The Village of Homewood is embarking on a mission to fully update the Village Appearance Plan. The Village Appearance Plan guides the design and layout of new developments and other key improvements across the Village. However, the Plan was last updated in 1999, and the Plan needs major updates to effectively respond to modern development and clearly communicate current design feedback from Village residents. 

The Appearance Plan is the key document for turning public feedback into action on any new development in the Village. This means that residents need to be involved in the project from start to finish! To accomplish this, the Village is assembling a steering committee of 10-12 residents to assist in the design and development of the new Appearance Plan! This Committee will participate in design workshops and review drafts of the Appearance Plan to ensure that the Village is putting together an Appearance Plan which can best steer design in Homewood for the next decade. 

Ready to join us? Click the button below to download and application. Applications may be sent digitally to the Economic and Community Development Department at pzc@homewoodil.gov, or in-person at the Village of Homewood Building Division (2nd floor lobby, Village Hall, 2020 Chestnut Road, Homewood, IL 60430). 

Interested in learning more? Scroll down to the FAQ below or download the informational flyer to learn more about the Steering Committee and how you can be involved.

Questions or concerns? Contact Noah Schumerth, Assistant Director of Economic and Community Development, at (708) 206-3380 or nschumerth@homewoodil.gov.

Appearance Plan Steering Committee FAQ

Get your questions about the Appearance Commission Steering Committee answered here!

What is the Appearance Plan Steering Committee?

The Appearance Plan Steering Committee will be a group of 8-10 residents who will be selected to help guide the writing of the Village’s new Appearance Plan. The Appearance Plan is made up of design guidelines and standards for virtually all new construction and development in the Village, and this Steering Committee is designed to bring residents directly into the process of writing and reviewing the new standards. Steering Committee members will help shape and review design guidelines for Downtown, Southgate, Halsted Street, and other key areas of development in the Village.

What will the Appearance Plan Steering Committee do?

The Committee will take part in various design activities to help shape the proposed design guidelines for different parts of the Village. The Committee will also review and provide feedback of draft material for the new Appearance Plan. The Committee will work with the Appearance Commission and other Village leadership to learn about the development process and help direct feedback on how to continue to improve the design and appearance of the Village.

How often will the Committee meet?

The Committee will meet approximately every 1-2 months. Meetings will take place around Homewood, and will include many activities – from walking tours to design workshops. There will be more frequent meetings during summer months when the Committee can get outdoors and do hands-on activities with design in Homewood.

What will be the schedule for the Steering Committee?

The Committee will participate in the following tentative timeline:

• March: Members selected and announced
• April: Kickoff meeting + design activity
• June: Downtown walking tour + workshop (open to public, optional for Committee members)
• July: Southgate walking tour + workshop (open to public, optional for Committee members)
• September: Review session (review core principles and ideas)
• October: Draft plan review (review specific guidelines
• December: Thank you gathering

Timeline is subject to change.

In addition to a role in shaping the future of the design of the Village, participants will also receive:

• A welcome gift!
• Meals/snacks at various events!
• Opportunities to further connect with Village leadership and staff!

Who should apply?

Any Homewood resident can apply to be a part of the Steering Committee. We have reserved space for residents under 18 to participate on the Steering Committee in partnership with Homewood-Flossmoor High School.

How to Apply?

Application forms are available here or using the button above on this page. Forms can be submitted directly to Noah Schumerth at nschumerth@homewoodil.gov or (708) 206-3380. Deadline to apply will be March 24, 2025.