The Village of Niles understands the importance of achieving a sustainable future for Niles. On February 26, 2013, the Village Board unanimously voted to adopt the Niles Environmental Action Plan. Please download and read the final plan today.

The Village of Niles has many sustainable features, such as compact housing stock, access to retail, plentiful parks and open space, and high quality of life for residents. One of the major goals of Niles' recently adopted 2030 Comprehensive Plan is to "promote the importance of environmental issues and sustainable practices to residents, businesses, and developers through leadership, education, and partnerships." Now, CMAP's Local Technical Assistance (LTA) program is helping the Village to create an Environmental Action Plan (EAP) to build on the comprehensive plan's recommendations and provide a roadmap for reaching long-term sustainability goals.

The EAP will cover a wide range of important topics, including stormwater management and flooding, energy and water use, green building and development, and open space. Planning will start by defining goals related to sustainability and then will drill down into specific strategies that the Village can pursue to achieve a sustainable future. The resulting EAP will outline an implementable and achievable path forward for Village elected and appointed officials, as well as guidance for residents, business owners, and other stakeholders on ways to integrate sustainability into their own lives.

The planning process will consist of three distinct phases. The first phase will include a thorough review of Niles' existing conditions, particularly as related to environmental topic areas. The second phase will focus on setting broad sustainability goals for the Village and brainstorming ways to implement those goals through specific actions and strategies. During the third phase, the EAP will be drafted and reviewed with Village staff and officials, as well as members of the general public. The EAP is slated for completion by the end of the year.

Village of Niles Environmental Action Plan

Click here to view the Village of Niles Environmental Action Plan, which was adopted unanimously by the Village Board on February 26, 2013. 

Reports

The Existing Conditions Report and Project Outreach Strategy can be found by clicking here.

Events

The public will have several opportunities to participate in the planning process.  An initial public meeting was held on July 25, 2012. A public open house to present the draft EAP was held December 4, 2012. A public meeting to consider the Environmental Action Plan for adoption was held on February 12, 2013. The final version of the EAP was adopted by the Village Board on February 26, 2013.

Steering Committee notes from June 21, 2012

Steering Committee notes from July 19, 2012

Steering Committee notes from September 5, 2012

Steering Committee notes from October 16, 2012

Contacts

Steven C. Vinezeano, Village of Niles Assistant Village Manager (scv@vniles.com or 847-588-8007)

Kristin Ihnchak, Senior Planner at CMAP (kihnchak@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-676-7462)

Berenice Vallecillos, Outreach & Engagement Specialist at CMAP (bvallecillos@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8623)

Project News Coverage

Residents Brainstorm to Make Niles Greener, Patch.com, July 31, 2012

Public input sought on envirnomental goals for Niles, Niles Herald-Spectator, July 23, 2012

Launch Niles 'Green' Plan, Journal Online, May 9, 2012

Residents Like Niles' Plan to Go Green, Patch.com, December 6, 2012

Niles aims to up recycling, cut driving, Niles Herald-Spectator, February 18, 2013

Niles continues moving forward with its environmental sustainability programs, The Bugle February 20, 2013

Niles planning new ways to get around, Niles Herald-Spectator, May 23, 2013