I find no compelling argument for rezoning 1554, 1556 and 1576 Oakwood Avenue to RM2 for the Oakwood Station proposal. In fact, a multifamily project that complies with long-standing RM1 zoning can provide all the benefits of the current proposal.
Tax Revenue. MJS Development estimates that the proposed development will generate $100,000 per year at RM2. Based on rough calculations, a 20-unit RM1 project would generate about $75,000 per year. Is that enough to justify rezoning that allows commercial uses on the edge of the Oakwood Avenue single family neighborhood?
Affordable Housing. A multifamily project built to RM1 zoning can also include affordable units — for which the developer would receive the same type of density bonuses he is requesting at RM2.
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A Vital City. A project built to RM1 zoning will bring and keep more people in Highland Park. Residents of this development will be equally likely to patronize local businesses and generate additional sales tax as residents of a downtown-sized development built to RM2 with variances.
Spot rezoning should be reserved for situations in which it offers substantial benefits that cannot be achieved in any other way. This is not the case on Oakwood Avenue. We, the residents of Oakwood Avenue and Green Bay Road, hope the city does not approve the rezoning request.
Jennifer Futterman
Highland Park