A resident warned that Dolton’s federal Opportunity Zone designation has made local properties attractive to outside investors and could accelerate turnover away from long‑term renters. “There’s no way you’re gonna stop a 100% renters,” the resident said during public comment, arguing incentives favor outside capital over local ownership.

The commenter said the village was designated an Opportunity Zone under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and attributed that designation to then‑Governor Rauner. The resident explained how the tax code allows investors to roll capital gains into a new asset and hold those funds for up to 10 years, including any appreciation, making local purchases more lucrative: “That opportunity zone allowed them to set that money for 10 years, including any appreciation, and you can withdraw that money.”

The speaker urged village leaders to build transparency and resident education into any redevelopment program so current renters are not displaced without notice or support. “Transparency is gonna be key with whatever program you go forward with. Education is going to be key,” the resident said.

Drawing on local experience, the commenter said they had partnered with Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago and the South Suburban Housing Center in Homewood and described cases where owner‑occupants live next to properties vacant for years, noting the emotional and neighborhood impacts of long‑term blight. The resident framed those examples as evidence that market incentives alone may not produce community‑beneficial outcomes.

The remarks were presented as public comment; the transcript includes no subsequent staff response, motion, or vote on the topic. The comment called for clearer rules and outreach from Dolton officials if they pursue programs tied to Opportunity Zone investment.

The transcript used the spelling “Dalton” in one line; local records and municipal materials use the spelling Dolton.