The recent Letter to the Editor from President Cathy Adduci (“Nothing to fear from zoning updates,” Viewpoints, April 10) paints a portrait of transparency and an invitation for open dialog.
This is insulting to residents. River Forest needs economic development, but where was this invitation a year ago when a paid consultant started the zoning review? Why wasn’t this invitation extended after the Nov. 24 village board meeting where three trustees voiced concerns about the community’s awareness of the proposed zoning changes? True leaders invite opposing views to catalyze community-centric solutions.
The 2019 Comprehensive Plan states: “As a fully built-out community, the Village has limited opportunity for new development. Each infill redevelopment opportunity requires a heightened level of sensitivity and creativity to appropriately balance the Village’s existing character.” How does lifting height restrictions and decreasing parking requirements convey the essence of River Forest to a developer?
For years, residents near Madison Street have attended countless hours of meetings to voice concerns about potential development exceeding current zoning. Why proceed now without the incorporation of already-stated concerns?
Economic development is needed. But not at the expense of adjacent property owners in deference to the financial gain of developers. The Lake & Lathrop debacle proves that development of a prime commercial, taxpayer-purchased property in the heart of our village could not overcome poor village leadership, which allowed it to languish. Given that village leadership remains the same, what actions justify pulling protective restrictions now?
With its 6-1 vote in opposition to the proposed zoning changes, the RF Zoning Board of Appeals concurs.
President Adduci spins that she is doing right by the community, but she fails to recognize residents have wised up. We watched the mishandling and lost revenue of Lake & Lathrop and the demolition and current condition of village-owned property on Madison and learned.
We don’t fear change as President Adduci infers. We simply don’t trust current leadership to lead this process with integrity. “Transparency” demanded engagement long ago and we as taxpayers must remain engaged to affect positive changes to the zoning code.
Patty Henek
River Forest