If I were the developer and an established businessperson who also lives in the community where I was selected to build, I would begin with respect. I would thank the board and residents for the opportunity to work in a village of 2.4 square miles and fewer than 11,000 people. I would acknowledge the obvious concern about placing a large, high-density building next to blocks of 115-year-old single-family homes. I would recognize that the residents’ concerns are reasonable.
I would say clearly that living in River Forest matters more than any single project, that my neighbors are not an obstacle to manage, but people whose trust I need to earn. Then I would act accordingly.
I would hold real meetings with the most affected residents, with open discussion and direct answers — not open-house-style events where people circulate among poster boards without meaningful dialogue. I would listen, respond, and revise.
I would aim for a project that contributes to the village without dividing it. A project that strengthens the housing stock without creating a sharp line between neighborhoods.
I would not stand before a full room of taxpaying homeowners and move forward as if their concerns did not matter when they matter more than anything. The March 23 Board meeting reflected that disconnect, with concerns raised but ignored and dismissed. I would not ignore repeated, specific objections from engaged homeowners. I would not create distance between myself and the community where I live.
And if I were leading the village, I would welcome and show respect for the high level of engagement from our residents, and listen to their concerns. I would ensure that affected residents were heard early and often. And I would ensure that the developer answered all residents’ questions.
I would not rely on managed messaging or limited forums in place of direct, substantive dialogue.
This project will permanently alter an established neighborhood of River Forest. We deserve a process that reflects the homeowners, the existing housing, and the character of the community it will impact.
Debbie Borman, Charles Birchard, Alicia Capraro, Kevin Schwind, Kathy Corcos, John Conmy, Diane Conmy, David Erfort, Bridget Erfort, Sue Foran, Dan Foran, Constance Geocaris, Mark Frank, Margie Cekander, Jayne Gould, Lucia Giudice, John Leonard, Dan LeBarge, Marta Kozbur, Askold Kozbur, Richard Lim, Cliona Lim, Kathryn Jandeska, Katie Maddock, Marylen Marty-Gentile, Anita Morgan, Therese O’Brien, William O’Brien, Frieda Pantos, John Pantos, Ed Pogue, Chrissy Anderson Pogue, Allison Poplett, Sandra Figatner, Trey Figatner, David Lekousis, Phyllis Rubin, Milap Sandu and Aman Sandu
All residents of River Forest