Special Message from the Village President | Madison Street Development Approval

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Dear River Forest residents,

Monday night, the Village Board took an important step forward for our community by approving the Madison Street Development, a project that will bring new housing options, new neighbors and renewed energy to a long-vacant property.

Following a lengthy and thoughtful discussion, a majority of the Village Board voted in favor of the development. This approval includes significant conditions (listed in detail below) that were carefully developed to address and mitigate any potential impacts and disruptions associated with the project.

We recognize change can naturally bring questions and concerns. That is why the Village undertook an extensive review process, carefully examining issues like traffic, density, zoning and parking. We are confident that the process will ensure appropriate protections are in place for residents who live nearby, as well as our greater community.

New property and sales tax revenues from this development will expand our tax base, support essential Village services, and provide critical revenue for our schools, while helping the Village continue efforts to stabilize our property taxes.

Most importantly, this decision provides certainty for a property that has remained vacant for far too long, and creates an opportunity to transform it into a vibrant and welcoming part of our community.

Change is an opportunity to move forward, and we believe this is one we should embrace. Let’s continue to be the welcoming, forward-thinking community that makes River Forest such a special place to call home.

Sincerely,

Cathy Adduci, Village President

Village of River Forest

Conditions for Development Approval

The majority of the Board approved these conditions with their vote Monday night. The final revisions and conditions are subject to final attorney review.

Authorizes the creation of a $300,000 neighborhood impact fund to address resident issues for those that live in the TIF district on Ashland and Lathrop and Franklin. This is in addition to the contribution from the developer in the redevelopment agreement.
Directs staff to finalize agreements with the adjacent neighbors.
Creates a resident committee focus group to address traffic and safety measures for the surrounding neighborhood.
Commits to performing a Post Occupancy Traffic Impact Study, and installation of traffic calming measures as the result of resident input. This shall include a simplified and accelerated process for reviewing recommendations by the Traffic & Safety Commission.
Commits to replace any existing lead service lines in the 000 blocks of Ashland and Lathrop.
Commits to replace sidewalks on the 000 and 100 blocks of Ashland and Lathop.
Commits to providing complimentary window washing of any home on the 000 and 100 blocks of Ashland and Lathrop, as well as the 7600 block of Vine following construction.
Requires the enforcement of traffic & safety measures during construction, including prohibiting contractor parking on the 000 and 100 blocks of Franklin, Ashland and Lathrop.
Requires that the streets on the 000 and 100 blocks of Ashland and Lathrop are cleaned during construction.

The approval also includes a change to the redevelopment agreement, requiring that 50% of building permit fees be paid upon issuance, and 50% be paid upon receipt of certificate of occupancy. This replaces language that allowed the developer to pay the permit fees over a 5-year term.

There were no other considerations.