After multiple members of the community expressed their thoughts on the University Village rezoning project, the City Council voted to move it forward.

The request proposes to rezone the property, 722 N. Annie Glidden Road, in order to ensure funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Illinois Housing Development Authority, according to Monday’s City Council agenda. University Village’s current zoning would not be permitted to rebuild to its current state if 50 percent of the property were destroyed in a catastrophic event.

With a split vote between the six council members present, DeKalb Mayor John Rey voted yes to pass the first reading with a 4-3 vote Monday. Second ward Alderman Bill Finucane, 5th ward Alderperson Kate Noreiko and 3rd ward Alderman Michael Marquardt voted for the proposal, while 4th ward Alderman Bob Snow, 6th ward Alderman Dave Baker and 1st ward Alderman David Jacobson voted against it. Seventh ward Alderwoman Monica O’Leary was absent from the meeting.

Just as there was a split with the council’s approval of the rezoning request, community members had strong reactions to the proposal. Members of the public were allowed more than the three minute time limit to voice their opinions on the topic.

Jeffrey Crane, a general partner of University Village, said the partnership that owns the property wants to sell University Village because of the difference in interests when it comes to real estate.

“There are some of us that like real estate and would like to stay involved in real estate and some people have the need for liquidity,” Crane said.

Former DeKalb Mayor Bessie Chronopolous said there would be no issue in the condition of the property if it were well maintained and if the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development had kept up with proper inspections.

“If Crane truly was a good landlord, major rehab would not need to be done at this point,” Chronopolous said.