Lake Zurich's advisory plan commission ponders supportive living facility

An advisory Lake Zurich panel will continue a hearing next month on a proposed 120-unit seniors facility on the village's north side.

Lake Zurich plan commissioners heard resident concerns about noise and other issues at a recent public hearing on the project pitched by Des Plaines-based Pathway Senior Living. Plan commission members agreed to continue the session to Sept. 17.

Pathway wants to build the three-story facility on part of six acres at the northwest corner of Rand Road and Samantha Lane, north of Route 22. Pathway executive Robert Helle said while the supportive living renters would have to be 65 and older, most residents in the company's other complexes are in their mid-80s and beyond.

If constructed, Pathway's Lake Zurich facility would provide three daily meals for residents, 24-hour-a-day nurses, housekeeping and social programs.

“We pride ourselves on our meal service,” Helle said at the public hearing.

But some residents who live near Rand and Samantha and spoke at the plan commission's public hearing were not as enthusiastic about Pathway's proposal.

Among their concerns are noise and additional traffic they contend the facility would generate.

Spencer Lane resident Peter Foley was among the speakers against Pathway. He said it's questionable how busy existing senior buildings are in the village.

“Lake Zurich doesn't need another (senior) facility like this right now,” Foley said.

Helle said the facility would classify as affordable under federal and state regulations, meaning 25 percent of the 120 units would be rented to people with annual incomes of $26,000 or less.

Plans also call for walking paths, sitting areas and landscaping on the property near Flint Creek. Residents would have access to a bus at the facility for shopping and other excursions.

Helle said monthly rent would be roughly $3,000 for Medicaid clients and $4,200 for those who pay on their own.

After the public hearing, Lake Zurich plan commission members will issue a recommendation to the village board on whether Pathway should receive a special-use permit necessary for the facility to open. Village board trustees get the final say on issues.

Pathway has operations across the Chicago area, including the 231-unit Victory Centre of Vernon Hills on Phillip Road. Pathway opened in Vernon Hills in 2009 after village officials cited a need for affordable senior housing.