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Residents urge caution on removing single‑family zoning as board advances ranked‑choice voting resolution
Summary
Multiple residents urged trustees to slow or referendum any sweeping changes to single‑family zoning, while the board approved, on the consent agenda, a resolution asking the Illinois General Assembly to clarify municipal authority to adopt ranked‑choice voting.
Several Oak Park residents used the public‑comment period to press the board for a cautious approach to zoning changes affecting single‑family neighborhoods.
Rick Eastey, a local general contractor, said he favors strategic increases in multifamily housing near transit and retail but warned that eliminating single‑family zoning across the village could encourage large, high‑density developments that change neighborhood character. He recommended focused pilot projects and consultations with small developers, builders and realtors before any final vote.
Longtime resident Frank Bozek said his family benefited from owning a single‑family home and that removing protections could make Oak Park unaffordable for working‑class households; he urged a referendum on any final plan. Kevin Kelt and Jim Gilchrist voiced similar concerns, urging pilots and study rather than wholesale code changes.
On the consent agenda the board approved a resolution urging the Illinois General Assembly to clarify the scope of home‑rule authority for municipalities that want to adopt ranked‑choice voting (RCV). Bruce Lehman urged the board to adopt the resolution so Oak Park can lead by example; Manolo Avalos of FairVote's local chapter and Peggy Kell of the League of Women Voters of Oak Park and River Forest also spoke in favor of RCV and offered to help with community education. Avalos cited petition signatures and strong local support from a 2024 referendum effort.
The consent agenda, which included the RCV resolution and routine appointments, passed unanimously. Trustees said staff and consultants will continue community engagement on housing recommendations and emphasized that any zoning changes would be targeted, include pilot approaches and be accompanied by public outreach.
