Council rezones nine parcels to R-2 to encourage higher-density housing

The Cook City Council voted July 22 to amend the official zoning map, rezoning nine parcels to the R-2 Multi-Family Residence District to allow higher-density housing options including duplexes and condominiums while still permitting single-family homes.

Mayor Daniel Manick and Councilor Ron Bushbaum framed the rezoning as part of a response to a long-term population decline and rising fixed costs. "If we continue to have a net loss, you just heard Bolton & Menk outline what our water and sewer rates are going to become. If we don't get some new development, the taxes are going to become outrageous," Mayor Manick said. Supporters emphasized that rezoning does not compel property owners to develop; rather, it offers additional options. A member of the public suggested initially rezoning only city-owned parcels, but councilors said standard practice is to rezone all qualifying parcels at once to avoid multiple hearings.

The council approved Resolution 260722C on second reading following a prior Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve. The move is intended to remove regulatory barriers for potential developers and to make multiple parcels immediately eligible for more intensive residential use, with the goal of encouraging new construction and stabilizing the city's tax base.