Resident urges pilot recovery‑housing program; board discusses state bill to legalize duplexes and ADUs

During public comment, resident Michael Obadzinski proposed the "Kankakee Recovery Housing Revitalization Initiative," a pilot to convert a land‑bank property into structured sober‑living housing within walking distance of downtown recovery services.

"It is the Kankakee Recovery Housing Revitalization Initiative pilot program," Obadzinski said, describing visible alcohol and drug use on public corridors and presenting a bag of collected bottles as evidence of public substance‑related waste. He proposed mandatory sobriety and accountability measures, routine testing, curfews and required participation in recovery programs, with a phased second stage converting vacant commercial buildings along Court Street into community impact centers offering recovery meeting spaces and job‑readiness services.

Obadzinski asked for the opportunity to work with city officials, the land bank and local organizations to identify a pilot property, explore partnerships and funding, and report back to the council.

Separately, in other business, planning staff briefed the board on a state legislative proposal (noted in discussion as Build Illinois) that would legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and allow duplexes by right across zoning districts. Staff warned the board this measure could erode local home‑rule zoning authority. An Illinois Municipal League (IML) representative or update was noted as monitoring developments closely on behalf of municipalities.

Board members said they were tracking the bill and expected stakeholders including municipalities and IML to push back on provisions that reduce local zoning control. Staff observed that the version circulating is likely to evolve as stakeholders weigh in.

The meeting closed after adjournment motions.