I am very concerned about the elimination of single-family zoning in Oak Park. I must preface this by stating that we are a multiracial family, so diversity is absolutely key to our sense of morality.
We have lived in Oak Park for 28 years, so we know the community well. The elimination of single-family zoning will have no impact on the upper-middle-class or upper-class residents of Oak Park. There will be no multifamily buildings constructed between Ridgeland and Home, north of Lake. All of the multifamily buildings will be built on the periphery of Oak Park which already has a problem with density.
Frankly, this is an attempt by those in power in the village to claim that they are promoting “diversity” without it having any impact upon their daily lives; they will be exempt, based on where they live.
Please, please, please consider the impact of this on working-class Oak Park people for once. Property tax inflation and now this are forcing many of us to make tough decisions.
I totally support a referendum on this issue.
Gerald Butters Jr.
Oak Park