Rolling Meadows considers moving tree-lighting ceremony

Rolling Meadows officials are considering moving the location of the city's annual tree lighting ceremony, but it's not a done deal.

The annual December event has taken place for years in front of the McDonald's on Kirchoff Road, but construction there last year distorted the large evergreen, while attendance has continued to grow. That led the city's Community Events Foundation committee to start looking for a new, larger spot.

They're eyeing the vacant, city-owned property cater-cornered from city hall - just blocks down Kirchoff from McDonald's - which would have the capacity to support a large crowd, is near parking, and has electricity, said Lori Ciezak, assistant to the city manager and a committee member.

A resident has agreed to donate a tree that could be transplanted to the new location.

But aldermen at this week's committee-of-the-whole meeting wanted to know more about the potential costs and parking plan, and whether the vacant city property was indeed the right location.

Aldermen John D'Astice and Mike Cannon questioned if maintaining a city easement of a corner portion of that land could be detrimental, should the city try to sell the property to a developer.

Alderman Nick Budmats suggested Rotary Plaza at Kirchoff and Hicks roads might be a better-suited spot.

The council agreed to have city staff continue researching the matter and bring back additional information.