Cook County Zoning and Building Committee Meeting – July 15, 2026
Cook County Zoning and Building Committee Meeting – July 15, 2026
The Cook County Zoning and Building Committee met on July 15, 2026, at 9:30 AM (local time) to consider zoning map amendments and variances. The meeting was called to order by Chair Aguilar with a quorum present. Committee members approved the minutes from a prior meeting and three zoning items unanimously. Public comment included criticism of the scheduling and allegations of corruption.
Consent Calendar
- Approval of Minutes (Item 26-1951): The minutes from the meeting of June 10, 2026, were approved by voice vote. (Note: The transcript references both "June 20 at June 10th, 2026"; the date is recorded here as June 10, 2026, based on the context.)
Public Comments & Testimony
- George Blake Moore addressed the committee, criticizing the scheduling of the Cook County Zoning and Building Committee meeting at the same time as Chicago City Council meetings, which he stated made it difficult for citizens to attend both. He alleged that the zoning system is corrupt and operates as "pay to play," stating that "you can get anything zoned any time, any place, and anywhere" with money. He expressed frustration with the overlapping meeting times and characterized the government as "non-functional," attributing the dysfunction to "old democrats."
Discussion Items
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Map Amendment – 2012 South Crawford Avenue, Madison, Illinois (Item 26-1820): The applicant sought to rezone two parcels from C (General Commercial) to R (Single-Family Residence) to bring an existing single-family home into compliance with the current zoning ordinance. The committee approved the motion by a voice vote with Commissioners Miller and McCasco moving and seconding.
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Variance – 3449 West 192nd Street, Homewood, Illinois (Item 26-1829): The applicant requested a variance to reduce the minimum required lot width from 150 feet to an existing 100 feet to construct a single-family residence on a septic system. The committee approved the motion by a voice vote (moved by Commissioner McCasco, seconded by Commissioner Miller).
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Variance – 2507 Dutra Avenue, Chicago Heights, Illinois (Item 26-1831): The applicant sought a variance to reduce the minimum distance between a principal single-family residence and an accessory garage from 10 feet to 5.8 feet to construct a covered patio. The committee approved the motion by a voice vote (moved by Commissioner McCasco, seconded by Commissioner Miller).
Key Outcomes
- Unanimous approval (by voice vote) of all three zoning items: one map amendment and two variances.
- Approval of meeting minutes from June 10, 2026.
- The meeting was adjourned by motion (moved by Commissioner Naya, seconded by Commissioner Scott).
Meeting Transcript
Chair Aguilar, we are now ready. Thank you, Madam Secretary. With the hour 930 is arrived. I would like to call the Cook County Zoning and Building Committee to order. Madam Secretary. Thank you, sir. Commissioner Naya. Commissioner Britton is absent. Commissioner Daly. Commissioner. Thank you. Commissioner Dagnan. Thank you. Commissioner Gaynor is excused. Commissioner Laurie. Commissioner McCasco. Commissioner Miller. Commissioner Moore is excused. Commissioner Marita. Commissioner Kevin Morrison. Is present. Thank you. Commissioner Sean Morrison is excused. Commissioner Scott? Thank you. Commissioner Stamps is excused. Commissioner Trevor? And Commissioner Vasquez? And Mr. Chairman is present. Mr. Chairman, you have a quorum. Let me revisit those that did not respond. You have absent for Britain. Then excuse absences for Gaynor. Moore, Sean Morrison, and Stamps. You do have a quorum, sir. Thank you. I have no remote participants. Okay, thank you. Any uh changes to the agenda? And I have no changes to your agenda. Any register, any registered speakers, madam? I don't have any forms here. Are there anyone in the chamber wishing to speak? Oh, of course. I don't have your form, but please come to the uh public speaking mic. George Blake Moore has requested to speak. You have three minutes to address the body. I'll keep time for you.
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