I need not reiterate the economic folly of eliminating single-family residential zoning from Oak Park. Enough has been said and written by those more eloquent than I. If the elected officials cannot understand the financial and social ramifications of this proposal, then perhaps they will understand the following:
Our board was elected by the residents and taxpayers of Oak Park to care for the many needs of our community and those who live within its borders. The proposal to eliminate single-family residential zoning is an attempt to serve the desires of persons who do not live in the village of Oak Park, who may not be able to afford current rents or real estate prices, but wish to live in Oak Park nonetheless and enjoy its many advantages and amenities.
We heard this clearly expressed by non-residents at the July board meeting. The board needs to be reminded about who they serve. They serve those who elected them. These are their constituents. These are the people who rely upon them and to whom they stand accountable.
Attempting to serve non-residents is “mission creep” and an obvious corruption of their duties and responsibilities to the electorate.
Daniel Beach
Oak Park