LWVGE Affordable Housing Public Comment

LWVGE Affordable Housing Public Comment – June 26, 2023

Good evening. My name is Barbara Kwiatkowsky and I am the new Co-President of the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn. Thank you, Village leaders, for continuing to solicit input and hold these important opportunities for public comment.

The League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn has held our position on affordable housing since 1994, with numerous updates since. Our position states in part that “Safe, quality affordable housing is essential to the health and well being of individuals, families and the community”. It further states that “deliberate planning can result in housing that appeals to and is affordable for people with a wide range of incomes and lifestyles, and promotes a vibrant, welcoming community”. This is the type of community the Village is striving for with our Comprehensive Plan.

Because Glen Ellyn has ownership of the Taft/Roosevelt site, it is critical that we capitalize on this opportunity to build much needed affordable housing. All recent housing development in Glen Ellyn has been in the luxury rental sector. A mixed-use option on this site, that includes both commercial and residential, would provide affordable housing for all Glen Ellyn residents, along with good transportation options and employment opportunities, especially for individuals from the Intellectual and Developmentally Disabled Community.

We trust that the Village Board has listened to all the comments from the entire community and will make the right decision for Glen Ellyn, as well as provide leadership for other DuPage municipalities – in this critical area of providing more affordable housing.

As the late John Lewis said, “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”

Thank you!