I would like to add my voice to the zoning debate in Forest Park. I believe that the current proposal is a foundational step for addressing serious problems facing our village and should be passed.
I will be transparent regarding my two principal local concerns: the depressing condition of development on Harlem Ave between Jackson and Roosevelt, and the dismal state of the Congress Branch Blue Line. Both are interconnected. Both are major drivers of crime and causers of problems. The status quo does not give us the tools to meet the moment.
Development is necessary for fiscal stability and would improve neglected corridors in the village such as Harlem. High density zoning near the blue line would increase ridership, which have been strongly linked to both reduced crime and increased transit infrastructure investment. For R-3 lots such as those on Harlem, it is necessary to reduce or eliminate setback restrictions and increase allowable impermeability in order to facilitate proper dense development. Any proposed development, even in R-3 zoned areas, must go through appropriate permitting and review processes where community members have significant say.
Increasing density has trade-offs. Fortunately, larger structures (R-3 only) and more permissive permeability limits (40% -> 50% for R-1, 40% -> 60% for R-2, 80% for R-3) are in line with neighboring leafy suburbs such as Oak Park. While our neighbors have rigorously updated their zoning codes over the years, much of ours is stuck in the 1960s. R-3 zoning changes largely limit such potential new structures to the periphery of the village such as Harlem Ave and the northern area near the Harlem/Lake Green Line that is zoned R-2 and R-3. Reforms will allow for new development on neglected peripheries that will beautify our village and make it more welcoming.
Furthermore, the impermeable limit reforms will allow us homeowners to fully invest in our properties. A hard cap on developed footprint is a hard cap on its value. By following the example of our fellow climate conscious neighboring villages, reform will give us freedom to improve our village still being responsible stewards of the environment.