Affordable Housing Advocacy Group Meeting Minutes ~ September 20, 2023

Location of meeting:  Via Zoom

Time meeting was called to order: 7:02pm

Attendees:  Kristin Berg, Nan Parson, Kate Kerin, Melani Kaplan

1. Comprehensive Plan and Housing Plan.
   1.  Update on Housing and Comp Plan
      1. There was a discussion of the presentation of the MMC Final Report to City Council on 9/18.  The presentation was not particularly strong, nor were the answers to the alderperson’s questions.  It was clear that some of the alderpersons were still not very informed on the various tools to increase AH in Park Ridge.  Joan Sandrik, Park Ridge resident, made a public comment from recommending that they read the Arlington Heights Plan as it would answer some of their questions. Kristin gave a public comment recommending that council utilize all of the tools in the report and that it is particularly important to establish a Housing Trust Fund to implement the strategies.  Kristin also recommended that they consider ADUs as this strategy was not suggested in the MMC Report.  City Council will discuss the MMC suggestions at the COW on October 16^th at 7pm.
      1. Kristin emailed Drew Awsumb in August about the city sponsoring public education in AH, as Action Ridge did in May with guest speakers Richard Koenig of HODC and Heather Ross of Northbrook.  To date, there has been no response from Drew.
      1. Nan and Kristin are scheduled to have lunch with Kelly Lawrence on Thursday, 9/28 to introduce her to Action Ridge.
      1. There are now 8 different AH Plans on the City’s Website under CP&D.  We can learn about how other communities are structuring their Housing Plans by reading them.

We discussed the pros and cons of showing “No Place to Live”, which was shown on PBS, and then a panel discussion afterwards.  Melani and Kate have not viewed the film.  Melani suggested showing clips of HODC residents talking about what having AH means to them.  We talked about what the goal of the meeting should be – showing the need for AH?  Showing how obstacles to AH can be overcome?  Nan will contact Bruce Orenstein for his ideas and possible attendance.  Kristin emailed the library to see if they would cosponsor and get an idea on timing for the program.  We will have to firm up our program idea and let the library know.  Here is a link to the film:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWrSEL7xBnU

• Action Ridge has a seat at the Farmers Market Community Tent on 10/7/23

Kristen Olsen, an Action Ridge leader, will be at the table along with Kristin and Marilyn.  We may bring the AR Banner and possibly the 2 large posters from the library display.  If so, we will need easels and weights in case of wind.

• Blue Island AH Tour and meeting with local officials/advocates

Nan has talked to her contacts who have not been able to link us to anyone regarding AH.  Nan is contacting the properties directly to see if we can gain any information that way.  We are interested in how these properties came to be in Blue Island.

• Upcoming Events
  • Park Ridge residents with solar panels will be participating in the annual Solar Tour on September 30, from 10 AM to 1 PM.  Solar owners will be available to show you their panels and discuss the technology, the cost savings, and the installation process.   For those interested, go to GoGreenParkRidge.org and get a map of the solar locations or check out the flyer below and use the QR code.  Also, on October 12, 7 to 8 PM, our own Tim Milburn will be presenting at the Park Ridge Library on rooftop solar, energy efficiency and electric vehicles, including technology, costs, and incentives.  To register: https://parkridgelibrary.libcal.com/event/11152667 
  •   The October meeting will focus on Policing and Juvenile Justice, especially as it relates to young people.  We’ll be hearing from experts, again, about ways to create a more beloved community where the needs of youth are better met.
  • Book Discussion Group 10/30  The next discussion will be on MONDAY, October 30 at 7:00.  We will be reading "There, There" by Tommy Orange.  From Wikipedia..."There There is the debut novel by Cheyenne and Arapaho author Tommy Orange. Published in 2018, the book follows a large cast of Native Americans living in the Oakland, California area and contains several essays on Native American history and identity.  This is available on Libby so please be sure to read it in whatever format you enjoy.

• Time meeting adjourned:  8:15 pm

•  The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 1st, at 7pm on zoom.