North Cook News

The Village Board of Winnetka hosted a spirited discussion during the board's Jan. 31 meeting in response to comments by various officials and members of the public about property rights of lakefront land that extends into Lake Michigan.

Discussion of existing zoning, development and engineering regulations relative to lakefront properties dates back to the village's Jan. 10 meeting, in which the board heard from various policy experts such as the Army Corps of Engineers and Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in order to better understand their authority and oversight regarding lake property zoning and development. During that meeting, the board received so much public feedback that the issue had to be continued to the Jan. 31 meeting, which began with more public comments related to the lakefront use.

"I appreciate all the passion and energy that goes into those discussions, but what I’d like to do, to some extent when we’re able, is kind of take a step back and first think about what are the issues – what is it we’re trying to solve for?" Trustee Andrew Cripe said after the discussion. "What is the current state? What is really necessary? And what’s good policy? And when I think about what good policy is, a good policy is one that also doesn’t make bad neighbors. We need to respect the rights of homeowners to use and enjoy their property. At the same time we need to respect the health and safety and welfare of the public using the lakefront, that’s a big deal."

Cripe said the village does not currently have regulations that dictate how the village can exercise authority over lake shore and lakefront property, so the board will have to consider changing local code to create guidelines for how the village can operate in the half mile of lake property the village is allowed to manage. Such code changes would allow the village to address fences that run up to and into the lake on private property, which create both safety and environmental concerns.

Cripe said the board doesn't necessarily need to institute a moratorium on lakefront property development until codes are changed, with village president Chris Rintz discussing the Ishbia property and proposal, noting that the large, consolidated lots and accompanying development proposal are "getting on the nerves" of some residents, although the plan has been scaled back.

After nearly 90 minutes of discussion, the board opened the floor again to public comment. Residents spoke representing both lakefront property owners and other citizens who used the public beach accesses, all of whom were concerned about how the jurisdictional issues between the village, the DNR and the Corpos of Engineers would be handled. One concern was that property owners could be prevented from making changes to their own land, as well as environmental concerns. The board agreed to increase its transparency and share updates with the community as the issue progressed.