‘It’s just a bad idea’: Suburban officials oppose Pritzker’s plan to reduce local control over residential zoning

Saying it will increase public safety and infrastructure costs and change the aesthetics of their communities, leaders of several Northwest suburbs gathered Thursday to oppose Gov. JB Pritzker’s plan to reduce local officials’ ability to control residential construction.

The proposed changes, which Pritzker unveiled during his recent State of the State address, address minimum lot sizes, residential density rules, parking requirements, inspections and other aspects of residential construction. They could increase development of apartments, condominiums, two-flats and other types of multifamily housing.

They also could allow homeowners to build additional, free-standing residential buildings on lots designed for single-family homes. Pritzker dubbed the plan Building Up Illinois Developments, or BUILD.

In a news conference at her community’s village hall, South Barrington Mayor Paula McCombie urged state legislators to reject the package of bills that comprise Pritzker’s plan, some of which already have been introduced. Zoning regulations exist to support property owners, McCombie said, and these proposed changes would “strip away that local control.”

The minimum residential lot in nearby Barrington Hills — an upscale community where many residents keep horses on their properties — is five acres, and the land is full of riding trails. Forcing the village board to allow smaller lots or multifamily housing “will destroy our town,” Village President Brian Cecola said.

McCombie and Cecola were joined by Algonquin Village President Debby Sosine, North Barrington Village President Eleanor Sweet McDonnell, and Hawthorn Woods Mayor Dominick DiMaggio as well as Republican state Rep. Martin McLaughlin of Barrington Hills, who orchestrated the event.

McLaughlin said Pritzker’s proposal shocked some suburban leaders.

“Zoning is one of the great protectors we have for investment,” he said. “Zoning is not (there) to exclude. Zoning is to protect.”

McLaughlin criticized Pritzker and his staff for not letting suburban officials know about the proposal before he unveiled it in his speech. The opposition to the bill isn’t partisan, McLaughlin said.

“This is about right and wrong,” he said. “It’s just a bad idea on its face.”

The officials who came together Thursday aren’t the only ones concerned about Pritzker’s plan. The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus — a group of 275 communities in northeast Illinois — called for the creation of a housing task force that would address local officials’ concerns before any legislation is passed.

Preserving local control is crucial, said Neil James, the group’s executive director. Illinois’ communities vary widely in geography, population, infrastructure and housing demand, James said in a news release.

“Our local leaders are best positioned to craft solutions tailored to their residents’ needs,” he said.