Residents press Forest Park council to restrict short-term rentals near schools; council directs staff to study options

Residents urged the Forest Park village council on April 13 to update the municipal code to restrict short-term rentals in residential zones near schools, citing safety and neighborhood-stability concerns.

At the start of the public-comment period, Sarah Cuttsforth, a resident of the 900 block of Lathrop, told the council her children attend District 91 schools and asked trustees to hold a vote to restrict short-term rentals in residentially zoned areas. Cuttsforth said guests at a nearby short-term rental caused disruptions at a neighborhood block party and that her daughter ‘‘found a weed vape pen in our bounce house’’ after the event. ‘‘I am so thankful that she did not put that to her mouth,’’ Cuttsforth said.

Another longtime resident, Samantha, said short-term rentals ‘‘bring constant turnover, added trust, increased noise’’ and urged the board to act immediately. ‘‘Why can't we start today, and why can't we vote right now?’’ Samantha asked.

Mayor Rory Hoskins and council members said they heard residents’ concerns but could not take up an ordinance that was not on the published agenda. The mayor told speakers an ordinance to regulate short-term rentals was not on the meeting agenda and ‘‘we can't actually go on it tonight.’’

Commissioner Maxim acknowledged the frustration and said staff will be asked to compile information. He said he had spoken with department heads and asked the village administrator to coordinate with the police chief and other officials so the board can be briefed with a consistent set of facts. ‘‘It may not happen by the next meeting, but they will be given that direction,’’ Maxim said.

Commissioner Vogt also thanked residents for coming and said limiting short-term rentals within residential districts had precedent in nearby communities, citing River Forest and Elmwood Park. Mayor Hoskins said the council will direct staff to work with village attorneys to evaluate options for regulating short-term rentals and report back.

The council did not take formal action on an ordinance at the April 13 meeting. Council members told residents they will continue communicating with concerned neighbors and indicated the issue will be considered in a future meeting once staff and legal review is complete.

What happens next: Council members said they will instruct staff and attorneys to research possible code changes and return findings to the board; residents were encouraged to attend the May 18 budget meeting and future council sessions to follow the issue.