Macomb, IL – There is some new wording on the books in Macomb to protect single family neighborhoods.
Aldermen gave final approval to a revised definition of what constitutes a family. The city hopes the new rules will prevent too many unrelated people from living together in R-1 and R-2 areas, which are zoned for single family homes.
Second Ward Alderman Ed Lavin voted against the plan. He says there will be no end to it if the city keeps trying to change things.
The final vote was 7-to-2. The other "no" vote was cast by Third Ward Alderman Lou Gilbert.
You can listen to the entire discussion of the issue from Monday night's city council meeting by clicking on the audio button.
Additional information:
*Landlord Dominic LeFante spoke against the plan during Monday's meeting. He says the city should keep things the way they are. LeFante says some rental properties have four, five or six bedrooms and it's ludicrous to think they can be rented out to just two unrelated people.
*Project HANDS member Christopher Pynes supports the changes. He says the new definition is not about reducing landlords' profits. He says it's about people who want to live in R-1 and R-2 areas with other families.
*In approving the changes, the city council followed the recommendation of the Macomb Planning Commission. That panel endorsed the new definition last month.