River Forest approves changes to Historic Preservation Code after debate over notice and demolition delay

The Village of River Forest Board of Trustees approved amendments to the Village's Historic Preservation Code after a detailed presentation by Historic Preservation Commission Chair Dave Franek and discussion among trustees.

The proposed changes include extending the demolition-delay period to nine months and adding a demolition-by-neglect provision. Chair Dave Franek explained the Commission's rationale for those changes, and Historic Preservation Commission member John Forehand described the intent to protect significant structures. Trustees and staff debated whether to reduce the public-notice radius (250 feet vs. 500 feet) and whether to require certified mail for notices. President Adduci said she supported the demolition-delay provision but expressed concern about deteriorated properties; Chair Franek noted the ordinance now includes demolition-by-neglect language to address that. The Board ultimately approved the ordinance, with the motion framed to keep a 500-foot notification requirement but allow regular mail if the applicant provides an affidavit or verification that notices were sent.