Celebrating the Win for Fornaro Law: La Grange Approves Apartment Building Despite Opposition

In a victory for Fornaro Law, the recent approval of a four-story apartment building in La Grange marks a pivotal moment in the village’s development landscape. Despite opposition from some neighbors, trustees recognized the pressing need for more affordable housing and aligned their decision with the village’s long-term development plan. Special thanks to Tim Foley for representing Fornaro Law and advocating for a project that will bring substantial benefits to our community.

Located at 811 to 901 W. Hillgrove Ave., the approved building will feature commercial space on the first floor, with the remaining floors housing 31 apartments. While concerns were raised about potential issues such as parking, traffic, and stormwater flow, trustees prioritized the broader community benefits and development potential of the project, noting that measures had been taken to mitigate these concerns.

Trustee Glenn Thompson underscored the importance of developing the West End and addressing the village’s need for affordable housing. He highlighted the potential loss of development opportunities if the village didn’t adapt its code to accommodate projects like this one. Trustee Beth Augustine echoed Thompson’s sentiment, drawing attention to past projects that faced similar opposition, but ultimately proved to be valuable additions to the community. Their collective stance highlights the need to balance growth with the preservation of community character.

The approval of this apartment building not only addresses the need for more affordable housing but also contributes to the diversification of La Grange’s housing stock. As Trustee Thompson shared, developments like the Uptown apartments have already proven instrumental in providing housing options for individuals who otherwise couldn’t afford to live in the area.

The decision to move forward with this project is a testament to the village’s commitment to inclusive growth and affordable housing. It also reflects a willingness to adapt and evolve in response to changing demographics and housing needs. This victory not only represents a win for Tim Foley and Fornaro Law, but sets a precedent for future developments aimed at increasing affordable housing in La Grange.