advertisement

Open space or pay? Des Plaines may set requirement for developers

Des Plaines officials may soon tell developers to either include open space in their residential projects, or be required to pay a fee so park districts can buy land nearby.

City officials say most other towns in the suburbs have such requirements, and with new residential developments about to be built, they say now is the time to implement the rules in Des Plaines.

"It's a good idea. It's long overdue," said Alderman Jim Brookman, who was a Des Plaines Park District commissioner for 14 years. "I wouldn't want (the fees) to be so oppressive that it would discourage development, but I don't think that's the case - if they're reasonable following what's similar in other communities.

"Developers on their own are not going to dedicate land necessarily. They might. It's much better to have something in the code that would let them know upfront."

Aldermen this week gave their initial approval to a resolution supporting the new requirements, though exact impact fees haven't been established. The city plans to create a land-to-cash-value formula that developers would have to pay if their proposed residential project is deemed not to have enough open space.

The money would be collected by the city, and transferred to accounts controlled by the Des Plaines Park District or Mount Prospect Park District (which covers the west side of Des Plaines) to purchase open space.

Don Miletic, executive director of the Des Plaines Park District, proposed the rules to city officials.

"I've always thought when these developments come in, they need to help provide some additional open space or recreational opportunities," Miletic said.

At this week's council meeting, some aldermen asked whether the new rules would be opposed by developers.

George Sakas, the city's director of community and economic development, said most developers have told him they'd prefer to have something in city code than be required to adjust development plans at the last minute to include park space at the public's request.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.