Neighborhood character at issue in sidewalk plan

Neighborhood character has become a consideration in an ongoing street project in Libertyville.

The village board's streets committee on Tuesday buoyed some residents on Homewood Drive by recommending a sidewalk not be built as originally proposed and approved.

"It's an historical area. I made a mistake the last time I voted for the sidewalks," said Trustee Bob Peron, who chaired the committee a year ago when the plan was approved.

Peron lives on the 100 block of Homewood Drive, which has a sidewalk. He has said one of the reasons he moved there was because of the "feel of the neighborhood," which is dominated by a canopy of old trees.

It was at his request that the full board agreed to send the matter back to the streets committee for reconsideration, giving residents a rare second chance to make their case.

Peron was joined by current chair Donna Johnson in recommending the full board forego the sidewalk and use the money for something else.

"I'm extremely torn," Johnson said.

Trustee Nick Proepper dissented.

"I believe really strongly the staff and village board did the right thing the first time," he said. "Public safety trumps a standoff on trees and an issue of appearance."

The committee heard from several area residents pro and con, as well as from two tree experts with differing opinions.

The 200 block of Homewood Drive has never had sidewalks, and this project would connect with adjoining blocks that do.

Some residents say the digging needed to install a 4-foot-wide "carriage walk" to connect with the curb will damage and possibly kill large oak trees, some believed to be 200 years old.

Village staff has said measures will be taken to minimize damage and that the majority of roots are away from the work area.

"My opinion was they are doing the right things. My expectations of those trees to successfully deal with that construction is quite high," said Chuck Stewart of Urban Forest Management, which worked with the village.

Lesley Smith, a former colleague of Stewart's, said even though the trees may last another 20 years, they already have been affected by the construction.

Several area residents said the sidewalk is needed for safety reasons, as Homewood is narrower than most streets. Nearby Libertyville High School generates traffic that could endanger children and high-schoolers who walk in the street, some emphasized.

Peron said that was part of the "flavor of the neighborhood" and some would choose to use the street even if a sidewalk is installed.

"Many of my neighbors have multiple cars with teenagers who drive," said Kim Sanders of 180 Homewood Drive. "The sidewalk is not for an individual homeowner. I feel it's for the community."

The full board is expected to make a decision at its next meeting Aug. 28.