We urge the Oak Park Plan Commission and the Village Trustees to vote NO on the proposed Boulevard Arcade luxury apartment development.

WHEREAS, both bodies will consider a proposal to build a 10-story, 24-unit luxury apartment building at the rear of the historic Boulevard Arcade building at 1033 South Boulevard; and

WHEREAS, the project developer claims that this development is necessary to secure a tax status change to “mixed-use” in order to reduce taxes on the Boulevard Arcade building; and

WHEREAS, the proposed development would require substantial variances (called allowances) from Oak Park zoning ordinances, including a 96% increase in allowable building height, a 37% decrease in the minimum lot area requirement, and a 60% increase in unit density. These are serious allowances, which should require that the community significantly benefits from the project; and

WHEREAS, the developer seeks these allowances due to the site’s severe space constraints, necessitating four floors of parking and a car elevator system that could potentially cause gridlock and delay access in the rear alley for personal, emergency, maintenance, and delivery vehicles for both the proposed apartments and nearby residences and businesses that already depend on it and

WHEREAS, the proposed development would introduce additional high-cost rental units into Downtown Oak Park, with estimated rents ranging from $3,695 to $4,195 per month for 2 bedroom/2 bathroom units, plus $200 monthly parking fees, thereby failing to address the community’s pressing need for affordable housing near public transit; and

WHEREAS, despite being located near major public transit options, the proposed apartment development includes four levels of building parking, including one parking space per rental unit, which is inconsistent with the Village’s Transit Oriented Development sustainability goals and contrary to the intent of the Illinois People Over Parking Act (SB 2111), effective June 2026; and

WHEREAS, the scale, massing, and proposed materials of the building are incompatible with the surrounding commercial and residential neighborhoods and the historic character of the Boulevard Arcade.

THEREFORE, we call upon the Oak Park Plan Commission and the Village Board to reject this proposal and instead support projects that genuinely align with Oak Park’s values and standards, sustainability commitments, and urgent need for affordable housing.

We respectfully request a NO! vote on this proposal.