Seniors need more housing in Hanover Park, study says

Hanover Park could use more senior housing, according to an ongoing study between the village, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and Teska Associates.

The study suggests with senior housing options, Hanover Park residents would have the opportunity to “age in place,” rather than moving outside the village for more accessible housing, according to Teska Senior Associate Todd Vanadilok.

The housing study began in late 2014 and looks at the village's current housing demands along with those of Glendale Heights and Carol Stream. By taking into account population demographics and existing housing stock, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning will provide recommendations for future Hanover Park housing developments.

The village board heard a presentation on the study's initial findings at the Sept. 3 board meeting.

“Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Glendale Heights, Carol Stream and Roselle have a variety of senior housing options at varying price points, but Hanover Park has none,” Vanadilok said.

Village President Rodney Craig agreed there is a “great need” for senior housing.

He said the village is working to bring a senior housing development near the intersection of Orchard Lane and Irving Park Road.

“Where the old Menards was, we're looking at 11 acres to build some senior villas,” Craig said. “A lot of our older baby boomers are looking to transition to a smaller home that's a single level, so that's our opportunity for the future.”

The study also found that Hanover Park residents could benefit from more affordable housing units.

“There might be a need for housing opportunities for lower income residents,” Vanadilok said. “Often people look to Hanover Park for having more affordable housing prices.”

Vanadilok reported that there are more households with an annual salary less than $35,000 than there are housing units that are considered affordable for that income bracket.

For housing to be considered affordable, he said, residents shouldn't be spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent. That is not the case for many Hanover Park renters earning less than $35,000 annually, Vanadilok said.

Vanadilok also noted that there are several elements that could divide Hanover Park in the future.

The village sits in two counties, four townships, seven school districts and three park districts. This can create disparities among sections of the village, Vanadilok said, as people new to the village will often flock to an area that seems to have better schools.

The next step in the study, Vanadilok says, is to engage the community by asking residents for their input on Hanover Park's housing needs.

“And then over time, we'll be able to work with village staff to draft recommendations for how we follow through,” Vanadilok said.

The study is funded by Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning and the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and the Metropolitan Planning Council. It comes at no cost to the village.