Officials have revamped the city’s comprehensive plan to reflect possible changes to the community’s gateway near 159th Street and Cicero Avenue.
The City Council this week approved the amendments on a 5-2 vote. The area southeast of 167th Street and Cicero Avenue will be changed from low-density residential to commercial use, and 159th and Cicero will be changed from low-density residential and public-institutional to transit-oriented development.
The eastern part of Oak Forest Hospital’s grounds will be changed from public or institutional to transit-oriented development, in case the city is able to buy some of the property at 15900 S. Cicero Ave. A residential area along Oak Park Avenue will change from moderate density to high density.
Though most officials supported the changes, Ald. Richard Simon said he voted against them because some homes from Forest Avenue to Laramie Avenue might be in the path of redevelopment.
“They’re going to have to roll over me before they take anyone’s home,” said Simon, whose ward includes the area.
Mayor Patrick Gordon emphasized that the plans were conceptual and the city would try to accommodate residents.
