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Oak Park residents urge board to study 60-foot height limit near Rush Oak Park Hospital
Summary
Neighbors asked the Village Board to schedule a study session to consider a 60-foot maximum height standard near Rush Oak Park Hospital, saying current zoning allows development up to 80–125 feet adjacent to homes without village approval.
Several nearby residents told the Village of Oak Park Board of Trustees they want the village to move forward on a months‑old directive to study height limits near Rush Oak Park Hospital.
“Today Rush can build near our homes up to 80 feet on Winona and up to 125 feet on Maple in Wisconsin without any public process or board approval,” Jessica Kumar, who identified herself as speaking for the Center West Oak Park Neighborhood Association, said during public comment. She asked the board to schedule a study session to consider a 60‑foot maximum for new hospital construction adjacent to homes.
Bruno Graziano, president of the condominium association at 621 South Maple, said his building now borders the hospital valet lot and would be directly affected by taller new construction. David Osta and Mike Week, two long‑time residents, said they were frustrated the board’s June 2023 unanimous vote to study lowering allowable heights had not produced a study session. “You voted very clearly to say you wanted to study lowering the height… I just want a fair shake and it shouldn't take 33 months,” Osta said.
President Vicki Skammen acknowledged the residents’ frustration and said staff remains in contact with Rush and that the board would not permit development to proceed before the issue is resolved. She said staff is working to be able to respond to neighborhood concerns and expects to report back soon.
Context: trustees and members of the public framed the requested change as an added review step—not a prohibition on development. Speakers said they are not seeking to stop Rush from building but want transparent review when projects exceed a 60‑foot threshold. The board did not take formal action on the request during this meeting; trustees urged staff follow‑up and suggested scheduling a study session and one‑on‑one briefings with trustees to clarify expectations.
What’s next: Residents asked the board to set a study session promptly; the board’s leadership indicated staff would continue to engage with the hospital and the neighborhood and return with options. If the board schedules a study session, staff and relevant commissions would examine regulatory options and potential referral processes.
