The Viewpoints section in your Aug. 5 edition included a letter from former village trustee Robert Milstein, encouraging an advisory referendum on the elimination of single-family zoning. Trustee James Taglia proposed such a referendum at the July 21 meeting, and the board rejected it in a 5-1 vote, despite overwhelming support for a referendum by residents who spoke during public comment.
Not only will there be no referendum, but the five trustees who rejected the referendum also gave clear signals that they support the proposal to include multi-unit buildings in every neighborhood in the village, effectively ensuring that it will move forward.
No doubt, Oak Park is an expensive real estate market, and that is because it is a desirable community. The effects of eliminating single-family unit zoning — increased density, traffic, overnight on-street parking, and the end of historic preservation districts — will change that. The trustees’ goal may have been achieved, though even that is uncertain, and at what cost?
Although there may not be a referendum on this particular question, board elections are scheduled for 2027 and 2029. Voters will have the opportunity to replace those who opposed the referendum and who support this radical rezoning plan. Electing trustees who represent the will of the voters will facilitate repeal of this plan to eliminate one of the features that makes Oak Park desirable.
Larry Howe
Oak Park, 31-year resident