Community Corner

RM1 Zoning an Important 'Step Down': Letter

Highland Park resident Lisa Edison opposes the zoning change planned for Oakwood Station.

The following letter was written and submitted by Lisa Edison.

The parcel for the proposed Oakwood Station development should not be rezoned from RM1 to RM2. Those lots have been zoned RM1 since at least 1978, and intentionally kept at RM1 through many remapping projects - including a comprehensive review in 2006.

The developer’s suggestion that such long-standing zoning is archaic overlooks the reason these lots have been maintained at RM1: It provides an appropriate step-down from larger downtown developments to the Oakwood Avenue single family R6 district.

Find out what's happening in Highland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The words “step-down” or “transitional” zoning may not appear in the Code, but a number of City Council members recognize the concept as city policy.

Rezoning the Oakwood lots to RM2 sets a bad precedent. It tells developers that they can acquire property and get it rezoned for higher density, bulk and profit. That can’t be the message Highland Park wants to send, but it’s exactly what rezoning to RM2 will convey.

Find out what's happening in Highland Parkfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

My neighbors and I understand that these lots will be built with a multifamily development. That development should be done at the RM1 zoning that has governed those lots for more than 30 years.

Lisa Edison, Highland Park

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.