LOCKPORT
Arborist to examine plan for new trees
The city may hire an arborist to examine a developer’s plan to replace trees officials say were mistakenly destroyed last year.
Representatives from Woodridge-based Hartz Construction Co., developer of the 861-home Lago Vista development on Division Street, acknowledged they should not have destroyed the trees and are planning to remedy the mistake by planting new ones.
Although city officials and the company did not disclose the number of trees that were removed, Carol Conray, who lives near the development, said 85 to 100 trees were chopped down last summer. She said she fears the developer will replace only a fraction of them.
But City Atty. Ron Caneva said during a council meeting last week that hiring an arborist would allow the city to move forward and fairly evaluate the developer’s proposal.
“Hartz said they made a mistake and they are going to replace them,” Caneva said. “What needs to be determined now is what kind of trees will be planted and how many of them there will be.”
Hartz did not return a call seeking comment.
Jeff Borgardt
TINLEY PARK
Trustees OK option to meet via video
Village trustees last week approved an ordinance that would allow one trustee to join the Village Board meeting electronically.
The ordinance gives trustees an option if they must physically miss a meeting because of personal illness, employment purposes or family emergencies. It cannot, however, be used in order to create a quorum.
Only one board member at a time can participate via video or audio conferencing or telephone call, and the trustee must give 48 hours notice. A board member can only use the option three times a year.
The ordinance applies to any governing commission or committee within the village’s government structure.
Patricia Trebe
PARK FOREST
Realty company eyes shopping site
An out-of-state realty company is in talks with the village about a plan to bring the Norwood Square Shopping Center back to life.
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If it goes through, the deal could generate sales and property tax revenue for village coffers, according to Hildy Kingma, director of Economic Development and Planning.
Barbara Dargis