On June 18, the Tofte Town Board met and elected to adjust the timeline for completion of the Birch Grove Village Senior Housing Project. The goal was to have six twin patio homes up and ready for rent by fall, but a special bill crafted by Representative Dave Dill and Senator Tom Bakk that would have given the town of Tofte the authority to manage the units is stalled in a larger bill that didn’t get passed in the special session.
Project Manager and Town Supervisor Jeanne Larson explained that these legislative concerns could compromise the integrity and goals of the project as currently scheduled.
Larson restated the goals of the project, which are to provide affordable, market rate housing primarily for people 55+ and to mitigate risk to Tofte residents and the greater community.
Larson further commented that, “We are fortunate to have many avenues of support for this project. The IRRRB, Cook County Planning and Zoning, commissioners, and local contractors are all contributing to the success of the project. Unfortunately, a non-controversial amendment in the State Omnibus Tax Bill needs final approval to mitigate any risk to the town or taxpayers of Tofte.
“We are confident that the efforts of Senator Bakk (DFL), Representative David Dill (DFL) and other members of the legislative community will prevail at the next session,” said Larson in a note to the Cook County News-Herald.
“Meanwhile,” said Larson, “We will continue to develop infrastructure with our engineering consultants and utility companies. As the availability of local contractors will be improved for fall work, we see this as a win-win for all. Our town board remains committed to developing affordable, market rate housing in the West End. This ‘due diligence’ on our part will help to insure the overall success of this community project.”
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