La Grange launched an Affordable Housing Task Force on June 8 with more than 30 volunteers, signaling the village’s commitment to exploring ways to increase affordable housing options.
The task force will hold its first meeting in late June. It grew out of months of community interest and advocacy.
The group will explore and discuss opportunities to support affordable housing in La Grange, a focus that has gained momentum among local advocacy groups, including the La Grange League of Women Voters, which has worked on housing issues for years.
Task force members are: Andrew Ahern, Dr. Betsy Boyd, David Bucaro, Ed Ellis, Curt Hansman, Dave Imielski, Ryan Jensen, MaCassa Johnson, Kate Justak, Alfredo King, Mark Langan, Matthew McCarter, Peg Moster, Christine Nicosia, Reverend Meredith Onion, Anerin Owens, Nelly Pearson, Todd Rapp, Margaret Reich, Lauren Robinson, Kim Sarros, Alex Severino, Paul Sznewajs, Kurt Volkman, Eric Vymyslicky, Madonna Walsh and Mike Waters.
During public comment, Victoria Franzese noted that her name had been overlooked in the initial appointments and was appointed on the spot by President Kuchler.
Peg Moster, co-chair of the League of Women Voters housing committee, praised the board’s action.
“It was a long road,” she said. “Sometimes we got pretty discouraged. But we’re so excited right now to have reached this point.”
Trustee Beth Augustine said the task force would be “well-put-together” and that the board is “taking it really seriously.”
She noted that the group will work on defining the task force’s structure and authority in coming weeks.