Israel boycott referendum question opposed by Oak Park Neighbors United

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Journalism is the first draft of history, so they say. And that history is written in increments. So that is the reason we keep reporting on Oak Park’s evolving debate on zoning and affordability and perceptions of place in our built environment.

Today’s newsletter has a story by Sydney Lovan on a new study of how zoning changes might play out in the economics of new construction. It is not a slam dunk.

And Lovan also has a story on a recent discussion about the history of zoning in Oak Park. Next week we’ll be covering the first of three Plan Commission hearings. The expectation is that the crowd will be so large the meeting has been moved to the auditorium at OPRF.

Later today we’ll have new reporting from Lovan and Bill Dwyer out of the federal court hearing sorting out charges from the Broadview 6 crew that the Department of Justice willfully violated its own rules in pressing charges against them.

We’re also featuring a letter to the editor from a 10-year-old River Forest boy making his case against the O’Hare Flyer proposal.

These towns are making a lot of news these days and the Journal is there to report it. Thanks for reading.

Dan Haley

Interim editor

The Lead

Feasibility study says new multi-unit development is infeasible

The study, conducted by SB Friedman, looked at multiple scenarios for converting existing single-family homes into multi-unit residences, standalone Accessory Dwelling Units and corridor multi-unit buildings.

More news

Oak Park’s DEI office hosted calmest conversation on zoning so far

The village government’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion facilitated a panel discussion on the history of local zoning on Monday, Sept. 28, to give context around the proposed changes to single-family zoning.

Oak Park Neighbors United opposes Israel boycott referendum question

While a state appellate court considers an appeal of an overruled objection of an advisory referendum question for the Nov. 3 village ballot, a new group has sprung up to provide arguments why Oak Park village community members should vote no.

Harmon, Lilly hosting West Sub meeting Oct. 5 in Austin

State Senator Don Harmon and State Rep. Camille Lilly have scheduled a public meeting Oct. 5 to present the latest updates on the hospital’s status and to gather input from the public.

Opinion: Why I don’t understand the O’Hare Flyer

I am a kid who lives in River Forest. I’ve lived here my whole life and really care about what happens in my community.  I like taking the el and going into the city on adventures. I understand that trains of all kinds can help move people around and they are good for many reasons.