I recently sent the following letter to the Oak Park Village Board of Trustees. I urge others to let their voices be heard.
Dear Trustees:
On July 28, the Board of Trustees is scheduled to vote on moving forward with a consultant’s recommendation on the elimination of single-family housing zoning. I urge you to vote No.
The push to eliminate single-family zoning throughout Oak Park is a serious matter for all of us. It entails potentially dramatic changes to the character of our village, with the inevitable changes in population density. I have lived here for 48 years now and I’ve watched the village grow dramatically in density with some positive but many negative results in traffic flow, school enrollments, and management of the sheer number of people who live here, shop here and receive services.
I fear this matter is not as simple as some consultants might think, since there are only a few examples of what has actually worked in these early stages of the national issue. For example, there are some who believe that the elimination of single-family housing zoning doesn’t really benefit working-class people because builders will move to maximize their profits by building townhomes and condominium units that are economically out of reach. Simply look at the buildings that have been constructed in Oak Park in recent years as evidence (e.g., District House condominiums). Also, until the economy improves and mortgage rates are reduced, home ownership will continue to be unachievable for many. The debates continue and until there is clear data, Oak Park cannot and should not be on the front end of this important national matter, acting in a way that might harm us all.
Each of you was elected to serve the needs of the citizens who put you in office. Please think about the people you promised to represent when you accepted your position. Before you start tampering with the fundamental character of this village, I beg you to vote No on July 28 to give this matter a more thorough examination and allow input from the community you are bound to serve.
Marilyn Schlesinger
Oak Park