Development News for Highland Park, Illinois

Highland Park Council Reviews Affordable Housing Policy Amidst POA Concerns

The City Council reviewed a policy position paper from the Property Owners Association (POA) regarding affordable housing. The POA paper identifies a shortage of affordable housing and criticizes current city policies for unintended consequences such as reduced housing supply, rising rents, and displacement. Staff presented counterarguments, disagreeing with the paper's assertions on housing supply decline and rent increases, citing data on recent development approvals and the dynamic nature of market-rate affordable housing. Staff also provided comments on the POA's recommendations, including increasing overall housing supply, preserving naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH), introducing flexible compliance options, optimizing inclusionary zoning thresholds, and supporting downtown vitality through density. The council discussed the complexities of balancing development with affordability and acknowledged the potential impact of state legislation on local zoning control.