Date: January 25, 2024
Location of meeting: Via Zoom
Time meeting was called to order: 7:02pm
Attendees: Kristin Berg, Nan Parson, Kathy Rolsing, Melani Kaplan, Jeanne Wells
- Housing Plan
- Draft Housing Plan; goals and actions – City Council had positive views about the Draft Housing Plan and a lively discussion about Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) on Monday 1/22
There was a discussion about the objections to IZ, which were very general except for Alderperson Harrington who said that if we want to change the zoning code that much it should be in the City’s Strategic Plan. At least 3 Council members would like to see mandatory IZ studied further in addition to “voluntary, developer-driven IZ policy. A voluntary policy is not likely to create any affordable units. Two P&Z Commissioners made public comments against IZ, claiming that Council would have to give up control over developments and that IZ will not increase our affordable housing ratio to 10% or beyond. Kristin made a comment in favor of IZ, stating that Council has control over any IZ Ordinance, what concessions they do or do not give. She also stated that while economics (rising home prices and rents) have more influence on the State ratios than AH policies, mandatory IZ will ensure that as long as there is new residential development, affordable units will be built. Chris Parson made a comment advocating for mandated IZ, asserting that developers will not create affordable units without a mandate.
All attendees stated they will write letters to City Council before 2/20, when Council will next discuss and presumably vote on the Housing Plan. Besides specific policies (such as mandatory IZ), letters will concentrate on how AH serves the community.
- Comprehensive Plan
- PZC is working on “Master Plans” for specific areas. Uptown B4 is in draft stage
- It will be 12-18 months before the plan is finished
- Discussion at PZC about inviting an alderperson to Master Plan discussion for their ward
- Active Adult Expo, PR Park District, Thursday, April 11, 9-12
Action Ridge will have a table again if we get a few volunteers to man it.
- Chamber of Commerce Networking 2/1 State of the City Address by Mayor Marty Maloney. The event is free, and you can register as a non-member.
- Action Ridge meeting 2/28 Our plan for the February meeting is shaping up. It will be the final in our series that has focused on understanding youth misbehavior in Park Ridge and on ways to effectively deal with that behavior in the community. After our meeting in October, several attendees asked how these practices work in the schools and how they support diversity, inclusion, and equity policies. So, on a date to be determined, we’ll hear from a panel of educators from D207 who deal with misbehavior by using, among other responses, restorative/transformative practices.
- National Public Housing Museum 1/18 – 3/10 “Evicted” exhibit This is a newer museum and the only public housing museum in the US. The exhibit is based on Matthew Desmond’s book and features live talks by those with lived experience of struggling to find and maintain affordable housing. We will pick a date for those who want to attend.
- Action Ridge Succession Plan Liz Swanson will be in touch with people about developing a plan to make sure the group continues into the future.
- Time meeting adjourned: 8:10 pm
- The next meeting will be Tuesday, 2/27 at 7:oopm on Zoom
