Teardowns - There's a happy medium somewhere

Teardowns are a somewhat controversial subject here in Villa Park.  Here's my summary of what people have told me regarding teardowns:

• Most agree that some teardowns are necessary and good.
• Most agree that we do not want to be innundated with teardowns like Elmhurst has been.
• All agree that the new home must be compatible with the neighborhood.  Of course, people differ on their definitions of "compatible".
• Many, both seniors and others, are concerned about property tax impact of nearby teardowns.

At the Candidates' Forum on Feb 22, John Pilafas said that Villa Park should aim for 200 teardowns over the next 5 years, and I think that is a very reasonable target.  It's a fraction of the number Elmhurst has had in the past 5 years, and it's many more than we've had.

Where lots are smaller, particularly up north, we should encourage 2-for-3 teardowns.  By redividing 3 smaller lots into 2 and then building newer homes on the 2 lots, the transaction can be nearly property-tax-neutral.  Also, the change in lots can help to make the new properties more neighbor-friendly.

Put a Tight Leash on Speculative Building

Speculative building is necessary and not altogether bad.  However, we must put a tight leash on it.  For example, setbacks must be consistently enforced. Height restrictions must be neighbor-friendly, and we should do what we can to ensure that the homes get bought and lived in by owners.