Libertyville puts historic preservation back up for discussion

It's literally an old question in Libertyville: Is a historic preservation ordinance the right thing for a community where character already is a valued asset?

Researched and shelved a few years ago without a village board decision, the issue since last fall quietly has been getting a fresh look.

The rationale may be clear to those directly involved but murky to residents or business owners who have no clue what such an ordinance could mean for their property or neighborhood.

Next week, anyone with concerns or questions can speak out as the village's Historic Preservation Committee invites public comment on the matter of a historic preservation ordinance.

"We want to make sure people understand what it is and what the issues are and open up the discussion to whoever cares about it, frankly," said Mike Kollman, an architect and committee chair.

"Our charge was to decide if a historic preservation ordinance is something the village should consider adopting," he added. "We've got a lot of information and want to share it with the community (and) answer questions."

Anyone who wants to know more is invited to the meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 19, at the village hall, 118 W. Cook Ave. Questions or comments also can be submitted to the committee via libertyvillle.com.

The six-member committee was formed last fall at the direction of Mayor Terry Weppler, whose election with three new village trustees changed the makeup of the village board.

Operating in near anonymity, the group has been debating the pros and cons of an ordinance that could result in new rules for how the exteriors of buildings are improved.

Such ordinances can be as loose or restrictive as a community desires and could involve the establishment of historic districts, for example.

"It does involve a layer of review we don't currently have but those are for areas that have been designated and that hasn't happened yet," Kollman said.

Some of the debate has involved whether Libertyville would be better off self-policing and relying on existing building codes as has been the case.

Proponents for enacting an ordinance note a continuing trend of residential tear downs and the lack of regulation to prohibit the demolition of historic structures.

Common questions involve whether a preservation ordinance would lower property values or undermine property rights and what can or can't be done in terms of improvements.

"The ordinance can be modeled to your community," Kollman said.