Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Consultant urges University Park to finish TOD work, update comprehensive plan and partner with Governors State University
Summary
A presenter from the mayor's caucus outlined four recommended strategies — finish transit‑oriented development planning, coordinate with Governors State University on student/faculty housing, update the comprehensive plan and run a community marketing campaign — and listed near‑term steps for the village.
A presenter from the mayor's caucus laid out a four‑part housing action plan to guide housing and commercial growth in University Park.
The presentation stressed finishing the Regional Transportation Authority’s transit‑oriented development (TOD) planning near the metro, coordinating with Governors State University on student and faculty housing, updating the village comprehensive plan (last done in 2014) and launching a community marketing push modeled on Homewood’s “Think Homewood” campaign. “We’re suggesting these 4 steps or 4 sub strategies within this recommendation,” the presenter said.
The presenter recommended concrete next steps including evaluating purchase of land near the metro station, using financing tools such as tax increment financing, setting up regular meetings between village leaders and Governors State University, and testing whether a comprehensive plan update is feasible given costs. The presentation noted the university had already piloted an employer housing program offering $15,000 in down‑payment help and housing counseling for employees in 2023.
Trustees and residents asked logistical questions after the presentation, including how the $50,000 Home Repair & Accessibility awards work; staff clarified the IHDA program operates as a forgivable loan that functions like a grant if homeowners remain in the property for the program term. A resident also urged expanded PACE bus service to the industrial area to help job seekers reach work.
Village staff said the plan is currently a draft that will be finalized if the board elects to adopt it and that paper copies could be made available to residents. The board did not take a vote on adoption at the meeting; staff said they will follow up with meeting materials and public outreach, including handing out or posting the draft online.
The next procedural step, according to staff, is to decide whether to proceed with any of the plan's recommended actions (land evaluations, coordination meetings, or a comprehensive plan update) and to publicize opportunities for resident input at upcoming meetings and a town hall.
