It could end badly for Oak Park if the Opticos plan is implemented. It is common sense that no community-wide plan can succeed without community-wide support.
Questions are yet to be factually answered. How many “missing middle” units are needed? How much increase in population can be accommodated without altering village character, stressing services, or raising dissatisfaction? With construction materials being more expensive, fewer construction workers, and with homebuilders building less, who will build these units?
Shape Oak Park neglects the impact on well being. It is accepted science that change, especially massive change, is stressful. An increase in density increases personal stress.
The community deserves to have all questions answered before the village proceeds with any plan. Therefore it could help to look again at what organization is the best consultant.
We are fortunate to live where there are the finest experts on improving social environments. Why not contact Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency (CMAP) and NORC (National Opinion Research Center) and discuss Oak Park’s objective?
Another thought is to develop properties that are available now, and rezone on a carve-out basis. According to Realtor.com, four properties are currently advertised as lots. The dry-cleaner at Chicago Avenue has been vacant for years, as has the Enterprise office. The northwest parking lot at West Sub is unused, and blocked. Surely there are other buildable spaces in town. Why not take advantage of what is easier to execute, and far less costly? What is there to lose by putting Shape on hold, have questions empirically answered, and consider alternatives? Trustees might end with a better plan and also regain community trust.
Rhoda Bernstein
Oak Park