Submitted By
Plan Commission through Emily Egan, Development Services Director
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
Concur with the Plan Commission and Adopt an Ordinance Granting a Special Use Permit for a Major Planned Development Containing a Five-Story Residential Building Consisting of 36 Dwelling Units at the Property Located at 1106 Madison Street
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Overview
Overview
The Applicant and Developer, Interfaith Housing Development Corporation, in conjuction with Housing Forward, is proposing the construction of a permanent supportive and affordable housing building for low-income, underserved populations. The existing church building will be demolished and a new brick structure will be constructed in its place at five stories with 36 studio and one-bedroom units. Please note that the applicant has requested extensions on submission of a building permit and construction completion. A letter is included and referenced in the Ordinance.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Background
The subject site is within the MS - Madison Street Zoning District on the north side of Madison Street west of Wisconsin Avenue. The proposed structure will replace a former religious institution that retains no historical significance. This proposal has been reviewed by (the Village’s architectural design consultant, Wight and Company, who worked with the architect during the process. It was also vetted through staff’s Project Review Team, a multidisciplinary group consisting of representatives from fire, police, engineering, planning, zoning, historic preservation, forestry, housing, parking, law, business, and economic development. The proposed structure’s facades will be brick with stone and Alucobond accents. The proposal also includes a glass and steel retail storefront along Madison. The Applicant requests five zoning relief allowances: increased building height, increased density, reduction in front yard setback, decrease in parking spaces, and increased illumination along the front property line. All of these are referenced in the staff’s report.
Since sustainably continues to be essential, especially with the adoption of the Climate Ready Oak Park Plan <https://www.sustainoakpark.com/oak-parks-climate-action>, the proposed all-electric structure will advance the goals and initiatives established by the Village. The proposed building will be constructed utilizing the 2020 Green Communities <https://www.greencommunitiesonline.org/requirements-eligibility> rating system. This rating system is only available for buildings that contain affordable housing units. The applicant is poised to achieve points necessary to become certified. The applicant provided a checklist in their application packet of the sustainable items that will be incorporated into the building.
Since the proposed building and parking area is lot line to lot line, there is no available area for outdoor public space. There will be two outdoor green spaces at grade level with one on each side of the proposed building made available for resident use. The proposal will also consist of 100% affordable rental dwelling units. Staff believes the development fulfills the requirement for affordable housing set asides. The applicant will replace damaged public sidewalk along Madison Street and damaged surfaces associated with the abutting alley to the north. The applicant has proposed to set Louis Sullivanesque decorative panels on the building as depicted in their application. The applicant indicates that Camille Wilson-White, Executive Director of the Oak Park Area Arts Council, supports the proposed public art selection. Ms. Wilson-White’s council will review all public art associated with planned development projects prior to installation.
Fiscal Impact
N/A
DEI Impact
The proposed project will be a 100-percent affordable and supportive housing for indiviuals experiencing homelessness and chronic conditions. The proposed development embodies the Village’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It attempts to meet the Village’s goal of affordable housing for all neighborhoods by responding to needs in the community. It is equally important that the residents have adequate access to transit and local goods and services. This development proposal is especially relevant as it aligns with the recently adopted Strategic Vision for Housing Plan.
Alternatives
1. Do not adopt the Odiannce and deny the Application. This would eliminate an opportunity to provide underserved populations with needed homes and services, especially for those experiencing homelessness.
2. Modify the Ordaince and Adopt.
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Plan Commission held their public hearing on July 10, 2024. The Plan Commission voted unanimously in support of the proposed planned development project. No members of the public in attendance opposed the development proposal. There were also no persons for cross examination. Four member of the public spoke in favor of the proposal. The Plan Commission also received multiple letters of support for the development. Plan Commission members were very supportive of the application as they felt this use is needed and welcomed. The Commissioners were not concerned with the lack of on-site parking spaces as they believe vehicles will not be in demand by the residents. The public hearing can be viewed here: <https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/citizen-commissions/commission-tv>
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
The Applicant may request funding from the Affordable Housing Trust Fund towards development of the proposed project.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A