The DuPage County Board has been discussing a plan to create areas for workforce homes in unincorporated areas of the county. The homes would be targeted toward people like police officers, firefighters, teachers and others who may want to live near the community they work in, but not be able to afford homes in that area.
Those areas that would be affected near Naperville include Mill Street north of Bauer Road; homes northwest of Ogden Avenue from Wright Street to Charles Avenue; some of the streets south of Hillside Road around Julian Street; and the area around Old Plank Road and Naper Boulevard.
Opponents claim that the "workforce" includes everyone who brings home a paycheck, and all deserve equal protection through local zoning codes. Some have noted that the zoning amendment would eliminate the applications process that enables planners to scrutinize new building projects individually.
Also opposing aspects of the measure are the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference and some municipalities that take exception to a slackening of property dimension rules and setbacks, the additional use of septic systems and wells, the potentially undesirable mix of housing styles, and what William Heniff, Lombard's community development director, called "a de-facto rezoning of the neighborhoods."
The County Board has delayed a vote on the issue so residents can have a chance to learn more and offer comments.
Here is a link to the Sun's most recent article on the subject: http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/napervillesun/news/1605167,affordable-housing-DuPage_na060309.article
What do you think? Does Naperville need affordable housing? Do you have a problem with this proposal? What would your concerns be if it is approved?
