Communities across Illinois are working hard to address our statewide housing shortage, yet one barrier that largely exists outside of public view continues to hamper progress. Judicial delays in cases involving foreclosures and property abandonment often stall vital development projects for years. River Forest’s experience at the Lake & Lathrop site is an unfortunate and frustrating example of how prolonged litigation can undermine local efforts to add housing and revitalize key corridors.
For years, the village of River Forest has urged the parties in the Lake & Lathrop foreclosure case to resolve their disputes so that the long‑promised redevelopment can finally move forward. Instead, repeated continuances, incomplete filings, and procedural maneuvering have halted progress and left a prominent corner in our community sitting idle.
Within its limited authority, the village has taken steps to move forward, including seeking demolition of deteriorating structures on the site, a request the court denied. Meanwhile, residents and businesses continue to shoulder the consequences of stagnation at one of the most visible sites along the Lake Street Corridor.
This situation is not unique to River Forest. Across Illinois, cities and villages striving to increase their housing supply often find themselves hamstrung by slow-moving court processes that allow private disputes to drag on indefinitely, with no regard for community need or public impact.
As the court process drags on, often for years, young professionals and newly married couples, looking to plant roots in welcoming, vibrant communities like River Forest and not yet in a position to buy a house, get frustrated by the lack of options. The same is true for empty-nesters who want to remain in our community, but who no longer want to deal with the upkeep of a house — or who may have accessibility issues and no longer can maneuver safely in a single-family home. We are working diligently to provide options, such as the proposed development on Madison at Ashland, one of the most walkable, transit-friendly locations in our community.
The proposed Madison & Ashland development is currently going through the review process; but one and done is not sufficient to meet housing need and demand. We need Lake & Lathrop moving forward too.
We all understand and embrace due process, but what we’re seeing is process being hijacked and morphing into paralysis. Courts must be empowered to enforce firm timelines in cases where prolonged inaction derails justice and stalls essential development. Let’s begin with getting the part of our judicial system that deals with abandoned properties and foreclosures to get serious about solving court cases more expeditiously.
Illinois cannot afford for its housing future to be held hostage by years of avoidable delay.
Cathy Adduci is River Forest’s village president.