Park Forest, IL (2) Proposal for Partners for Places Fall 2014 Project Title

Park Forest, IL (2)

Round 5

Park Forest, IL (2)

Proposal for Partners for Places

Fall 2014
Project Title:

The Housing Plus Model, a Live Learn Earn Initiative

Purpose of Project:

Anchored by LEED certified affordable housing, a new “fab lab” and robust workforce development will create a sustainable standard of living for area residents.

Brief description of project goals, strategy, and key activities (250 words or less):

In 2012, the Village of Park Forest formally adopted its Growing Green: Park Forest Sustainability Plan.  The Plan is not only about individual environmental projects, but about creating opportunities for everyone in Park Forest to live more sustainably.  As one way to fulfill this vision, and create a model that can be replicated elsewhere, the Village, The Chicago Community Trust (The Trust), Heartland Alliance, and other team members are creating a well-designed, “green”, community-based setting which provides place-based housing, workforce development, a “fab lab” accessible to area residents, businesses, entrepreneurs, vocational students of all ages and levels, and other wrap-around social services.  This proposal seeks planning funds to (1) build the team and its capacity and bring together an Advisory Council, all of whom will be responsible for a pilot that will be implemented on a parallel and integrated track with the Comfrey Place Housing Development, (2) develop appropriate metrics for measuring success, and (3) enable the project team to seek additional grants and other funds to make the workforce development and social service components a reality.  This development is a direct response to the fact that, for the first time ever, more individuals live in poverty in the suburbs than in the inner city.  It is not enough anymore to develop affordable housing and consider it a job well-done.  This Housing ‘Plus’ Model, a Live Learn Earn Initiative seeks to create a new, replicable model for more sustainable communities and lifestyles.

Primary Contact Person

Name:	Robin Snyderman
Title:	Principal
Organization:	BRicK Partners, LLC
Mailing address:	1025 Sherman Ave. R2
City:	Evanston	State:	IL	Zip:	60202
Email:	[e-mail]
Telephone:	847-268-8633			Ext: