Forum to Discuss Lake Forest's Housing Options

Do you feel that Lake Forest has an adequate variety and supply of housing options?

Should development of additional housing options be encouraged?

Considering the housing options that are currently available, does the community need more of some options and less of others?

These are a few of the questions the City of Lake Forest is asking residents to consider in preparation for a community engagement forum to be held 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the Gorton Community Center.

Resident input will be sought to assist the city in pursuing goals established by the recently adopted City of Lake Forest Strategic Plan.

Over the past few decades, different types of housing have been constructed in Lake Forest, including large single family homes, smaller lot single family homes, condominiums both in the CBD and near Conway Farms, town houses, duplexes, row houses, "zero maintenance" single family homes, and senior housing at the cottages on Conway Road and at Lake Forest Place, according to a post on the city's website.

Over time, the price points of housing units have trended higher in Lake Forest limiting the availability of housing at moderate and lower price points. Although there is some rental housing in the community, options are limited.

On behalf of the city, second ward alderman George Pandaleon asks residents to consider the following:

• If you believe that the current housing options are adequate, should anything be done to limit the development of additional housing options and if so, how could that be done?

• If you believe that additional types of housing options are needed to offer greater options and diversity in Lake Forest, what types of housing would you like to see?

• What types of housing units will serve Lake Forest best, not just in the immediate future, but over the long term? Where should they be located?

• Do you think there is a strong market for particular housing options? Who should new housing units be targeted to; young, old, families, singles, returning young couples?