Winnetka residents voice concerns over affordable housing proposal

A contentious affordable housing proposal is worrying some residents of Winnetka. Earlier this week, the Winnetka Village Council heard the public’s anxious comments during a study session.

Some residents of the North Shore suburb were concerned that an affordable housing proposal would decrease the village’s home values, which currently average $1.5 million. A few critics were also worried that the measure could draw criminals to the area.

Under the council’s proposal, a family of four would be eligible for an affordable owner-occupied house if their gross annual income ranged between $75,000 and $105,000. A family could rent a unit in the village with an income of $45,000 to $75,000. The current median per capita income in Winnetka is roughly $275,000.

The council said the affordable housing plan would only apply to commercial structures that are being converted into residential buildings, or to newly constructed housing. They maintain that the plan does not incorporate low income or Section 8 housing.

The Winnetka Village Council has yet to vote on the proposal.