September 3, 2025
Date: August 20, 2025
Location of meeting: Via Zoom
Time meeting was called to order: 7:05pm
Attendees: Kristin Berg, Nan Parson, Melani Kaplan, Kathy Rolsing, Lori Snelson, Marilyn Novak, Fee Tso
We welcomed Fee to our meeting. As this was her first meeting, she asked inciteful questions that helped to stimulate discussion and clarify our purpose with regards to advocating for the creation of more affordable housing in Park Ridge.
1) Housing Plan
a) Housing Plan Implementation
i) The change. org petition had 250 signatures as of 7/31 and was closed. It may be reopened.
ii) Kristin met with Drew Awsumb, PR Director of Community Preservation and Development in August. Key points:
(1) 3 of the Action Items that consider zoning changes will be assigned to PZC for discussion in the fall; #5, 6, 8
(2) Action Item #1 involves creating a revenue source such as a Tear-down Fee or Impact Fee. Discussion to begin with the 2026 Budget Process
(3) Kristin will reconnect Richard Koenig of HODC with Drew Awsumb to discuss developer incentives for an affordable senior housing property. Richard/Kristin will submit additional developers to talk with.
(4) Kristin has requested a list of vacant city properties to consider as a possible site for a senior development.
(5) Drew is open to the idea of a Task Force to assist with the AH Plan implementation. He is thinking90-180 days and will discuss with the Mayor.
iii) Kristin will contact Amy Bartucci to see if she has had any further response from Alderperson Moran to her idea of hosting a group of residents to discuss implementation of the AH Plan. All are encouraged to contact their Alderperson to request that they begin implementation of the AH Plan.
b) Monitor City Council/COW agendas for any Housing Plan discussions/actions/proposed multifamily and senior housingdevelopment
i) There was nothing to report here.
c) Monitor PZC Agendas for any Housing Plan discussions/actions/ proposed multifamily and senior housing development
i) There was nothing to report on here.
2) Comprehensive Plan
a) The City Council approved a consultant contract for work on the Comp Plan on 8/4. Memo and Scope attached. The timeline is 12-18 months
3) Drew Awsumb will share the Rockford article with the Mayor and The Rockford IL Economic Plan will be discussed with Drew Awsumb in August. There may be a follow-up with Mayor Maloney to connect him with the Mayor of Rockford.
4) A visit to the National Public Housing Museum will be planned for September. Kristin will send out a few dates.
5) Kathy, Kristin and Melani are on the Event Committee for the event that the Center of Concern is planning, Housing Stability for Successful Aging, featuring a panel, on September 8, 5:30-8:30 pm at the Des Plaines Theater. Action Ridge is a sponsor and will have at able; Nan to host. HODC will also have a table; Kristin and Melani to host. Entrance is free. Kristin will circulate AH materials that may be used as handouts. Melani may create a QR Code for information.
6) Time meeting adjourned: 8:15pm
7) The next meeting will be on Monday, 9/22 at 7:00pm on Zoom