The newly released revised proposal for the Madison Street development still completely ignores residents’ concerns regarding density, traffic, and parking. If a private buyer proposed a 72-unit building anywhere else in River Forest, the village would rightfully reject the permit. Why then is our administration actively pushing for this development? Perhaps because, in this case, the village owns the land. We would do well to remember the troubled fate of another project on village-owned land at Lake and Lathrop.
River Forest has strict zoning rules for a reason. Just two years ago, the administration tried to rewrite these rules to allow tall, dense buildings along our business corridors. Due to overwhelming community opposition then, that proposal was soundly rejected. This new Madison Street proposal feels like a backdoor attempt to bypass the rules and push that failed agenda through anyway.
At recent meetings, resident opposition was unanimous; not a single voice spoke in support. While this development may only directly impact the Madison Street corridor right now, a project like this could easily be proposed near your home next. We must show solidarity. If the broader community stays silent, the administration will treat it as implicit approval. Our message to the village must be clear: enforce your own zoning rules.
Tanju Sofu
River Forest