Tree Preservation Ordinance Approved
The Homer Glen Village Board updated its tree preservation ordinance to safeguard mature trees on private properties. This decision coincided with the celebration of its Big Tree Champion contest winners. The Environment Committee began revising the ordinance in February 2025, addressing its outdated status after 20 years.
The Village Board had delayed the plan last month due to concerns. A special meeting was held on August 20 to integrate board feedback into the new ordinance, which was then refined for final approval. Committee member Andy Panelli, also president of the DeBoer Woods Homeowners Association, highlighted the community value of tree protection, stating that updated tools would help maintain Homer Glen’s character.
The regulations will initially apply to residential properties of three acres from January 1, progressively covering smaller lots. By 2031, one-acre lots will also be included. The aim is to prevent clear-cutting and preserve healthy trees. Tree removal will require permits. For new construction, trees within a home’s footprint and a 40-foot buffer are exempt from mitigation. The buffer increase allows for potential additions like pools or play sets. Trees will be categorized by size, with replacements or donations to the village’s tree fund required for any removal.
No changes affect commercial and industrial properties. Trustee Mike Lepore voiced satisfaction with loosened business restrictions, although he worried about potential neighbor conflicts from ordinance violations. Trustees acknowledged the committee’s effort in safeguarding natural resources. Following the ordinance approval, the board recognized the Big Tree Champion contest winners, a tradition since 2018 celebrating large, old, or rare trees.
This year, a new kids category was included, with Bryce Hansen, 3, discovering two eastern cottonwoods in his yard surpassing previous records. Another winner, Jesse Synoga, 2, found a sizeable silver maple. Parnell O’Brien identified a pagoda dogwood, and Jason Arrigo discovered a large Swamp White Oak.
Suspension of Flock License Plate Reader Cameras
The Village Board suspended its Flock license plate reader program after a Will County sheriff’s deputy’s alleged policy violations. Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike requested the pause pending an investigation and protocol review. Homer Glen contracts with the Will County sheriff for police services. The suspension was approved unanimously.
Trustee Nick Muller, a police sergeant, praised the technology for solving crimes while emphasizing proper use protocols. Trustee Robert Schaller, a former police chief, supported the suspension as prudent. The board initially voted in December to install 12 license plate readers, of which only four are currently operational. Installation of the remaining eight cameras has been delayed.
Homer Glen enforces one of the strictest agreements with the sheriff’s department regarding the use of these cameras, limiting shared information to within Illinois and retaining data for only seven days.
Additional Mosquito Abatement Initiatives
The Village Board approved an extra mosquito abatement treatment, costing nearly $11,000, due to potential breeding areas caused by heavy rainfall. Mosquito surveillance indicated West Nile virus presence in Will County, with positive cases confirmed in Homer Glen. The Will County Health Department reported its first human West Nile virus case recently, and resident mosquito complaints have risen.
The board also entered a three-year contract with Twinkle Lights Installation, costing nearly $49,000, for setting up and maintaining Halloween and Christmas decorations at Heritage Park.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
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