Vernon Hills seeks input on future plans

One never knows what suggestion will make it onto Vernon Hills’ to-do list.

As they refine the next strategic plan, village officials are asking residents what they think is important going forward.

The proposed plan is available on the village website, www.vernonhills.org. In a message to residents, Mayor Roger Byrne outlines the achievements of past plans and asks for residents’ input, saying he looks forward to more improvements.

Though a strategic plan is not legally binding, village leaders since 1994 have been using it as a bigger picture guideline in its decision making.

High priorities in that original plan, such as a post office, Metra commuter station, Cook Memorial Library branch and development of the Vernon Hills Athletic Complex, eventually came to pass.

The plan has been updated periodically, and the 2011 version will be the fifth. Adjustments are made for the times.

“This is a major document, but it’s also a fluid document,” Village Manager Mike Allison said.

The original plan captured an emerging community that wanted to provide more services and opportunities for residents, he said.

As a result, the village either provided land or made it available at a below-market price to attract the White Deer Run Golf Course, Glacier Ice Arena and the YMCA, for example.

In 1998, regional issues took center stage and amenities such as a Metra commuter station and village hall were identified. Three years later, programs and customer service were emphasized. In 2004, the budget and cash reserves became the focus, as well as continued development of the Town Center in a special financing district at routes 21 and 45.

“It is kind of amazing to see what has been accomplished,” Allison said.

Village leaders again want to update their plans and met for more than three hours on a Saturday in late January to rank dozens of ideas in various categories.

“We’ve had a meeting but we’re not done yet,” Byrne said.

Priorities so far include communication with residents, marketing the community and upgrading commercial properties.

“Sales tax is our lifeblood,” Allison said.

Working with Loyola University, which took over the Cuneo property, and continued improvement at the village athletic complex also are considerations.

Another challenge will be dealing with the potential destruction of trees due to the emergence of the emerald ash borer.

Allison said he will collect ideas from residents and expects the village board at some point to review them for possible inclusion in the final document.

Comments should be sent to Allison at mikea@vhills.org.