New Gillespie law to improve planning for affordable housing

SPRINGFIELD — Legislation sponsored by State Senator Ann Gillespie that strengthens the requirements for municipalities’ affordable housing plans has been signed into law.

“To be successful, a plan must have a clear objective and a roadmap for achieving it – the complexities of affordable housing are no different,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “The additional required criteria within affordable housing plans will help governments make sure they have measurable, achievable and timely steps in place to meet their residents’ needs.”

The legislation amends the Affordable Housing Planning and Appeal Act, revising the definition of affordable housing to include the costs of any required parking, maintenance or landlord-imposed fees in rental units when calculating the amount of affordable housing in a given area. Local governments that are required to submit affordable housing plans must include benchmarks for new affordable housing developments and proposed timelines, along with a summary of actions taken to implement the plan.

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Gillespie: OSLAD grants available to improve outdoor spaces

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — State Senator Ann Gillespie is urging agencies across the 27th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“An investment in our parks is an investment in our community, and we have seen the positive impact these grants have had on park districts within the 27th District,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “I encourage local agencies to take advantage of the OSLAD program to improve and preserve outdoor spaces we all can enjoy.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

Gillespie announces $151.8 million in road, bridge improvements for 27th District

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS — Building on the smart infrastructure investments supported by State Senator Ann Gillespie, the Illinois Department of Transportation announced an investment of more than $151.8 million in road and bridge improvement projects.

“By investing in our infrastructure, not only are we improving roads and bridges, but we are fueling local employment opportunities as well,” said Gillespie (D-Arlington Heights). “These investments pave the way for skilled workers to contribute to the development of our state and foster economic growth for years to come.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, the 27th District will see 24 infrastructure projects totaling $151,806,000 over the next six years.

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Electronics recycling and drug take-back event

State Senator Ann Gillespie along with the Cook County Sheriff's Office and State Representative Mark Walker will be holding an electronics recycling, shredding, and drug take-back event on Saturday, July 15.

Residents can drop off select items from 9 a.m. to noon, or until the truck is full, at the Forest View Educational Center, 2121 S. Goebbert Road, Arlington Heights.

This event is free. For more information, call Senator Gillespie's office at 847-749-1880. View event flyer.

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