In Brief: Monday Night's Environment and Public Services Committee Meeting

At Monday evening’s Environment and Public Services Committee meeting:

1.) A representative from Metra was present to answer questions on the improvements made to the Highlands station that have area residents upset with the open space and large concrete pillars.

George Kanary, of 509 Highland Rd., expressed worry about the potential for graffiti and Jean Cielenski, of 511 Highland Rd., just wanted clear answers from the village or Metra.

The idea of planting trees in the cleared area, which is currently planned to be filled in with grass, was floated by the committee and Metra’s representative seemed open to it.

Check back with Patch for more on this story. 

2.) The committee expressed regret that an old elm tree will be removed as a result of construction at the 416 W. Hickory property.

Patti Davis, 211 N. Madison, shares a property line with the Hickory property and said she’s sad to hear that the tree will be coming down.

“I’m sure they could find a creative way if they wanted to save that tree, which is a treasure to the village,” Davis said.

3.) Road improvements will begin this week, according to Director of Public Services George Franco. Patching will be done by in-house staff while the streets that will be overlaid with a completely new surface will be done by a contractor.

A map of the roads getting attention this summer is available at Memorial Hall. It was suggested the same map be put up at the library, train stations, and on the village’s website.