The CWOPNA recently sponsored one of the best-attended candidate forums for the April 4 Oak Park village trustee election. All five candidates participated, and more than 100 people attended on Zoom. Based on candidates’ statements and input from attendees, CWOPNA has issued a single-issue report card on the topic of the forum: How candidates plan to better balance resident and developer needs, which in recent years has tipped heavily in favor of developers.
All candidates gave thoughtful, informed answers, and pledged to be open to neighborhood concerns when deciding on future developments. Here is CWOPNA’s Report Card:
Brian Straw, A+
Mr. Straw said the process for development should be reformed to give residents a meaningful say from the beginning. By the time community input enters the process, it feels like the cake is already baked, he said. Straw said it makes sense to reduce the maximum height — now 125 feet — in the Rush Oak Park Hospital district. He noted that the parking garage approved by the village board, but later shelved by the hospital, would have towered over the neighborhood.
Susan Buchanan, A
Dr. Buchanan said she could not comment on how she’d vote on a proposal pending before the Plan Commission on May 4 that would make the allowable height at Rush Oak Park Hospital match West Suburban Hospital. However, she said it’s reasonable to question why the hospitals currently have different rules.
Cory Wesley, B+
Mr. Wesley said Oak Park’s zoning ordinance relies on exceptions rather than rules. He said he has the courage to change the ordinance when necessary to create fairness and justice for those negatively impacted by zoning issues. He said he is accountable and transparent and has the ability to change my mind when presented with compelling alternative opinions.
Simone Boutet, B
Ms. Boutet said she has a 50-50 record on development, noting she voted against the Albion apartment building. She said the Oak Park Economic Development Corporation needs transparency. If a project appears too large, it should be set back, rather than go to the street line. She said she prefers developments that relate and stagger instead of something that just comes at you.
James Taglia, B
Mr. Taglia said he supported American House on Madison Street because Oak Park needs more senior housing, but voted against a townhouse development on 300 block of South Home because it was too dense and out of context with the historic nature of the neighborhood. He can’t say yet how he would vote on the proposed Rush Oak Park Hospital rezoning, but added that the proposal is a fair and reasonable request for residents to make.
We thank the candidates for participating in the forum, and whoever wins, we look forward to working with them on this critical issue.
For more information on CWOPNA and the Report Card, email
cwopna@gmail.com
Anne Frueh, Bruno Graziano, David Osta, Jim Ritter, Mike Weik
Candidates Committee
Center West Oak Park Neighborhood Association