Libertyville affordable housing plan on its way

A plan to provide more affordable housing in Libertyville is progressing, though there is still a ways to go before it becomes a requirement.

Trustees this week discussed a proposed change in the village code to require 15 percent of new housing be affordable to moderate-income working families.

But what number of units would trigger that condition and whether developers would be able to make a payment instead of building the lower-priced homes remain undetermined.

"Should pay in lieu be provided? That's a true debate whether or not the village wants to get into that business," said John Spoden, the village's director of community development.

Libertyville and other communities to varying degrees have been grappling with a pending state requirement that 10 percent of their housing units be considered affordable.

"There are some concerns with how we proceed, but it's something we have to look at," said Mayor Jeff Harger. "We're pricing people out of the community."

The village had been above that threshold at nearly 13 percent, mainly because of its plentiful rental stock. But it has slipped to 7 percent because of increasing home values and conversion of rentals to condos.

"We believe once we get to the next census the state will require us to put a plan in place," Spoden said.

Though not required by village code, the village has suggested to developers of new housing over the past few years to include affordable housing in the project.

The ongoing School Street development just east of downtown will have affordable units, and 15 percent of condos in a proposed development near the Metra station will be considered affordable, at a price not to exceed $230,000.

Housing advocates laud the village's commitment to meeting the goals.

"I think they are very much on the right track," said the Rev. Jamie Geiger, a member of Lake County United, a consortium of religious organizations and social service agencies.

Housing was a highlight of a group forum in May attended by about 250 at which Harger spoke.

"Communities are trying to catch up," Geiger added. "Libertyville has been on the front end of being ahead of this." He said having an ordinance was a key element of meeting the need.

Staff will clarify some issues and forward the finding to the village's human relations commission for review. Libertyville does not have a housing commission.

"We have to fine tune the plan and that's what the commission will do," Harger said.