Homer Glen Village Board Updates Tree Preservation Ordinance Amid Celebrations

Tree Preservation Ordinance Update

On Wednesday, the Homer Glen Village Board approved an updated ordinance for tree preservation. This ordinance aims to protect mature trees on private property and coincides with celebrating the winners of the Big Tree Champion contest. The revision process began in February 2025, driven by the Environment Committee, to address outdated regulations. Last month, the plan was tabled by trustees due to various concerns. A special meeting was held on Aug. 20 by the Environment Committee to incorporate feedback into the proposed ordinance. After further adjustments, the ordinance received board approval.

Andy Panelli, a member of the Environment Committee and president of the DeBoer Woods Homeowners Association, stated, “Protecting trees adds real value to our community.” He emphasized that the revised ordinance would furnish important tools to maintain Homer Glen’s character.

New Regulations

The new regulations, effective from Jan. 1, apply to residential properties of 3 acres or more, gradually extending to smaller lots by 2031. By that year, one-acre lots will also fall under the ordinance. The purpose is to deter clear-cut development and preserve healthy trees. Homeowners will need permits for tree removal, except for trees removed within construction footprints plus a 40-foot buffer.

Trees are categorized by size, and tree removal necessitates replacement or a donation to the village’s tree fund. This fund supports new tree plantings and arborist services. Commercial and industrial properties remain unaffected.

Big Tree Champion Contest

The ordinance approval followed the announcement of Big Tree Champion contest winners. Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike and village officials honored winners including Bryce Hansen, 3, who discovered eastern cottonwood trees with a trunk circumference of 156 inches. Other winners are Jesse Synoga, 2, who identified a silver maple with a circumference of 145 inches, and Parnell O’Brien, who found a pagoda dogwood with a 14.5 inch circumference, alongside Jason Arrigo for his Swamp White Oak discovery.

Suspension of Flock License Plate Reader Program

The Homer Glen Village Board also suspended its Flock camera license plate reader program. This decision came after reports of alleged policy violations by a Will County sheriff’s deputy. Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike advocated for the suspension pending investigation.

Contracted with the Will County sheriff for police services, the program, initially approved last December, was suspended by a unanimous board vote. Only four out of twelve planned cameras were installed, with further installation delayed. Trustee Nick Muller, a police sergeant, highlighted the utility of Flock cameras in solving crimes.

Former police chief Trustee Robert Schaller supported the suspension, citing it as “the prudent thing to do.” A strict memorandum ensures data collected is shared within Illinois only and retained for seven days.

Additional Business

“Any technology that is available is an asset…” — Nick Muller

The board authorized extra mosquito abatement treatment costing nearly $11,000 due to increased rainfall and mosquito activity. Confirmed presence of West Nile virus in Will County, including Homer Glen, prompted action after complaints from residents. The board also agreed on a three-year contract for light installations and maintenance during Halloween and Christmas at Heritage Park.

Michelle Mullins contributes as a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.