By Dee Longfellow
The following are measures that were taken recently by the Elmhurst City Council under the leadership of Mayor Scott Levin.
Three seek ordinance to remove private trees
A referral from Aldermen Michael Bram (3rd Ward), Rex Irby (7th) and Karen Sienko (2nd) was given to the Public Works & Buildings (PWB) Committee for consideration. In a written memo, the three aldermen are requesting an evaluation be completed to allow for an ordinance on the removal or replacement of private trees.
The request pertains to all trees regardless of zoning classification. Similar ordinances are in place in other communities, such as Orland Park, Lincolnshire, Glenview, and others.
“The importance of trees is imperative in many ways including, but not limited to, assisting in stormwater management, air quality, wildlife and reflecting the importance of our ‘Tree City USA” designation,’” the communique read. “We feel that the first priority would be to protect all trees within the City, as well as to take measures to protect mature trees.”
The memo went on to say they realized this may not always be feasible, but they hoped it would offer an incentive to protect and keep current mature trees.
The PWB Committee will address this topic at a future meeting.
Two aldermen suggest ‘No-Mow’ pollinator program
Aldermen Karen Sienko (2nd Ward) and Michael Bram (3rd) have issued a written request to the City Council to consider a “No-Mow Pollinator Program” and initiative already supported by many local villages and cities in the area, such as Villa Park, Lombard, Naperville and Franklin Park.
These programs began in Britain in 2020 as a starting point to support early spring pollinators and other insect populations. Sienko and Bram pointed out that current City ordinances do not allow residents an option to participate in a program, such as “No-Mow-Til-Mother’s-Day,” “No-Mow April/May,” or “Slow Mow Summer.” More information about No Mow programs and samples of ordinances other municipalities have used is available at beecityusa.org/no-mow-may/.
Sienko, Bram seek review of City’s TIF incentives, programs
In another written communication, Sienko and Bram have requested that an evaluation be completed to expand the City’s TIF incentives and programs. They particularly want the following items to be considered as part of TIF incentives:
• Alternative energy sources (solar, wind, etc.)
• Sustainability practices (roof gardens, etc.)
• On-site stormwater management (permeable brick pavers, dry wells, rain gardens, etc.)
• Adding roof top decks
• Rehabilitating historic properties.
Sienko and Bram also requested a review to possibly remove the City’s Sign Grant program. They said signs increase property only minimally and provide no overall benefit to the community. It would allow funds to be utilized in other grants and incentive programs that would have benefits to the community and neighborhoods, increase property values and a higher return rate on dollars invested from other TIF incentives.
Other actions:
• An ordinance was passed granting a variation from the interior side yard setback requirement for the property at 370 N. Addison Ave.
• An ordinance was passed granting a condition use permit for a planned unit development (PUD) with a site development allowance for the construction of additions and façade renovation to the property at 300 W. Grand. Ave.
• An ordinance passed for rezoning (map amendment) and approving a final plat of subdivision for the construction of a single-family residence at 292 S. Arlington.
• The use of the municipal parking lot located at the northwest corner of E. Vallette and Division streets was granted to the Jackson Elementary School PTA for a fundraising event.
