Ellen Baer

The strategic plan for the Village of Western Springs outlines key initiatives across five main pillars: Financial Sustainability, Community Planning and Economic Development, Infrastructure Improvements, Community Engagement and Public Safety, and Organizational Development. It aims to enhance shared services, reduce risk, develop long-term financial strategies, advance staff capabilities, align technology, improve communications, strengthen public safety, update community plans, implement green initiatives, foster downtown redevelopment, analyze and mitigate flooding, and maintain infrastructure.

The meeting was focused on economic development matters. The Community Development Director provided a summary on the Village's project to update its Downtown Market Assessment and introduced consultants from Teska Associates, Inc. An overview of the project timeline was presented, and the President, Trustees, and Commissioners participated in an online survey providing feedback on downtown Western Springs.

The commission reviewed and discussed a property improvement grant program request for repairs to the roof at 831-835 Burlington Avenue, and recommended its approval to the Village Board. Similarly, they reviewed a request for façade repairs at 911-915 Burlington Avenue, also recommending its approval. General updates of upcoming events taking place in the Village were provided.

The Village of Western Springs Strategic Plan for Fiscal Year 2024 focuses on several key strategic priorities including organizational development, community engagement and outreach, economic development, and infrastructure improvements. The plan outlines both short-term and long-term goals aimed at enhancing communication, improving infrastructure, exploring shared services, promoting green initiatives, and ensuring financial sustainability. It also addresses community development, facility needs, and affordable housing options.

The Board of Zoning Appeals meeting addressed several variation requests. The first matter concerned a variation request for Grand Avenue, focusing on a pergola. The board deliberated on whether to approve the variation, considering factors such as hardship and the structure's integration with the existing home. The second case involved a variation request for Central Avenue, where the applicant sought approval for a front yard setback, interior yard setback, and front porch encroachment. The discussion centered on the necessity of the porch encroachment and its impact on neighborhood character. The final consideration was a variation request for Western Avenue, involving interior yard setbacks. The board reviewed the proposed addition and its compliance with zoning requirements, also considering letters of support from neighbors.