There has been much discussion about proposed changes to Oak Park’s zoning ordinance to allow more “missing middle” housing.
The village board also is considering another zoning change that has received less attention, but could provide a significant benefit to residents in west central Oak Park where I live.
Trustee Brian Straw has proposed a much-needed change in the Rush Oak Park Hospital zoning district. His zoning reform would limit any future addition to the hospital campus to a maximum height of 60 feet – similar to the height of Rush’s 58-foot medical office building. Under the current ordinance, the hospital has a nearly automatic right to build as high as 125 feet, or about 10 stories. This is way out of scale to surrounding single-family homes, which are limited to a maximum height of 30 feet.
The new restriction would not be the final word. If the hospital wanted to build higher, it still could ask the village for a zoning variance. This would give residents input in a mutually beneficial process that would enable the hospital to thrive while also protecting the neighborhood.
Anna Madrzyk
Oak Park