Phipps rejects BUILD Plan: ‘You cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach’

Wayne Mayor Eileen Phipps has voiced opposition to the state’s proposed BUILD Plan, arguing it applies a uniform framework to communities with distinct infrastructure and zoning constraints.

“I do not support the BUILD Plan,” Phipps told the DuPage Policy Journal. “Every community in Illinois is unique, and you cannot apply a one-size-fits-all approach.”

The Illinois BUILD Act, formally known as House Bill 5626, would expand higher-density housing allowances in areas zoned for single-family homes, broaden access to accessory dwelling units, reduce minimum parking requirements near transit areas, and limit certain municipal zoning restrictions on multifamily development.

The Village of Wayne Board recently adopted a resolution affirming local control over zoning decisions and opposing state housing initiatives it says would reduce municipal authority. The resolution states that land-use standards are best determined at the local level and identifies zoning authority as central to managing infrastructure capacity, traffic, and orderly development.

Phipps pointed to Wayne’s reliance on private systems as a key concern, noting that “all homes in the Village of Wayne are on private wells and septic systems which require one-acre lots to accommodate.” She said that issue is not addressed in the proposal.

“I absolutely believe each municipality should retain local control,” Phipps said. “Our residents elect us to make decisions based on what is best for our village. Removing local control again attempts to apply a one-size-fits-all solution and would effectively present more problems than it solves.”

The bills remain pending; a Senate committee took testimony in late April without a vote, and the spring session ended May 31.