W
innetka Park District commissioner James Hemmings resigned following a dispute over proposed upgrades to Centennial Park Beach. The improvements, including a rock-based pier for shoreline preservation, were rejected by the Zoning Board of Appeals due to safety concerns and environmental impact. Hemmings criticized the ZBA's decision and accused the village of imposing restrictive zoning regulations on the park district. He cited a lack of expertise and understanding of coastal engineering concepts as reasons for the rejection. The park district acknowledged Hemmings' resignation but did not provide further details. The board plans to fill the vacant seat and address regulatory challenges in the community.