Vernon Hills looks at ways to create more 'sustainable' environment
Premier parking spots for low-emission vehicles near stores won't be appearing soon, but Vernon Hills officials have begun to prepare for the time when such innovations may be the way to go.
It's early in the process, but the village has opened discussion on a variety of issues including requirements for wind and solar power and goals for a more "sustainable" environment.
"We're trying to get ahead of some of this and create an opportunity to have a dialogue on sustainable priorities in the village," said John Kalmar, assistant village manager.
Members of the planning and zoning commission recently were given a preview of separate but related issues: a wind and solar power ordinance; and, a change in the comprehensive plan to add a section on sustainability.
Wind power has come to the forefront, as communities anticipate requests to install either large or small devices as alternative energy sources but have no standards to regulate them.
About a dozen communities are working with county planners as the Wind Energy Task Force of Lake County. A draft of a model ordinance has been completed for comment and a final version is expected in a few months.
The issue is timely given a dispute between neighbors and Aldridge Electric regarding a wind turbine the company installed this spring at its Rockland Road facility. That matter has landed in court, and the Libertyville Village Board on Tuesday is scheduled to consider a moratorium on wind turbines.
In Vernon Hills, Building Commissioner Mike Atkinson researched wind and solar issues for months to produce a draft ordinance for the village's planning commission to consider.
The ordinance proposes to regulate wind turbines in the same manner as cell towers by designating appropriate locations.
At this point, those spots would be limited to office parks and commercial areas as the village has concerns about noise, flickering shadows and other impacts in residential areas.
Solar energy also is covered in the proposal because federal and state grants, rebates and tax credits have made it feasible for development of different types of alternative energy projects.
"We may also see some of these combined (wind and solar) technologies," Atkinson said. "We don't know. This is new."
While those types of systems are available now, access to alternative fuels and the infrastructure to support them is not, Kalmar said.
Trends show residents will have more opportunities to use renewable energy, fuel-efficient vehicles and green building practices, he said, and the village needs to prepare.
The possibility of rebates or fee reductions for the use of energy-reducing practices; replacing the village fleet with clean vehicles; support fueling and charging stations for hybrids; encouraging green building certification for architects and contractors; and, encouraging higher energy standards for new buildings or major remodeling projects are among dozens of general suggestions.
"If you have a battery-powered vehicle and you're going to shop at the mall, how do you recharge it?" Kalmar said.
Village board input as well as public hearings are anticipated in coming months.