April 9, 2026
Date: March 24, 2026
Location of meeting: Via Zoom
Time meeting was called to order: 7:05 pm
Attendees: Kristin Berg, Nan Parson, Marilyn Novak, Kathy Rolsing, Melani Kaplan, Jeanne Wells, Kate Kerin
1) Housing Plan
A) Housing Plan Implementation
i. Nan and Kristin met with Drew Awsumb to discuss implementation of the AH Plan. Discussions have started with PZC but do not yet have much traction as far as changing policies to promote the creation of affordable units. Staff have made some progress in 2 areas:
(a) Senior Housing Development. City staff has a list of 40 senior housing developers and will be sending a letter to them inviting them to propose a senior project in Park Ridge. Estimated date letters will be sent: May
(b) Employer Assisted Housing. Park Ridge will partner with local businesses to provide down payment assistance for employees looking to buy a home in Park Ridge. This program is dependent on the city providing a source of revenue. Letters and a brochure will go out to 100 area employers if approved by city council. This program is scheduled to appear on a COW agenda in May
B) Monitor City Council/COW agendas for any Housing Plan discussions/actions/proposed multifamily and senior housing development
i. No new discussions Feb, March, or April to date.
C) Monitor PZC Agendas for any Housing Plan discussions/actions/ proposed multifamily and senior housing development
i. PZC has discussed the PUD public benefits list and a voluntary Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance but so far has not agreed on any changes that would prioritize AH or induce developers to voluntarily add affordable units to their projects. The next meeting is April 14th.
2) Comprehensive Plan
A) Comp Plan dedicated website: https://park-ridge-il-comprehensive-plan-hlplanning.hub.arcgis.com/
i. A Community Visionary Workshop was held at Prospect Park on March 3rd . There were several small groups that gave their ideas on how to improve Park Ridge. All groups mentioned AH as a top priority and one group also mentioned Accessible Housing for those with disabilities. The website notes that a summary of the workshop will be posted soon.
ii. The Community Survey is on the website
iii. Mapping tool on website. It was reported in the meeting that there were problems with using the mapping tool.
3) Nan and Kristin met with State Rep Justin Cochran and introduced him to Action Ridge and the AH Committee. We asked him to sponsor the bills that are currently in process regarding zoning, ADUs, and strengthening the AHPAA. He said he would look at the bills and consider sponsorship. We also mentioned the housing policies endorsed by Governor Pritzker including:
i. Significantly limit local governments’ authority to restrict the types of residential structures that can be built on property zoned for residential.
ii. Legalize accessory dwelling units (ADUs) — including attached or detached secondary residences such as granny flats, backyard cottages, and above-garage apartments — on all residentially zoned properties statewide.
iii. Establish statewide timelines for inspections and permitting reviews, and allow the use of third-party inspectors if municipalities fail to meet those deadlines.
iv. Provide $250 million combined for site preparation grants, middle housing development, and first-time homebuyer assistance.
4) Other Updates after the meeting**:
A) The Farmers Market Community Tent is booked for the season. We will be notified of any cancelations and can participate if and when those occur. Applications may be submitted as early as January 1st for the upcoming season so next year we can submit our request earlier.
B) A meeting with Laura Murphy’s office is scheduled for April 22nd at 11:00am.
C) Melani created a new informational handout regarding “myths about AH.” Work continues on additional handouts.
5) Time meeting adjourned: 8:10pm
6) The next meeting will be on Monday, 4/27 at 7:00 pm on Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2644814263?pwd=clJCSWJmRnpnSjlyYmY0clJBRkJGZz09
Meeting ID: 264 481 4263
Passcode: 588190