In Libertyville, sidewalks win out over tree concerns

Character counts, but safety won out as Libertyville trustees decided a sidewalk should be installed on Homewood Drive.

Originally approved last year as part of a street reconstruction project in the tree-canopied neighborhood near Libertyville High School, residents were given a rare second chance to make their case against the sidewalk. The board decided Tuesday, though, to stick to its plan.

In the past few months, the question of the whether a sidewalk would harm the trees and alter the character of the neighborhood generated emotional debate and pitted neighbors against each other.

Village leaders also received a stream of e-mails and heard passionate pleas, as well as differing opinions by experts.

The village's expert said the trees, some of which are centuries old, had survived the development of the area. With steps such as specialized root pruning there would be minimal problems, the expert said.

After weighing it all, trustees voted 5-0 to proceed with the sidewalk.

"I think of it as the bigger picture of the 20,000 people who live in Libertyville," Trustee Drew Cullum said. "It's always been a safety issue."

Many e-mails packaged for trustees voiced the same sentiment.

"This decision should not be left to a handful of residents," said Kim Sanders of 180 Homewood Drive. "This is a safety issue first and foremost as well as an enhancement to the village of Libertyville."

Opponents were surprised at the vote, given that the village board's streets committee recommended 2-1 two weeks ago not to install the sidewalks.

Committee chairman Donna Johnson and Trustee Bob Peron, a Homewood Drive resident, changed their minds, however. Neither elaborated on their latest votes or returned a call for comment Wednesday.

"These decisions are not easily made," Johnson said at the board meeting.

Opponents were disappointed, but resigned.

"Now I guess we just cross our fingers and hope for the best for the trees," said Cindy Poland, whose family has owned 221 and 225 Homewood for 57 years. The sidewalk will span 165 feet across the family's properties.

"I have two children's beds that would be in a direct line if these trees fall."

She predicted the sidewalk wouldn't be used.

Mayor Jeff Harger, who votes only in case of a tie, said the village "went above and beyond to be open and fair," to both sides.