04/15/2022
We greatly appreciate the Daily Heralds’ coverage on this matter. https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20220413/no-recommendation-yet-on-controversial-downtown-des-plaines-apartment-building-plan Some folks on social media have come saying that this neighborhood is standing in the way of progress, which I can tell you is simply not true. We care about what comes into our neighborhood, we want to know that will truly be what they tell us it will be, and there is sufficient precedence for questioning the veracity of developer claims. It is important to hear all the perspectives, from the preservation of historic elements to the appropriateness of it in that specific location. In my conversations with my neighbors, not once has anyone suggested that nothing be changed or are against any development on that land. If the data espoused by the developer holds true, it would be just as much of a benefit to Des Plaines in some of the other parcels in downtown, parcels that when asked why they were not selected the developer stated that were not chosen due to the acquisition cost. Consider for a moment why those parcels haven't been developed over the years. I believe it is mostly due to the fact that they are so close to the tracks that high density residential would not be viable, having only one narrow residential street to allow ingress and egress into the properties would be another. At some point the other parcels in downtown will be developed similarly with 7 story apartment buildings with very similar style and design, colors and material styles may change, but the 5 over 1 construction style limits the exterior wall structure / design and panel options. Should this project be built, I would suspect that many of the renters of the 622 Graceland property would be first in line to move into the buildings that offer the same amenities and benefits, but are not 13 feet from where the trains stop and go. I wonder if the developer, when determining the target demographic, took into account their ability to influence others through the various social media apps, often posting instant feedback on experiences. These instant posts of a negative experience can unduly influence others. As citizens it is not only our right, but our responsibility to question when government partners with private business as to the equity of the arrangement, this opens up the private business to questions and inspection beyond what they would normally have to disclose, you want the city to waive existing ordinance, build bigger than what fits the area, buy land owned by the city then you should expect to receive the questions being raised..
After listening to concerned residents during a public hearing Tuesday night, Des Plaines' planning and zoning board postponed making a recommendation on a controversial plan for a new downtown apartment building.
