Oak Park has an enviable record on sustainability issues, yet the proposed 10-story apartment addition at the back of the Boulevard Arcade — which comes before the Plan Commission on Feb. 19 — is environmentally regressive and ignores the village’s safety and climate initiatives.
True, there is a vague commitment to pursue LEED certification of some level, but without a single idea offered. What about installing a green roof? Solar panels? A compost program? How about native landscaping on South Boulevard or outside the top floor community room? Or offering to fund the alley’s rejuvenation through Oak Park’s Green Alley Program? Any details on permeable infrastructure for storm water management or using low-carbon materials?
No, not a word, anywhere in the proposal. I believe developers should reflect Oak Park values instead of offering the barest, most minimal compliance.
The proposed apartment tower is just feet from two major transit hubs (Metra and the Green Line). Including four floors of parking so near them is an urban planning failure, contradicting the spirit of the People Over Parking Act (SB 2111). Going into effect in June, this law allows for no parking requirement close to major transit. In contrast, this development would actually increase vehicle miles traveled by adding cars and related commercial vehicles — in direct opposition to the village’s pledge to reduce car dependency (and in heavily trafficked downtown Oak Park, no less).
Indeed, funneling traffic into the alley between Marion and Home goes against Oak Park’s Vision Zero Action Plan, which prioritizes safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, and car occupants. The plan instead increases avoidable conflict points for pedestrians and cyclists.
Finally, the proposed illuminated facade clock is a major source of light pollution. As a critical flyway for migratory birds, Oak Park has sought to enforce “Lights Out” wildlife standards, not to purposefully interrupt spring and fall bird migration.
It’s all stunning, really.
Please, plan commissioners, take a long, serious, skeptical look at this developer’s proposal.
Sources:
- https://www.oak-park.us/files/assets/oakpark/v/1/boards-and-commissions/plan-commission/applications-for-public-hearing/1035-combined-pdf-all-application-docs-1_27_26-traffic-study-added-reduced.pdf
- https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/fact-sheet-northern-illinois-transit-authority-act-sb-2111
- https://www.oak-park.us/Public-Safety/Traffic-Safety/Vision-Zero
- https://www.idachicago.org/resources/new-illinois-legislation-helps-support-birds-and-darker-skies
Patrick Connolly
Oak Park