Zion Lutheran Church has been part of the Deerfield Community since 1956 (62 years) and we feel it is time to give back to the community that has hosted us for so many years. One of the assets that we can share is our land. In accordance with the State of Illinois’ (310 ILCS 67/) Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act, we agree with the state that, “it is imperative that action be taken to assure the availability of workforce and retirement housing” and, in Deerfield, “there exists a shortage of affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing.” To that end, we are requesting a variance in the zoning of our property with the intention of building twenty four units that will allow residents to live and work in their community.
Let us clarify our intentions:
- It is a fact that the State of Illinois sets an initiative for all communities to provide 10% of their housing as ‘affordable.’ Deerfield currently has 4% of their housing as affordable.
- The land at Zion (our back forty) is on a flood plain. The project engineer has developed a plan with two, decorative retention pools/ponds to rectify any possible flooding, which will improve current and future issues.
- We understand that the neighbors are concerned about traffic. As compared to Kings Cove and the Villas of Highland Park with one egress, “Zion Woods” will have fewer units with a lower population, adding little traffic to the ares. Also, traffic coming in and out of the Zion property has decreased over the last twenty years. When the church was used seven days a week and we had three full services every Sunday, there was much more traffic than today. It was not considered an issue then.
- According to the Superintendent of Deerfield District 109, the impact on the school will be minimal if at all. At this time, there is a decrease in school enrollment.
- The proposed development will actually generate taxes for Deerfield where otherwise there are none collected.
- We’re not in this for the money. It is a community legacy and a long term solution for the housing issue in Deerfield.
As far as decreasing the property values of of neighbors, changing the culture of the neighborhood, and all that negative comments like these denote, these are emotional opinions, not based on fact. Change can be difficult. It can also be rewarding.
A Planning Commission Meeting is scheduled for June 28 at 7 pm, at the Deerfield City Hall to review the requested variance.
Please join us as we continue our journey.
