Council committee approves rezoning for 44-unit 'Ruth Village' supportive housing project

The Community & Economic Health Committee voted to approve preliminary and final plan development and rezoning from R‑1 to an R‑3 plan development to permit a three‑story, 44‑unit apartment building known as Ruth Village.

Staff described the project as a mix of studio and one‑bedroom apartments with on‑site supportive services and 24‑hour resource staffing through partnering agencies. "We think this is a wonderful project, that will provide really critically needed housing," petitioner Jessica Burzak told the committee, adding the organization operates a similar project in Mount Prospect and another under construction in Wheeling. Staff noted the petitioners proposed 45 parking spaces for 44 units, provided comparative empirical data and recommended approval with revised conditions that add a 15‑foot building setback from the northwest property line after an attorney for adjacent Foxfire raised setback and landscaping concerns.

Committee members pressed the petitioner and staff on sidewalk connectivity, grading plans and architectural treatment of an otherwise "boxy" roofline. Staff confirmed a final permit requirement will include a sidewalk connection to Randall and the engineering review will address grading and clearance related to adjacent easements. The petitioner said financing remains competitive and optimistic timelines would allow construction to begin in the fall if state or federal tax‑credit financing is secured. Housing advocates in the audience, including Hugh Brady of the Housing Task Force, told the committee demand is large: "When we opened the waiting list for Iron Place, more than 200 people showed up," Brady said.

The committee voted in favor of the rezoning and plan‑development ordinance and directed staff to place it on the evening consent agenda.