Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Birch Grove Project topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
HRA reopens plan for Birch Grove property; asks staff to push for shovel‑ready options
Summary
The HRA discussed options for Parcel 25029145 (formerly Temperance Trails), including returning it to a township, issuing an RFP, or preparing infrastructure for developers or land‑trust partnerships; commissioners asked staff to pursue groundwork toward a 2027 construction window and to explore funding and partners.
Cook County HRA commissioners on Nov. 19 reopened discussion of Parcel 25029145 — a site the board agreed to refer to as the Birch Grove property rather than the earlier 'Temperance Trails' label — and asked staff to pursue active groundwork and partnership conversations aimed at preparing the site for future development.
Jeff reviewed a memo and maps included in the meeting packet and described easements, a camp site used by Birch Grove School inside the property boundary, and wetland delineation already completed. "I did create a memo... It's in your packet of a couple of different options," Jeff said when introducing possible paths forward.
Commissioners outlined three main options: return the property to the township; issue an RFP that is either prescriptive or broad; or the HRA take a more active role by preparing infrastructure (shared septic/well, roads) and offering subdivided lots for sale or partnering with a developer or land trust to build. One board member proposed renaming the parcel to avoid associations with a prior failed effort: "I think we should go back calling it Birch Grove property," the commissioner said.
Speakers emphasized both advantages and constraints already in place: wetlands have been delineated, easements mapped, and roughly 80 contiguous county acres may be available for future phases. Commissioners discussed affordable‑housing approaches (land trust ownership of land to preserve long‑term affordability; modular and prefab housing to speed construction) and local township preferences for price/size targets (a township suggested a $200,000 sale price aspiration for single‑family homes, and staff noted the idea of selling lots for about $2,000 each to subsidize final home cost).
The board also discussed a $100,000 commitment from I‑Triple‑R that the HRA must return by year‑end unless a shovel‑ready concept is in hand. Jeff said that if the HRA develops a more cohesive, shovel‑ready plan it might retain or expand that funding.
After extended discussion, commissioners agreed informally to pursue partnerships, refine design and funding strategies, and target 2027 as an ambitious construction season if grant and design work can be completed. The board did not adopt a formal development authorization on Nov. 19; members framed the action as direction to staff to continue planning, outreach and design work.
Next steps: staff will continue partner outreach (community fund, land trusts, modular manufacturers), meet with township officials, explore funding including I‑Triple‑R and Minnesota Housing programs, and come back with a recommended path and budget implications.
