creates Disability Inclusion Award

At its Feb. 24 meeting the Northbrook Village Board heard proposals from the Sustainability Commission and the Disability Inclusion Commission and approved actions to advance both.

Trustees discussed a sustainability proposal aimed at helping residents remove invasive common buckthorn. A commission representative said the estimate—based on preliminary assessments—is that close to 30% of tree cover in the area could be buckthorn, and that removal is labor- and time-intensive and may require chemical treatment. The commission proposed a cost-sharing framework to lower the expense barrier for homeowners who cannot remove buckthorn themselves.

"The Sustainability Commission is very passionate about finding ways to help eradicate this invasive species from the village," a commission member said, noting the program could mirror other village cost-share programs such as stormwater or rain garden incentives.

Trustees voiced support and discussed outreach and the mechanics of cost sharing; a trustee who removed buckthorn from his property described the work as impactful though not inexpensive. The transcript records a motion to approve or refer the recommendation for further consideration; the board proceeded to discuss implementation logistics and community outreach.

Separately, the board authorized establishment of a Village Disability Inclusion Award. Sam of the Disability Inclusion Commission described the award as a recognition program for businesses and organizations that actively include individuals with disabilities in their workforce or regular programming and said the commission would partner with the Chamber of Commerce to promote the award.

The board voted in favor of creating the award. Staff will work with the commission and chamber on promotion and award criteria and report back to the board with next steps.