With under 2% of housing units in Kenilworth considered affordable, village’s updated plan aims for significant increase to 15%

Kenilworth, on Monday, became the latest community in New Trier Township to update its affordable housing plan, fulfilling a requirement that it be revisited every five years.

The plan, which was unanimously approved following a brief discussion and public hearing at the Village Board’s regular meeting on June 16, includes a goal to make 15% of the village’s residential units considered affordable.

According to village data, of the 755 occupied housing units in Kenilworth, the Illinois Housing Development Authority has determined that 1.6%, or 12 units, were determined to be affordable. To reach 10% of affordable units, the village would have to create 75.5 more housing units that are classified as affordable.

Additionally, the approved plan identifies areas where it would be most appropriate for affordable housing development or redevelopment. These include the west side of Green Bay Road, between the village’s limits north of Roger Avenue and Park Drive to the south, and “in the commercial area on the north side of Park Drive west of Green Bay Road.”

“These locations are proximate to public transportation, the (Joseph) Sears School and various park parcels,” the packet stated.

The affordable housing plan also lists incentives for affordable housing, which include expedited permit reviews, reduced water billing rates and municipal property tax abatements.

Kenilworth’s plan also features additional goals, one of which is requesting the village manager to prepare a report on financial programs, including grants, that would help the village in developing affordable housing.

Officials also stated in village documents the other challenges to providing additional housing in the village, including its small size of 384 acres and lack of many areas that are suitable for development.

Trustee Christopher Ottsen praised the updated affordable housing plan.

“I thought it was very well-written and put things into perspective well,” he said. “It’s a unique village. This isn’t the easiest task to meet.”

The only public comment received during the meeting was from resident Evelyn De La Cruz, who lives adjacent to one of the areas identified as a potential development opportunity. She requested that the village work with the neighbors if any plans go forward.

“We just want to make sure that this is moving forward in a way that continues to support our neighborhoods, the value of our neighborhoods, the peace and quiet of our neighborhoods in the construction process, and builds our community as a whole without negatively impacting the residents who are most closely co-located,” she said.

Village President Cecily Kaz thanked De La Cruz for her comment and said the village will work with neighbors should any developments proceed.

“I believe that is reflective in the document and in our process for reviewing any type of project and the way that we look at the business district,” Kaz said.

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