Elginites get serious about going green
Clarence Hayward signed up because he believes walking is a carbon-free form of transportation.
Royce Blackwell expressed an interest because he's concerned about mobility options for seniors.
And Charlene Sligting volunteered because she believes the Fox River is being underutilized.
These Elginites were just three of more than 100 people serving on one of nine committees to help the city craft and implement a sustainability master plan. From the line at the Centre Tuesday night, you would think it was a job fair or an iPod giveaway as the turnout to just get organized surprised even the most optimistic of city officials.
"Elgin has an opportunity to do something incredibly special and valuable," said Mayor Ed Schock, who warned the process won't be completed in one, two or even 10 years. "This is going to be a long haul, a grind it out approach. It's not something that's going to be accomplished quickly. This is an ongoing effort."
The committees cover a range of topics from water to transportation to recycling. City officials say the plan will permeate all facets of city operations, from development to employees driving hybrid cars.
City leaders also want to convince residents to be more green, be it by walking or biking more to composting and improving their homes with more energy efficient and Earth friendly materials.
"The importance of this is tremendous," said David Kaptain, city council member and co-chair of the city's sustainability effort. "It's going to guide us for the next 40 to 50 years."
Elgin's efforts also drew the attention of a documentary crew that is planning a two-hour film on Elgin, along with other cities, such as Detroit, Charlotte, Charleston, Oakland, Los Angeles, and Prairie Crossing, Ill. The film is slated to air on PBS in about 10 months and has a working title of "Public Space, Public Health."
Deb Perryman, an Elgin High School environmental sciences teacher, worked with the crew a few years ago and they recently contacted her for a follow-up project.
"It definitely gives me hope," she said. "I have such a passion for this community. I have such a belief in it. If anybody can pull off a sustainability master plan, it's Elgin. We can do this."