Elmhurst Gives Answer On Lack Of Housing Plan

ELMHURST, IL — Elmhurst has failed to submit an affordable housing plan to the state because it says it is exempt from the law requiring such submissions, an official said Wednesday.

This issue came up after candidates for city office were asked during forums last weekend why the city has not filed an affordable housing plan, which the state says is required for towns where less than 10 percent of housing is considered affordable. Elmhurst's rate is 8.2 percent. Even the three aldermen running for mayor did not appear to know the reason behind the lack of a plan.

On Monday, Elmhurst Patch emailed the city's spokeswoman, Kassondra Schref, about the lack of a plan. She responded late Wednesday afternoon.

"The City Attorney has advised that the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act imposes no restrictions or obligations on the City of Elmhurst due to the City's home-rule status," she said. "The City Manager will be discussing the Act with staff for future consideration."

Home rule status is the reason given by six other towns that have failed to submit plans: Lake Bluff, Lincolnshire, Lincolnwood, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka.

On its website, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, which accepts the plans, says the home rule issue was not directly addressed in the 2003 law that requires the submissions and that it was not an issue in the legislative proceedings. In addition, no attorney general's opinion has been made or requested on the issue.

Nonetheless, the agency encourages all towns that fall below 10 percent to make "good faith" efforts to comply.

Elmhurst's median housing unit price is $433,000, well above the statewide median of $195,000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Neighboring Villa Park and Northlake are $246,000 and $182,000, respectively.

Elmhurst is one of 46 towns over 1,000 in population that have less than 10 percent affordable housing. Hinsdale, which is not a home rule town, also has failed to turn in a plan.

Check the stories on the mayoral and alderman candidates' answers about the lack of a housing plan.