An existing parking lot could soon be housing units instead. Oak Park has approved construction of townhomes to be located on a parking lot that the West Cook YMCA currently owns.
There are 168 spaces in the lot, and the Y rents out 120 of them to village residents. The new project, known as the Oak Park Oasis, would put 22 townhomes on the lot, along with 44 parking spaces.
The developer is JCSD, LLC, working in concert with John Schiess, an Oak Park architect. One of the most appreciated measures the developer is taking is adding 24 more parking spots at the corners of the project. Since parking is at a premium in Oak Park, adding these spaces, which the Y would own and operate, is a gesture of good will to residents on the part of JCSD.
Colette Lueck, a village trustee, noted that there was no requirement for the developer to include these spaces, so doing so is an important indication that the developer wants to work with members of the community.
In its application to Oak Park to begin the project, JCSD referred to a nearby townhouse community, still under construction, which has already sold out. JCSD said the rapid sales illustrate the strong demand for townhomes in the village.
JCSD could work with a flyer printing company to create mailers for residents describing the new complex, and terms for living there.
