New Commission Member Sparks New Idea

Keep Libertyville Beautiful Commission has been short one member for several months, but the commission may soon have a new member.

On Friday, Libertyville resident Michele Cadwell attended the Keep Libertyville Beautiful meeting at the request of Chairwoman Louise Cerbus. Cadwell must be appointed by Mayor Terry Weppler before becoming an official member. Cerbus says she asked Cadwell to join because “she’s very civic-minded.” 

Cadwell said she takes walks several times a week through the village and picks up trash as she walks. She asked members to consider a promotion throughout Libertyville to “Pick Up Three.” Commission members like the idea. “If everyone picked up three items, our town would be clean in no time,” Cerbus said.

Village Improvement Awards

The Commission also discussed the village’s Improvement Awards. There are three categories: residential, commercial, and cul-de-sac.

To be considered, homeowners or businesses must complete major outside home improvements visible from the street. Awards are given four times each year. The awards are given to encourage renovation of older home and to keep the character of the town intact. Commission members are expected to view homes and businesses and discuss awards at the next meeting.

The homes currently under consideration are on Lange Court, Brainerd Street, Laurel Aveneue, said committee members. Businesses that commission members are watching are Wisma, which renovated their restaurant before moving in and Amazing Cosmetics, which is currently on Milwaukee Avenue and is renovating a building on Cook Street.

The cul-de-sac category is awarded to a group of homeowners who add permanent plantings to the green space. A improvement plan that includes bushes, perennials, or trees must be submitted to the commission, who approves the plan. The homeowners must do the work and will be reimbursed up to $100.