Molly Gillespie

The Village of Buffalo Grove's Bicycle Plan outlines strategies to enhance and expand its bicycle and pedestrian network. It focuses on improving bikeway infrastructure, including trails, sidepaths, and various on-road facilities, alongside enhancing safety at crossings and implementing a comprehensive wayfinding system. The plan also addresses road design standards, development ordinances, bicycle parking, and educational programs for cyclists and motorists, with the ultimate goal of achieving 'Bicycle Friendly Community' designation and fostering a safer, more accessible, and integrated transportation system for all users.

The Comprehensive Plan Update for the Village of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, serves as a guide for managing development and redevelopment within its planning jurisdiction. It addresses key challenges such as changes in the commercial environment, deficiencies in the regional transportation system, fiscal constraints, an aging housing stock, and demographic shifts. The plan sets forth community goals and objectives, focusing on land use, transportation, community facilities, telecommunications infrastructure, housing, economic development, public participation, and community design. It emphasizes sustainable development, energy conservation, and urban design to achieve attractive and functional buildings and developments.

The BG Sustainability Strategy & Plan focuses on enhancing the natural environment, empowering green initiatives, and sharing best practices. Key goals for 2024 include continuing the Native Planting Program, removing invasive species, promoting pollinator gardens, waterway restoration, and limiting light pollution. Green initiatives involve streamlining solar and EV permits, evaluating electric vehicle use, and connecting greenspaces. Best practices include connecting residents with resources through food waste composting, public education campaigns, and business support programs.

The annual meeting included the nomination and selection of a public member and chairman for the Joint Review Board. The board reviewed the 2020 Buffalo Grove Lake Cook Road TIF District Eligibility and Feasibility Plan, discussing the eligibility criteria for the vacant land and the potential for redevelopment. Public comments were heard, including concerns about the inclusion of certain properties in the TIF district and the overall concept of a TIF district in the Village of Buffalo Grove. The board also reviewed ordinances related to the TIF district and a resolution recommending its approval.

The Joint Review Board meeting was convened to discuss the proposed 2020 Buffalo Grove Lake Cook Road TIF District Eligibility and Feasibility Plan. The meeting included a presentation by a TIF District consultant, who detailed the purpose of the TIF, the reasons for its consideration in the targeted area, its potential impact, and the properties under consideration. The board discussed the eligibility findings, which determined that the vacant property qualified as a blighted area. Public comments were heard, addressing concerns about the inclusion of certain properties and the overall concept of the TIF district. The board reviewed and confirmed the findings set forth in the Joint Review Board Resolution 2020-01, recommending approval of the TIF District.