Lake Zurich board OKs senior complex for village's north side
Lake Zurich village board members have approved a proposed senior housing project along Rand Road, after developers revised plans to address neighborhood concerns about noise and other issues.
Pathway Senior Living will build the three-story, 120-unit complex at Rand Road and Samantha Lane, north of Route 22. At least 30 units will be reserved to meet federal low-income requirements of $26,000 or less annually, Pathway executive Robert Helle told the village board.
"We serve the frail and the elderly," Helle said.
Trustees voted 5-0 Tuesday night to grant a special-use permit and other approvals for the company.
Village officials allowed Pathway to return to the drawing board in December after company representatives were unable to strike an agreement with an adjacent property owner that would allow an emergency access road.
Pathway had wanted property owned by the developer of the neighboring Flint Crossing townhouse subdivision. Under the revised plan approved Tuesday, Pathway won't require Flint Crossing's cooperation for the access road.
The new plan also addressed neighborhood concerns about noise and the assisted-living facility's appearance.
The building will be repositioned on part of six acres to add noise protection from a trash enclosure, service entrance and generator. Pathway also will add evergreens to further screen the senior complex from Flint Crossing.
Village Planner Sam Hubbard said Pathway "did a great job of keeping and preserving trees that separate the development" from Flint Crossing.
Lake Zurich Mayor Thomas Poynton complimented Helle for meeting with the townhouse neighbors while revising the project.
"It's one of those things," Helle responded. "It's very nerve wracking for a developer to be in that environment, but it was a very positive meeting with those folks."
Pathway intends to build all one-bedroom apartments and have nurses at the facility 24 hours a day, along with housekeeping and social programs for the residents. Helle said residents are expected to be in their mid- to upper 80s and live in a community geared for "socialization over medication."
A specific construction timetable was not revealed.
Lake Zurich officials have cited a desire for more affordable senior housing options in the village.