Landmark preservation law gets Libertyville approval
BY ED COLLINS Special to The News-Sun February 16, 2012 6:30PM
The Brainerd building on the northeast corner of 176 and Brainerd Avenue in Libertyville. | Sun-Times Media file
Updated: April 17, 2012 1:45AM
Libertyville officials have approved a far-reaching ordinance that is designed to save historic structures in the preservation-minded community.
On Tuesday night, the Village Board quickly adopted an ordinance that had languished for nearly a decade after several false starts that led to inaction.
After a fresh start last year and five public hearings, a reinvigorated study group melded together a workable plan.
The new ordinance provides for a seven-person commission appointed by Mayor Terry Weppler and approved by the Village Board that would be empowered to investigate, establish an application process, and recommend to the Village Board the designation of meritorious landmarks and historic districts within the community.
“Maintaining the character of our village is very important to residents. This ordinance would ensure that we maintain our unique environment,” said Mike Kollman, a local architect who headed up the ordinance’s latest study committee.
Kollman said the commission’s first goal would be for the panel to concentrate on saving irreplaceable structures of merit in the downtown Cook Park area.
One of the new commission’s first jobs will be to retain an independent consultant who could identify appropriate sites, structures and neighborhoods that have historic, architectural, aesthetic or community value. The survey would be privately funded. Kollman said.
The commission would then identify potential landmarks and administer nominating procedures for landmark designation.
Any resident or group could make landmark status nominations, except for residential property. Applications would be made through the village’s Community Development Department. Only the residential property owner or the commission itself, would be eligible to suggest landmark status for a private residential property.
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