During a widely acknowledged housing crisis nationwide, every local government should be looking for ways to lower housing costs. Doing so decreases local rates of homelessness (Pew) and increases the rate of children moving out and starting their own families (Urban Institute). Oak Park is an incredibly family-friendly town and should prioritize both outcomes.
While single-family home prices have skyrocketed over the last two decades, a rise almost certain to continue regardless of rezoning plans, those of us lucky enough to have ridden that rocket should not pull the ladder up behind us.
Increasing housing supply is the surest way to keep up with housing demand. Allowing the development of smaller dwellings will welcome younger families and those working in less lucrative careers to join us in utilizing, and supporting, our wonderful schools, parks and libraries.
The ability to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) would allow many homeowners to address the needs of their aging parents or boomerang children; or generate some rental income to pay ever-increasing property taxes. ADUs are typically added to garages or basements and will have a negligible effect on the character of the neighborhood.
Duplexes and 4- or 6-flats would be more noticeable but were already part of the town when it was initially built. They were later banned, with existing stock grandfathered in, but the addition of more density as advances in mobility make Oak Park more integrated with Chicago seems practical and historically consistent.
The character of Oak Park, like any neighborhood or town, will continuously change based on outside forces and its own responses. Clinging to outdated zoning regulations will not preserve Oak Park’s character any more than changing the zoning regulations will.
I would rather we adapt and attempt to improve than pridefully decay.
John Downey
Oak Park