Submitted By
Plan Commission through Emily A. 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 to Allow a Community Service Center in the I-Institutional Zoning District Located at 38 North Austin Boulevard
End
Overview
Overview
The Applicant seeks a special use permit to operate a Community Service Center that would allow the applicant to provide overnight stays for the unhoused, provide meals, and offer social and medical services. Social and medical services will also be provided to students at St. Catherine/St. Lucy’s and affiliated schools and their families. This proposed use requires a special use permit. This agenda item is a companion to the Zoning Ordinance text amendment application associated with agenda item ORD 24-144.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Ordinance.
Background
The applicant approached the Village with a need to establish a permanent site that could provide overnight accommodations for the unhoused in a manner similar to the former “P.A.D.S.” model abandoned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Zoning Ordinance does not currently provide for the intended use, a zoning ordinance text amendment is necessary. The proposed text language would allow the proposed use only within the I-Institutional zoning districts where the majority of uses are government agencies or private and public school-affiliated institutions.
The second floor of the North Austin Boulevard location is used as a temporary emergency shelter for relocated migrants and other unhoused populations located in and around Oak Park. In this proposal, the applicant intends to also establish, with the support of The Neighborhood Bridge organization, a social and medical services feature for those housed at this location and to students who attend the St. Catherine/St. Lucy’s Catholic Parish School, their family members, and affiliate Catholic school students and families. Housing Forward will partner with The Neighborhood Bridge, a newly created nonprofit, to help residents on the West Side of Chicago reach their full potential by connecting them to human services. The Neighborhood Bridge will also partner with existing providers who deliver a range of services, including but not limited to: primary and mental healthcare, housing assistance, financial counseling and household budgeting, job training, computer competency, and violence prevention.
The Neighborhood Bridge will have a particular focus on serving families of students from the Austin neighborhood who attend partner schools: St. Catherine/St. Lucy, St. Angela, Chicago Jesuit Academy, Catalyst Circle Rock, and Christ the King College Preparatory School.
Fiscal Impact
Cost of Public Notice: $508.00 (this includes both applications - Text Amendment and Special Use) - Legal Posting Account 1001.46202.101.550652
DEI Impact
The proposed use provides a vital community service and resource by offering a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing homelessness. These organizations can provide a positive impact on a community by providing basic necessities of life, including food, shelter, and clothing. The social and medical services provided will serve not only those individuals experiencing homelessness, but students attending the St. Catherine/St. Lucy school and their families and those from neighboring schools in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood. These community services support the Board's Goals surrounding racial equity and vibrant, diverse, connected neighborhoods.
Alternatives
1. Deny the application and do not adopt the Ordinance. This would hinder the applicant from creating a permanent program to support the unhoused population.
2. Modify the Ordinance by adding conditions of approval.
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Plan Commission unanimously supports this application with a 5-0 vote in favor. Staff supports the Plan Commission’s recommendation for approval of this application. The Plan Commission inquired of staff how the use title and definition were developed. There was a concern raised that the title (Community Service Center) was not indicative of the intended use. Staff indicated that it was selected based on similar language within the Zoning Ordinance, but a change could be discussed if so desired by the Plan Commission. Commissioners had questions about the 5-year contract with the Archdiocese. There was a concern it may be too short and does not provide permanency. There was a question regarding the number of bathrooms. The applicant’s architect indicated further review was needed, but Housing Forward believes the number is adequate for the proposed number of occupants. An inquiry about Fire and Police concerns was also raised. Staff indicated that the fire suppression and fire alarm systems were a concern for the Fire Department but the applicant is working on resolving the issues. There was a discussion about safety for the occupants. Housing Forward staff indicated that they have a tried and true protocol that supports crisis prevention and they have been fortunate not to have had any major incidents at their locations. The hearing can be viewed here: <https://www.oak-park.us/your-government/citizen-commissions/commission-tv>
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
N/A
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A