Neighbors in the Harding Woods area of La Grange Park are opposed to the historic Oak Avenue School building being torn down. The current proposal has the property being sold to a builder, who will develop the land into 8 houses, with 2 lots being used for a retention pond.

We are concerned about preserving the character of the neighborhood and do not want 8 new houses being put in with little to no community input. And most importantly, we are concerned about losing an historic building that has been a landmark in the neighborhood for nearly 100 years. 

We believe Harding Woods has a unique opportunity to repurpose the building, so that it may serve as a boon to the community. If residential housing gets built, this opportunity ceases to exist. 

The multi-step, approval process and public meetings have limited the community’s ability for holistic input on how to repurpose the site, and what options are available.

At a minimum, we propose the sale and development of the Oak Ave School be postponed until the community can provide input on alternative proposals to repurpose the building under a special use permit. 

Please consider signing to save the Oak Avenue School building!