A Better Winnetka

Primarily two topics were covered at the December 16th Village Council meeting. The first was the question of opting out of the Historic Preservation Tax Assessment Freeze.  Kathy Almond of the Winnetka Homeowner’s Association presented the Trustees with documentation that showed the cost to taxpayers over a 10-year period, an average of $422 per home. She did not believe the taxpayers should subsidize residents who choose to take advantage of the tax freeze by applying for landmark status for their homes.

Nan Greenough, Louise Holland and Joni Johnson all spoke in favor of the tax freeze for the following reasons:

1) It was put into place 15 years ago after 4 years of study by a unanimous vote by the Village Council. Since then approximately 12 houses of historic significance in the Village have been saved.

2) When residents are surveyed as to the top reasons they move to Winnetka, they say first, the schools and second, the character and charm of the Village. Saving historic homes helps preserve character and charm, thus enhancing property values.

3) It has been successfully in place for over 10 years with no negative effects and is a relatively little cost per home when divided between 4200 residences.

Village Trustee Sandy Berger said that in her analysis of Kathy Almond’s numbers, the residents would only save between $5-7 per year if this tax was repealed because the Village only collects 18% of a homeowner’s tax bill.  She said that if they wanted more significant savings they should bring it before the school board.

Trustees Chris Rintz and Ken Behles commented that they need to hear more public opinion on the matter and would like to recommend holding some public hearings. 

Tax levies can only be repealed in January of each year.

The second main issue at the Council meeting was the re-development of the Fell property at Lincoln and Elm. New Trier Partners presented their project to the Council and reviewed its status thus far. Frank Petrek represented a formal protest by neighbors who lived within 250 feet of the project and were concerned that the project did not meet the 20/20 Comprehensive Plan guidelines or the Planned Development Ordinance. Village President Ed Woodbury said he would like to see New Trier Partners go back to the drawing board and look at creative ways to address the concerns of the Plan Commission and neighbors that the height and density of the project still needs to be reduced in order to meet the requirements of the Planned Development Ordinance. Representatives from New Trier Partners said they feel they have made significant improvements and modifications to the plans since they were first introduced but were willing to work with the Council to get the consensus they need to get approval for the project. They encouraged the Trustees to contact them with any ideas/questions they have prior to the next meeting so that they can address them during the January 13th meeting, which will be held at the Village Hall solely to study the New Trier Partners proposal.

On January 19, the Council will hold a special study session and on January 27th there will be another special meeting held at 7:30 pm at Village Hall.  As always, be sure to check the Village’s calendar for further information and possible schedule changes.