Homer Glen Village Board Approves Updated Tree Preservation Ordinance
The Homer Glen Village Board approved a revised tree preservation ordinance on Wednesday. This update aims to protect mature trees on private property. The decision coincided with the celebration of the Big Tree Champion contest winners.
Background and Approval
The village’s Environment Committee started work on ordinance revisions in February 2025. The existing regulation had not been updated for 20 years and was seen as outdated. Last month, the Village Board delayed the vote, citing several concerns. The Environment Committee then organized a special meeting on August 20. They incorporated board feedback, resulting in further refinement before the approval.
“Protecting trees adds real value to our community,” stated Andy Panelli, a member of the Environment Committee and president of the DeBoer Woods Homeowners Association. “The revision to the current tree ordinance should provide important tools to help maintain Homer Glen’s character.”
New Regulations and Implementation
The new rules target residential properties starting with those 3 acres in size from January 1. The regulations will eventually apply to smaller lots by 2031. The primary goal is to prevent properties from being cleared for new developments while preserving healthy trees. Removing trees will require permits. For new home constructions, trees within the home and driveway’s footprint, plus a 40-foot buffer, are exempt from mitigation. Trustees expanded the buffer from 20 feet to accommodate potential swimming pools or play areas. Trees will be classified based on size; homeowners must replace removed trees or donate to the village’s tree fund for new plantings.
No changes were made to regulations for commercial and industrial properties. Trustee Mike Lepore supported removing business restrictions but expressed concerns over potential neighbor disputes. However, trustees appreciated the Environment Committee’s effort to protect natural resources.
Big Tree Champion Contest Winners
The tree ordinance approval followed the recognition of Big Tree Champion winners—a tradition since 2018 to honor sizable, aged, or rare trees. This year, a kids’ category was added. Bryce Hansen, 3, was honored for discovering two eastern cottonwood trees in his backyard with a trunk circumference of 156 inches, surpassing the previous record of 138 inches. Other winners included Jesse Synoga, 2, and Parnell O’Brien, for finding a silver maple and a pagoda dogwood, respectively.
Suspension of Flock Camera License Plate Reader Program
The Village Board formally suspended its Flock camera license plate reader program. This decision was taken after a Will County sheriff’s deputy faced administrative leave for policy violations. Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike previously called for the program’s suspension during the sheriff’s department investigation.
Since last December, the board had agreed to install 12 license plate readers. Currently, only four are operational. Further installations will pause until the concerns are resolved. The village has a strict agreement with the sheriff’s department on camera use. The board limits data sharing within Illinois to a seven-day retention period.
Additional Village Board Actions
The board authorized an additional mosquito abatement treatment for around $11,000 following significant rainfall, increasing potential breeding areas. Surveillance confirmed West Nile virus presence in Will County, including Homer Glen. As a result, there were rising residential mosquito complaints. The board also signed a three-year contract with Twinkle Lights Installation for decorations in Heritage Park, costing nearly $49,000.
Michelle Mullins is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.